Craftsman 917.28990 Operator's Manual page 18

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number
of hours the engine has run and flashes to
indicate that the engine or mower needs ser-
vicing° When service is required, the service
reminder will flash for two hours. To service
engine and mower, see the Maintenance
section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the
ignition key is in any position but "STOP".
For acurate reading, be sure key remains
in the "STOP" position when engine is not
running.
BEFORE STARTLING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OiL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped,
from the factory, already filled with summer
weight oil.
1. Check engine oi! with tractor on level
ground.
2. Unthread and remove oil fillcap/dipstick;
wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the
tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do
not thread the cap ontothe tube. Remove
and read oil level. If necessary, add oil
until "FULE' mark on dipstick is reached.
Do not overfill.
3. For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See the oil
viscosity chart in the Maintenance section
of this manual)°
4. To change engine oil, see the Maintenance
section in this manual.
5. Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not
overfill. Use fresh, clean, regularunleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
(Use of leaded gasoline will increase
carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
_I_CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near
an open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help ensure good
cold weather starting.
CAUTION: 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
foradditionalinformation Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time or
if the engine has run out of fuel, it wilt take
extra cranking time to move fuel from the
tank to the engine.
1. Be sure freewheel control is in the trans-
mission engaged positiom
2. Sit on seat in operating position, depress
brake pedal and set parking brake.
3o Move attachment clutch to disengaged
position.
4. Move throttle control to fast position
5. Pull choke control out for a cold engine
start attempt, For a warm engine start
attempt the choke control may not be
needed.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and
cold starting procedures below.
6. Insert key into ignition and turn key
clockwise to start position and release
key as soon as engine starts. Do not run
starter continuously for more than fifteen
seconds per minute. If the engine does
not start after several attempts, push
choke control in, wait a few minutes and
try again. If engine still does not start,
pull the choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C
and above)
7. When engine starts, slowly push choke
control in until the engine begins to run
smoothly_ If the engine starts to run
roughly, pull the choke control out slightly
for a few seconds and then continue to
push the control in slowly°
8. The attachments and ground drive can
now be used. if the engine does not accept
the load, restart the engine and allow it to
warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
18