Drive Control; Before Starting Engine; Add Gasoline; To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.378320 Owner's Manual

DRIVE CONTROL
,, Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then
releasing the lever.
• Forward motion will stop when the
operator presence control bar is
released. To stop forward motion
without stopping engine, release the
operator presence control bar slightly
until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.
• To keep drive controt engaged when
turning corners, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.
Operator presence control bar
/-, Drive
k_\ .4"_
--
control
To engage Drive control
drive control disengaged
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.
1, Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2, Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to
read the dipstick.
3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• 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 gasoline.
Pumhase 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.
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.
Engineoilcap Gasolinefiller cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. 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,
2. 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
• 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.