Before Starting Engine; To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.389380 Owner's Manual

Open
Mulcher Door
Discharge
deflector
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped wi_out oil in the
engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and _ll to the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
Engine holds 20 ozs. ot oi!. 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, _ghten 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 o_tan under dusty,
dirty conditions.
GAS
NOTE: Before fillingfuel tank, remove and
discard the debris plug that is inside the tank.
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, 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
fi'eshness.
_WARNING: Experience indicates that
hoi blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formatJan of acids during storage. Acidic gas
can damage the _ 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 unUl 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 fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
Gasolinefiller _ Engine oil
cap
_ cap
(Discard
debris plug _t-_
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 attem_ng to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
8