Gravely 996122 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 21

Incomplete Combustion
Incomplete combustion is when fuel is not fully burned in the
engine combustion chamber. This condition can occur when
an engine is started but is not allowed to run long enough to
reach full operating temperature. Cold weather can
accelerate this condition. Also, fouled spark plugs, wet
electrical circuits and/or a plugged air filter will prevent fuel
from being fully burned.
Unburned fuel pools on top of the piston and seeps down
the cylinder walls into the oil reservoir. Often the oil dipstick
will show an oil over-fill condition as fuel accumulates in the
reservoir.
The oil reservoir filling up with gas can foul the spark plugs.
If left unchecked, oil will become so diluted with gasoline that
it can no longer function as a lubricant. It is extremely
important to change oil and oil filter often whenever there is
a high frequency of gas getting into the oil reservoir. Not
changing oil and oil filter often can result in premature wear
on cylinder walls and piston rings.
Also, replace fouled spark plugs, regap weak plugs, check
electrical system for capability of delivering a strong spark
and clean the air filter when dirty.
Cold Weather Operation
Small gasoline engines must get up to operating
temperature before they will operate properly. Most air
cooled engines draw a large volume of air through their
intake fan. In sub-zero temperatures or freezing weather it
can become almost impossible for an engine to reach
normal operating temperature unless intake air is restricted
or warmer air is fed into the carburetor. Gravely offers a cold
weather kit that directs air warmed from the exhaust
manifold into the carburetor.
Chokes, throttle cables, and other mechanical linkages are
also subject to freezing and sticking in cold weather.
Products like WD-40 or dry graphite lubricants can be
invaluable in keeping these items working freely. Whenever
possible, park your Treker in a warm, dry environment to
allow time for the linkages to dry out.
Traveling Tips
At Gravely we want you to get maximum working and
recreational enjoyment out of your utility vehicle. If your work
project or recreational adventure is going to take you on an
extended ride deep into the wilderness or way out on the
prairie, you'll need to seriously consider some of the
following tips from experienced pros about safety, gear,
clothing, supplies and driving techniques.
Preparation and Planning
Do a complete equipment check as follows:
1. Make sure you have more than enough fuel and oil to
make the trip and return home.
2. Make sure your tires have proper inflation, your lug
bolts are tight and that you have a spare and the tools
to change, repair and inflate a tire. Consider adding a
puncture sealant to your tires as a preventative
measure.
3. Check for any loose or missing parts and make those
needed repairs before starting your trip. It is especially
important that you check steering, braking, throttle,
electrical and engine components thoroughly.
Plan Your Route
1. Plan your route, destination and rendezvous points
before starting out.
2. Don't go it alone if at all possible. Taking someone else
along reduces the potential for loss of life or major
injury from inclement weather, animal attacks, or
accidents. Besides, it's more fun when you have
someone to share the adventure with.
3. Obtain trail or area maps of your travel routes to and
from your destination. Communicate your travel plans
to responsible friends and or proper authorities. Plan
rendezvous points at conspicuous landmarks along
your route just in case you run into unexpected trouble
on the trail.
4. Make sure you take a weather radio and two-way
communication devices such as cell phones or long
range-two way radios. It is also good to have ground
flares, a flare gun, a smoke canister, emergency strobe
light, a reflecting mirror, matches for a signal fire and a
compass.
Plan Your Gear
1. Check the short and long range weather forecast and
take protective gear and clothing to cover all
contingencies. It doesn't have to snow for you to fall
victim to hypothermia or exposure. Take or wear
appropriate eye and head protection, gloves, boots, a
long sleeve shirt, long pants, a jacket, rain gear, dry
socks and a full change of dry clothing.
2. Plan your gear and gear up for the best and worst of
environmental conditions.
3. Pack a first aid kit, sun blocker, lip balm, insect
repellent, personal medications, water, tarp or tent,
flash light, survival knife, binoculars, camera, tool kit,
rope, duct tape, tow strap, winch or come-along, eating
utensils, cooking utensils and high energy trail food.
4. Tie and lash down your gear and supplies securely.
Keep the bulk of the weight centered and mounted as
low as possible on the vehicle in order to maintain a
low center of gravity for safe and stable off-road travel.
Going Out on the Trail
1. When it's time to hit the trail, "take it all in" but do it
safely!
2. Brief your passenger on proper safety procedures like
keeping hands, arms, feet and other bodily
appendages inside the vehicle. Passengers should
only be transported in factory supplied seating.
3. Operator and passenger are responsible for deciding if
their situation warrants using Seat Belts.
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