Craftsman 944.629540 Owner's Manual page 10

OPERATION
TO TRANSPORT
]_ AUTION: Before lifting or transport- I
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake
spring.
• Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.
• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT
TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING
OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE
IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE
CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (SeeFig. 7)
• Remove hangtag from engine.
• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.
• Fill engine with oilto point of overflowing. For approxi-
mate capacity see =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on
page 3 of this manual.
• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.
• With engine level, refill to point of overflowing ifneces-
sary. Replace oil filler plug.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See =OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-
ties section of this manual.
OIL
FILLER
PLUG
FIG. 7
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
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 gas tank, startthe
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage section
of this manual for additional information. Never useengine
or carburetor cleaner products inthe fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spiels and to
allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline ts
accidentally spilled, move machine
away from area of spill. Avoid creating
any source of ignition until gasoline
vapors have disappeared.
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spiEled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-
line near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
I _ CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF" I
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run
out of fuel, itwilltake extra pulls ofthe recoil starter to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly 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 compression 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: A warm 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 tempera-
tures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to
be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO AD-
JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.
10_ "