Recoil Starter; Before Stopping; To Stop The Snow Thrower; Clearing The Snow - Craftsman 247.88700 Owner's Manual

14. Disconnect the power cord from the receptacle first
and then from the switch box on the engine.
15. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
because the engine will not develop full power until
it reaches operating temperature. Operate at FULL
throttle when throwing snow.
Warm Start
If restarting a warm engine, rotate choke to OFF
instead of FULL and press the starter button. Do not
push the primer button.
B. Recoil Starter
Make sure that the auger control bail and the drive
control bail are released.
Cold Start
1. Move throttle control to FAST position.
2. Push key into the ignitionslot so that it snaps into
place. Do not turn key. Remove plastic bag and
keep the second key in a safe place.
3. Rotate choke control to FULL choke position.
4. Push the primer buttonwhile
covering the vent hole. Remove
your finger from the primer
between primes. Do not prime if
temperature is above 50 ° F.
Prime two times when
temperature is between 50°F and
15°F and four times below 15°F.
5. Pull the starter handle rapidly. Do not allow the
handle to snap back, but allow itto rewind slowly
while keeping a firm hold on the starter handle.
6. As the engine warms up and begins to operate
evenly, rotate the choke knob slowly to OFF
position. If the engine falters, return to FULL choke,
then slowly move to OFF choke position.
7. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
because the engine will not develop full power until
it reaches operating temperature.
8. Operate the engine at full throttle (FAST) when
throwing snow.
NOTE: If the starter motor runs but the engine does not
turn over, the starter gear may have frozen. Place the
snow thrower in a warmer part of the garage till the gear
is free of the accumulated ice.
Frozen Recoil Starter
If the starter is frozen and wilt not turn the engine,
proceed as follows:
1. Pull as much rope out of the starter as possible.
2. Release the starter handle and let it snap back
against the starter.
3. If the engine still fails to start, repeat the first two
steps. If continued attempts do not free starter,
follow the electric starter procedures to start.
Avoid freezing of the recoil starter by referring to
instructions in the next column.
Warm Start
If restarting an engine after a temporary shut- down,
rotate choke to OFF instead of FULL and do not prime.
Pull the starter handle as instructed before.
Before Stopping
1. Run engine for a few minutes to help dry off any
moisture on engine.
2. To avoid possible freeze-up of the starter, follow
these steps:
Recoil Starter
a. With the engine running, pull the starter rope
with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three
or four times.
Electric Starter
a. Connect power cord to switch box, then to
120 Volt AC receptacle.
b. While the engine is running, push the starter
button and spin the starter for several
seconds.
c. Disconnect power cord from the receptacle
first, then from the snow thrower.
NOTE: The unusual sound from pulling the starter rope
or from spinning the starter will not harm the engine.
To Stop The Snow Thrower
1. While standing inthe operator's position (behind the
snow thrower), engage the auger control bail for a few
seconds to clear any remaining snow and ice from the
discharge chute.
2. To stop the wheel, release the drive control bail.
3. To stop throwing snow, release the auger control bail.
4. To stop engine, push throttle control lever to OFF
and pull out the key. Do not turn key.
5. Wipe off all snow and moisture from the carburetor
area and around the engine.
_ WARNING:
The temperature of muffler and
the surrounding areas may exceed 150 ° F.
Avoid these areas.
Clearing the Snow
CAUTION: Check the area to be cleared for foreign
objects. Remove, if any.
1. Start the engine following Starting instructions.
2. Rotate the discharge chute to the desired direction,
away from bystanders and/or buildings.
3. Making certain no bystanders or obstacles are in
front of the unit, squeeze the auger control bail
completely against the upper handle to fully engage
the augers.
4. While the auger control handle is engaged,
squeeze the drive control bail completely against
the upper handle to engage the wheels.