Add Gasoline; To Start Engine; Mowing Tips - Craftsman 917.388222 Owner's Manual

ADD GASOLINE
MOWING TIPS
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, 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
freshness.
A, 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 should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the •
engine and let it run until 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.
ACAUTION" 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.
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 attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
Engine oil cap Gasoline filler
cap
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 overloading the
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 better 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,
starting at 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 grass 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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