Craftsman 247.299.341 Operator's Manual page 9

SET-UP
Checking and Adding Oil
CAUTION
The engine is shipped without oil in the engine. You must fill the
engine with oil before operating. Running the engine with insufficient
oil can cause serious engine damage and void the product warranty.
Initial Use
1. Remove the oil fill dipstick.
2. Place the tiller on level ground, use a funnel to empty entire
contents of the oil bottle provided with the unit into the engine.
3. Replace the oil fill dipstick and tighten.
Checking and adding oil
1. Place the tiller on a flat, level surface.
2. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean. See
Figure 7.
Fill
between
high
and low
marks
3. Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
4. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly add oil
until oil level registers between high (H) and low (L), Figure 8.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking, hard
starting, or spark plug fouling.
5. Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting engine.
NOTE: DO NOT allow oil level to fall below the "L" mark on the
dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunctions or damage.
NOTE: To change the oil on your engine, see the Maintenance
Section of this manual.
ASSEMBLY
Figure 7
Fuel Recommendations
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combus-
tion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with
up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be
used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting
dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use E85 gasoline.
• Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not
smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is
refueled or where gasoline is stored.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the tank
cap is closed properly and securely.
• Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor
may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before
starting the engine.
• Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.
Adding Fuel
WARNING
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
1. Be sure engine is outdoors and in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean area around the fuel fill cap and remove the fuel fill cap.
3. Using an approved red GASOLINE container, add fuel slowly, being
careful to avoid spilling.
4. Fill the tank until the fuel reaches the "fuel full" indicator mark. See
Figure 8.
5. Replace the fuel cap and tighten securely. Wipe up spilled fuel
before starting engine. If fuel is spilled DO NOT start engine. Move
machine away from area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of
ignition until fuel vapors are gone.
9
Fuel Level Indicator
Top View
Figure 8