Engine Oil Change; Checking And Filling Fuel - Predator Engines 173cc Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions

Checking and Filling Fuel

WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM FIRE:
Fill the fuel tank in a well-ventilated area
away from ignition sources. If the engine is
hot from use, shut the engine off and wait
for it to cool before adding fuel.
Do not smoke.
1. Clean the Fuel Cap and the area around it.
2. Unscrew and remove the Fuel Cap.
3. If needed, fill the Fuel Tank to about 1 inch
under the fill neck of the Fuel Tank with
87 octane or higher unleaded gasoline.
Note: Do not use gasoline containing more than
10% ethanol (E10). Do not use E85 ethanol.
Note: Do not use gasoline that has been stored in a
metal fuel container or a dirty fuel container. It can
cause particles to enter the carburetor, effecting
engine performance and/or causing damage.
4. Then replace the Fuel Cap.
5. Wipe up any spilled fuel and allow excess
to evaporate before starting engine. To
prevent FIRE, do not start the engine while
the smell of fuel hangs in the air.

Engine Oil Change

CAUTION! Oil is very hot during operation and can
cause burns. Wait for engine to cool before changing oil.
1. Make sure the engine is stopped.
2. Clean the top of the Dipstick and the
area around it. Remove the Dipstick
by threading it counterclockwise.
3. Tilt the engine over a suitable oil container far enough
to allow all the oil to drain out. Recycle used oil.
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean lint free rag.
5. Add the appropriate type of oil until the oil level is at
the full level. SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended for
general use.
The SAE Viscosity Grade chart shows other
viscosities to use in different average temperatures.
SAE Viscosity Grade
5W-30
-20 0 20
Average outdoor temperature
Vertical Engine
30
10W-30
40 60 80 100°F
For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
Full level
6. Reinsert the Dipstick without threading it in and
remove it to check the oil level. The oil level
should be up to the full level, the top of the
crosshatched area on the dipstick as shown above.
7. Thread the dipstick back in clockwise.
CAUTION! Do not run the engine with too little oil.
The engine will be permanently damaged.
Air Filter Element Maintenance
1. Remove the air filter cover and the air
filter elements and check for dirt. Clean
or replace as described below.
2. Cleaning:
• For "paper" filter elements:
To prevent injury from dust and debris,
wear ANSI-approved safety goggles,
NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator, and
heavy-duty work gloves. In a well-ventilated
area away from bystanders, use pressurized
air to blow dust out of the air filter.
If this does not get the filter clean, replace it.
• For foam filter elements:
Wash the element in warm water and
mild detergent several times. Rinse.
Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry
completely. Soak the filter in lightweight oil
briefly, then squeeze out the excess oil.
3. Install the new filter or the cleaned filter.
Secure the Air Cleaner Cover before use.
Spark Plug Maintenance
1. Disconnect spark plug cap from end of plug.
Clean out debris from around spark plug.
2. Using a spark plug wrench, remove the spark plug.
Spark
Plug
Cap
Page 13