To Start Engine; Mowing Tips - Craftsman 917.387440 Owner's Manual

_WARNING: 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 shouldbe
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, startthe .
engine and let it run until fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner productsin fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
_I,CAUTIO N: Fillto bottomof ges tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oilor fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
• To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tryingto 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 pdmingsteps. 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.
Engine oilcap Gasoline filler
cap
MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloadingthe
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings.It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or run the
lawn mower over the area a second
time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• For batter grass bagging and most
cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.
• For side discharge lawn mowers,
cutting in a counter-clockwise direction,
startingat the outside of the area to be
cut, spreads grass clippings more
evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the
first cuts in a clockwise direction.
• Pores in cloth _]rass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher
off with water and let dry before using,
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
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