Frozen Starter; Clear A Clogged Discharge Chute; Use The Clean-Out Tool; Operating Tips - Craftsman C950-52844-1 Owner's Manual

OPERATION

FROZEN STARTER

If the starter is frozen and will not turn the engine:
1. Pull as much rope out of the starter as possible.
2. Release the starter handle and let it snap back against the starter.
Repeat until the engine starts.
Warm engines will cause condensation in cold weather. To help prevent
possible freeze-up of recoil starter and engine controls, proceed as follows
after each snow removal job.
1. With engine off, allow engine to cool for several minutes.
2. Pull starter rope very slowly until resistance is felt, then stop. Allow the
starter rope to recoil. Repeat three times.
3. With the engine not running, wipe all snow and moisture from the
carburetor cover in area of control levers. Also move choke knob and
starter handle several times.
IMPORTANT: After each use of the snowthrower, stop the engine,
remove the ignition switch key, remove all accumulated snow
from the snowthrower, and wipe clean. Store the snowthrower in
a protected area.

CLEAR A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE

WARNING: Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the
discharge chute is the most common cause of injury associated
with snowthrowers. NEVER USE YOUR HAND TO CLEAN OUT
THE DISCHARGE CHUTE.
To Clear The Chute:
• SHUT OFF THE ENGINE!
• Wait 10 seconds to be sure that the impeller blades have stopped rotating.
• Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
DANGER: Discharge chute contains rotating impeller to
throw snow. Never clear or unclog discharge chute with
your hands, or while engine is running. Fingers can
quickly become caught and traumatic amputation or
severe laceration can result.

OPERATING TIPS

1. Most efficient snowthrowing is accomplished when snow is re-
moved immediately after it falls.
2. For complete snow removal, slightly overlap each swath previ-
ously taken.
3. Snow should be discharged downwind whenever possible.
4. After the snowthrowing job has been completed, allow the en-
gine to idle for a few minutes, to melt snow and ice accumulated
on the engine.
5. Clean the snowthrower thoroughly after each use.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains CAR-
BON MONOXIDE,AN ODORLESS AND DEADLY GAS.
Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from
any moving parts on engine and snowthrower.
• Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact. Allow the engine
to cool before touching.
• Never allow children to operate the snowthrower. Never allow
adults to operate the snowthrower without proper instruction.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets.
• Never leave the snowthrower unattended while the engine is
running. Anyone operating the engine or equipment must
carefully read and understand the operating instructions.
CAUTION: Never cover snowthrower while engine and
exhaust area are still warm.

USE THE CLEAN-OUT TOOL

• Release the auger drive lever.
• Pull out the ignition switch key.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Do not place your hands in the auger or discharge chute. Use an
appropriate clean-out tool to remove snow or debris.
WARNING: Blockage must be cleared only after shutting
off the snowthrower and only with an appropriate
clean-out tool, not by hand.
. 6. Remove ice and snow accumulation and all debris from the en-
tire snowthrower, and flush with water (if possible) to remove
all salt or other chemicals. Wipe snowthrower dry.
7. Before starting snowthrower, always inspect augers and im-
peller for ice accumulation and/or debris, which could result
in snowthrower damage.
8. Check oil level before every start. Make sure the oil is at the
FULL mark on the oil fill cap/dipstick.
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