Craftsman 917.293471 Owner's Manual page 11

TO START ENGINE
_,CAI.n'ION: Keep drive control bar in
"DISENGAGED" position when starting
engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if
engine has run out of fuel, it will take
extra pulls of the recoil starter to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
2. Move shift lever indicator to "N"
(neutral) position.
3. Place throttle control in "FAST"
position.
4. Turn fuel shut-off valve 1/4 tum to
open position.
5. Move choke control to choke position.
6. Grasp recoil starter handle with one
hand and grasp tiller handle with
other hand. Pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression
cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at
this point).
7. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do
not let starter handle snap back
against starter.
NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,
move choke control to half choke position.
Pull recoil starter handle until engine
starts.
8. When engine starts, slowly move
choke control to "RUN" position as
engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less
choking to start.
9. Move throttle control to desired
running position.
10.Allow engine to warm up for a few
minutes before engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°1=),the
carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance.
See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see
troubleshooting points.
TILLING HINTS
_aaCAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
ndling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position (mid-way
between "FAST" and "IDLE").
• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and
breaking up packed soil before
planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps
root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" to 6".
A tiller will also clear the soil of un-
wanted vegetation. The decomposition
of this vegetable matter enriches the
soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall
and wind), it may be advisable to till the
soil at the end of the growing season to
further condition the soil.
• Soil conditions are important for proper
tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate
dry, hard soil which may contribute to
excessive bounce and difficult handling
of your tiller, Hard soil should be
moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will =ball-up" or
clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is
less wet in order to achieve the best
results. When tilling in the fall, remove
vines and long grass to prevent them
from wrapping around the line shaft
and slowing your tilling operation.
• You will find tilling much easier if you
leave a row untilled between passes.
Then go back between tilled
rows.Them are two reasons for doing
this. First, wide turns are much easier to
negotiate than about-taces. Second,
the tiller won't be pulling itself, and
you, toward the row next to it.
• Do not lean on handle. This takes
weight off the wheels and reduces
traction. To get through a really tough
section of sod or hard ground, apply
upward pressure on handle or lower
the depth stake.
Choke Control
Starter Handle 11