Sears Craftsman C950-52816-0 Owner's Manual page 17

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
CHECK THE ENGINE
NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with oil.
Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed.
1. Make sure the unit is level. Use a high quality detergent oil
classified "For Service SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher".
2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe with a clean cloth
(see Figure 19).
3. Insert the oil fill cap/dipstick and turn clockwise to tighten.
4. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and check the oil.
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine
runs.
5. If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on the
oil fill cap/dipstick (see Figure 19). Do not add too much oil.
6. Tighten the fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check the
oil level.
NOTE: For extreme cold operating conditions of 0°F (-18°C) and
below, use a synthetic 5W30 motor oil for easier starting.
NOTE: S.A.E. 5W30 motor oil may be used to make starting eas-
ier in areas where the temperature is 20°F (-7°C) to 0°F (-18°C).
Synthetic 5W30 is acceptable for all temperatures. DO NOT mix
oil with gasoline.
NOTE: SEE CHART FOR OIL RECOMMENDATION.
TEMPERATURE
0°F (-18°C) and above
0°F (-18°C) and below
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
Synthetic 5W30
20
F −
C −30 −20
TYPE OF OIL
S.A.E. 5W30
synthetic 5W30
5W30
0 20 32
−10 0
OPERATION
FILL GAS
This engine is certified to operate on gasoline. Exhaust Emission
Control System: EM (Engine Modifications).
1. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean, unleaded regular, unleaded
premium, or reformulated automotive gasoline with a mini-
mum of 85 octane along with a fuel stabilizer (follow instruc-
tions on fuel stabilizer package). DO NOT use leaded gasoline.
We recommend that fuel stabilizer be added to the fuel each
time that gasoline is added to the fuel tank.
NOTE: Winter grade gasoline has higher volatility to
improve starting. Be certain container is clean and free
from rust or other foreign particles. Never use gasoline that
may be stale from long periods of storage in the container.
WARNING: Gasoline is flammable. Always use caution
when handling or storing gasoline. Turn engine off and let
engine cool at least two minutes before removing the gas cap.
Do not add gasoline to the fuel tank while snowthrower is
running, hot, or when snowthrower is in an enclosed area. Keep
away from open flame, electrical sparks and DO NOT SMOKE
while filling the fuel tank. Never fill the fuel tank completely; but
fill the fuel tank to within 1-1/2 inches (3.8 mm) from the top to
provide space for the expansion of the fuel. Always fill fuel tank
outdoors and use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling. Make
sure to wipe up any spilled fuel before starting the engine.
Store gasoline in a clean, approved container, and keep the cap
in place on the container. Keep gasoline in a cool well ventilated
place; never in the house. Never buy more than a 30 day supply
of gasoline to assure volatility. Gasoline is intended to be used
as a fuel for internal combustion engines; therefore, do not use
gasoline for any other purpose. Since many children like the
smell of gasoline, keep it out of their reach because the fumes
are dangerous to inhale, as well as being explosive.
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
40
10
17
Fuel Tank
FULL
Figure 19