Starting Engine - Craftsman 316.2927 Operator's Manual

Oil Fill-Up
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the
crankcase is extremely important. Check the oil
before each use and change the oil regularly. Failure
to use the correct oil or using dirty oil can cause
premature engine wear and failure. Refer to
Maintenance Section.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API
(American Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG,
or SH.
NOTE: This unit is shipped without oil in the engine.
In order to avoid damage to the unit, put the
recommended oil in the crankcase before attempting
to start unit.
This unit is shipped with one 3.4 fluid oz. (100ml)
bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, or SH oil.
NOTE: For cold weather operation, temperatures
below 40°F (4°C) use a high-quality SAE 10W30
weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute)
service class SF, SG, or SH.
• When adding oil, the unit must be laid back in
the horizontal position on a flat surface with
the upper handle touching the ground.
See Figure 3.
Add Fuel
Add Oil
Figure 3
• Remove the oil plug/dipstick from the crankcase
and pour 3.4 fl. oz. (100ml.) bottle of oil into the
oil fill hole. Save bottle for refill. See Figure 4.
Fuel Cap
Figure 4
The importance of checking and
IMPORTANT:
maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase
cannot be overemphasized. DO NOT OVERFILL.
NOTE: This is a 4-cycle engine. In order to avoid
damage to the unit, do not mix oil with gasoline.
• Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall
the oil fill plug/dipstick.
Gas Fill-Up
Old fuel is the primary reason for the unit not running
properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean, and unleaded
gasoline. Use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old), when
using alcohol-blended fuel.
• When adding fuel, unit must be laid back in the
horizontal position on a flat surface.
• Remove fuel cap and remove the tag from the
fuel tank neck. Refer to Figure 4.
• Place spout of gas container into the fill hole on
the fuel tank and fill tank.
• Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled and
reinstall the fuel cap.
• Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1m) from the
fueling source and site before starting the engine.

Starting Engine

• Before starting make sure spark plug wire is
attached to spark plug.
• Check oil level and fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.
• Push On/Off switch on upper handle to On (I).
• Place choke lever in Close (A) position.
See Figure 5.
• Fully press and release the primer bulb slowly 5
to 7 times. Gasoline should be felt and visible in
the bulb. Press primer a few more times, if
gasoline is not noticed. See Figure 5.
DipStick
• Squeeze the throttle control to the wide open
position. Refer to Figure 2.
• Place right foot on the right side of cultivator
wheel.
• Pull the starter rope briskly 3 to 5 times or until
engine attempts to run.
• Move the choke to Partial (B) position.
7
WARNING: Use extreme care when han-
dling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish cig-
arettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
Choke Lever
Figure 5
Primer Bulb