Craftsman 917.20381 Operator's Manual page 14

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number of
hoursthe engine has runand indicateswhen
the engine or mower needs servicing. After
every 50 hours of operation the oil can icon
will stay on for 2 hours or until a manual reset
occurs. To reset the display manually turn
the ignitionswitch to the on position,then
the off position five times (1 second on, 1
second of_. To service engine and mower,
see the Maintenance sectionof this manual,
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the
ignition key is in any position but "STOP".
For accurate reading, be sure key remains
in the "STOP" position when engine is not
running.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped
from the factor,, already filled with summer
weight oil.
1. Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe
clean, reinsertthe dipstick and screw cap
tight, wait for afew seconds, remove and
read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
"FULl." mark on dipstick is reached. Do
not overfill.
o For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See the oil
viscosity chart inthe Maintenance section
of this manual).
• Tochange engine oil,seethe Maintenance
section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do
not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase
fuel in quantities that can be used within
_13C 0 days to ensure fuel freshness.
AUTIO N: Wipe off any spilled oil orfu el.
Do not store, spill or use gasotine near an
open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help ensure good
cold weather starting.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethano] 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, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products inthe
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizingthe formation of fuel gum deposits
during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in
fuel tank or storage container. Always follow
the mix ratio found on stabilizer container.
Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the
carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank and
carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
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