Before Starting Engine - Craftsman 917.375923 Owner's Manual

Operator presence
control bar
(MOVE FORWARD
TO UNLOCK)
t
Vertical
position "
Handle _
frame
handle
Bag
handle
F
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
,_, CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. 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 fresh-
ness.
A CAUTION" Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
& CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) 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. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the 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 the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Engine oil cap
filler cap
11
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the product
and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an
automatic choke system. No priming or
choking is required before starting.
• Remove starter button from the acces-
sory bag and insert it into the starter
housing attached to the upper handle.
• To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the handle and push
the start button.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more
than five continous seconds between each
time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds
between each attempt.
• To start engine using the rope starter,
hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.