Engine Care; Fuel, Oils, Storage - Tecumseh VLV Technician's Handbook

ENGINE CARE

FUELS. Tecumseh Products Company strongly
recommends the use of fresh, clean, UNLEADED
regular gasoline in all Tecumseh engines. Unleaded
gasoline burns cleaner, extends engine life and
promotes good starting by reducing the build-up of
combustion chamber deposits. Gasoline, gasohol
containing no more than 10% ethanol, 15% M.T.B.E. or
ETBE, leaded fuel can be used if regular unleaded is
not available.
Never use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ethanol, gasoline additives,
or white gas because engine/fuel system damage could
result. If engine is to be unused for 30 days or more see
"STORAGE" instructions.
ENGINE OIL:
USE A CLEAN, HIGH QUALITY DETERGENT OIL. Be
sure original container is marked: A.P.I. service "SF" or
"SG".
DO NOT USE SAE 10W40 OIL.
FOR SUMMER (ABOVE 32
Using multigrade oil may increase oil consumption.
FOR WINTER (BELOW 32
(SAE 10W is an acceptable substitute.)
(BELOW 0 F ONLY): SAE 0W30 is an acceptable
o
substitute.
OIL CHANGE INTERVALS. Change oil after first two
(2) hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter, or
more often if operated under dusty or dirty conditions.
OIL CHECK. Check oil every 5 hours or each time the
equipment is used. Position equipment so the engine is
level when checking the oil.
4
F) USE SAE 30 OIL.
o
F) USE SAE 5W30 OIL.
o
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STORAGE
NEVER STORE ENGINE WITH FUEL IN TANK
INDOORS OR IN ENCLOSED, POORLY
VENTILATED ENCLOSURES, WHERE FUEL
FUMES MAY REACH AN OPEN FLAME, SPARK
OR PILOT LIGHT AS ON A FURNACE, WATER
HEATER, CLOTHES DRYER OR OTHER GAS
APPLIANCE.
If engine is to be unused for 30 days or more, prepare
as follows:
DRAIN INTO APPROVED CONTAINER
OUTDOORS, AWAY FROM OPEN FLAME.
1. DRAIN FUEL SYSTEM:
Remove all gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank
to prevent gum deposits from forming on these parts
and causing possible malfunction of engine.
NOTE: VLV engines are equipped with a bowl drain
screw. See Chapter 2 for removal procedure.
A. Run engine until fuel tank is empty and engine
stops due to lack of fuel.
B. Disconnect fuel line at carburetor or fuel tank.
Be very careful not to damage fuel line, fittings
or fuel tank.
Drain any remaining fuel from system. Properly
reconnect the fuel line.
NOTE: If gasohol has been used, complete
preceding instructions "A" and "B" and then put
a small amount of unleaded (or leaded regular)
gasoline into fuel tank and repeat preceding
instructions "A" and "B".
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) is an
acceptable alternative in minimizing the
formation of fuel gum deposits during storage.
Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage
container. Always follow mix ratio found on
stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10
minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach
carburetor.
2. If oil has not been changed recently, this may be a
good time to do it. See "CHANGE OIL" instructions
in "MAINTENANCE" section of the Owner's Manual.
3. Remove spark plug and put 1/2 oz. (15 ml) of clean
engine oil into spark plug hole. Crank engine over,
slowly, several times.
AVOID SPRAY FROM SPARK PLUG HOLE
WHEN CRANKING ENGINE OVER SLOWLY.
Reinstall spark plug.
4. Clean engine by removing any clippings, dirt, or
chaff from exterior of engine.