Ariens Sno-Thro ST20E Owner's/Operator's Manual page 14

GASOLINE
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS use gasoline that
meets the following guidelines:
• Clean, fresh gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91
RON). High altitude use may require a
different octane. Consult your engine
manual.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol
(gasohol) or up to 15% MTBE (methyl
tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable.
• Use of any gasoline other than those
approved above may void the engine
warranty. If the pumps are not marked
for the content of alcohol or ethers,
check ethanol and MTBE levels with
the fuel supplier.
• Do not modify the fuel system to use
different fuels.
• Never mix oil and gasoline.
NOTE: All gasoline is not the same. If the
engine experiences starting or performance
problems after using a new gasoline, switch
to a different fuel provider or fuel brand.
Excessively oxygenated or reformulated fuels
(fuels blended with alcohols or ethers) can
damage the fuel system or cause
performance problems. If any undesirable
operating problems occur, use a gasoline
with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
Adding a Fuel Stabilizer to Extend
Fuel Storage Life
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is recommended for
long term storage.
1. Turn the fuel valve off while engine is
running and allow the engine to run until
it stops. Turn engine OFF when it begins
surging to avoid engine damage.
2. Add fuel stabilizer, following the
manufacturer's instructions.
3. Turn fuel valve on after adding fuel
stabilizer.
4. Re-start engine.
5. Run the engine outdoors for 1 minute to
be sure that treated gasoline has
replaced the untreated gasoline in the
carburetor.
6. Slow the engine to an idle speed.
7. Repeat step 1 above.
To add fuel to fuel tank:
1. ALWAYS place unit in open or well-
ventilated area.
2. Stop engine and allow to cool.
3. Clean fuel cap and surrounding area to
prevent dirt from entering fuel tank.
4. Remove cap.
IMPORTANT: See engine manual for correct
type and grade of fuel.
5. Fill fuel tank to indicator line in filler neck
with unleaded gasoline.
NOTE: Tank capacity is 2.9 qt. (2.84L)
6. Replace fuel cap and tighten.
ALWAYS clean up any spilled fuel.
PRE-START
1. Frozen Impeller
IMPORTANT: Before starting engine, check
impeller to be sure it is not frozen.
To check impeller:
1. With ignition key switch in "Stop"
position, squeeze Attachment Clutch
Lever to Engaged position.
2. Pull Recoil Starter Handle.
3. If Impeller is frozen, (cannot pull Starter
Handle) move unit to a heated area and
thaw to prevent possible damage.
2. Check Function of Clutches
If clutches do not engage or disengage
properly, adjust or repair before operation
(see Check Clutch Operation on page 19).
3. Check Runners
Check and adjust Runners (see Runners on
page 21). Allow 1/8 in. (3 mm) between
scraper blade and hard, smooth surface(s).
Allow 1-1/4 in. (30 mm) between scraper
blade and uneven or gravel surfaces.
4. Check Engine Fuel &
Crankcase Oil
WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read
and understand the entire Safety
section before proceeding.
Check and add fuel if required. Check that
the engine crankcase oil is full using dipstick.
Refer to Engine Manual for detailed
instructions.
TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY
Immediately release both control levers to
stop unit in an emergency. Stop engine,
remove key and wait for all rotating parts to
stop before leaving operator's position.
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