To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.293203 Owner's Manual

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
_]LCAUTION: Keep tine control in =OFF"
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if
engine has run out of fuel, it will take
extra putts of the recoil starter to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is propedy
connected.
• Place throttle control in "FAST"
position.
• Move choke control to full "CHOKE"
position. Grasp recoil starter handle
with one hand and grasp tiller handle
with other hand. Pull rope out slowly
until engine reaches start of compres-
sion cycle (rope will pull slightly harder
at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do
not let starter handle snap back against
starter. Repeat if necessary.
• If engine fires but does not start, move
choke control to half choke position.
Pull recoil starter handle until engine
starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move
choke control to =RUN" position as
engine warms up.
NOTE: Awarm engine requires less
choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running
position.
• 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°F), 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.
;park Plug
Choke
Control
TILLING HINTS
_I,CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position.
• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and
breaking up packed soilbefore planting.
Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth.
Best tillingdepth is 4' to 6'. A tillerwill
also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta-
tion. The decomposition of this veg-
etable matter enriches the soil. De-
pending on the climate (rainfall and
wind), it may be advisable to till the soil
at the end of the growing season to fur-
ther condition the soil.
• You will find tilling much easier if you
leave a row untilled between passes.
Then go back between tilled rows.
There are two reasons for doing this.
First, wide turns are much easier to ne-
gotiate than about-feces. Second, the
tiller won't be putting itself, and you, to-
ward the row next to it.
° Soil conditions are important for proper
tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate
dry, hard soil which may contribute to
excessive bounce and difficulthandling
of your tiller. Hard soil should be mois-
tened before tilling; however, extremely
wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during till-
ing. Wait until the soil is less wet in or-
der to achieve the best results. When
tilling in the fall, remove vines and long
grass to prevent them from wrapping
around the fine shaft and slowing your
tilling operation.
• Do not lean on handle. This takes
weight off the wheels and reduces trac-
tion. To get through a really tough sec-
tion of sod or hard ground, apply up-
ward pressure on handle or lower the
depth stake.
Recoil
Starter Handle
11