Add Gasoline; To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.388340 Owner's Manual

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil
in the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 20 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
dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil
cap each time.
• 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, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
AWARNING: 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 gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions
for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.
AI_CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap
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TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before trying to start.
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 weather 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.
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