Drive Control; Before Starting Engine; Oil And Gas; To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.377582 Owner's Manual

)RIVE CONTROL
Self-propelling is controllid by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drive control liver
forward until it clicks; then release the liver.
Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released. To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release the operator presence control bar
slightly until the drive control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
. To keep drive control engaged when turning
comers, push down on handle and lift front
wheels oft ground while tuming lawn
mower.
)perator presence Drive
control bar_ \ _ _ -- "ontrol
\_ \_, Drive control
TOengage x, \x _i_ ...... ,_
dl_l lyctyt_u
drive control
3EFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
_'our lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
=.ngine.
, Be sure mower is level and area around oil
flUis clean.
, Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line
on the dipstick.
, Use 27 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
section of this manual.
, Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dil_tick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each {ime.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirtyconditions.
GAS
• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine
and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage Instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
Engine oil cap
Gasoline _
filler cap
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
times before trying to starL Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.
• Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weether
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.