Craftsman CX Series Operator's Manual page 15

Gasoline
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.
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combustion 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
1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel to prevent debris from
entering fuel tank..
2. A fuel level indicator is located in the fuel tank. Fill tank until fuel reaches the
fuel level indictor. See Figure 10 inset. Be careful not to overfill.
Starting The Engine
WARNING
Always keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Do not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after starting. The engine will
not develop full power until it reaches operating temperatures.
1. Make certain both the auger control and drive control are in the disengaged
(released) position.
2. Insert key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. Do not attempt to turn the
key.
NOTE: The engine cannot start without the key is fully inserted into the ignition
switch.
Electric Starter
WARNING
The optional electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire power
plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. It must be
used with a properly grounded three-prong extension cord and receptacle
at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions
carefully prior to operating the electric starter. DO NOT use electric starter in
the rain.
Determine that your home's wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed
electrician if you are not certain.
OPERATION
The extension cord can be any length, but
volts, grounded and rated for outdoor use.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows. If you do not
have the proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric starter under any conditions.
1. Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine's surface. Plug
the other end of extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC
outlet in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit)
3. Move choke to the CHOKE position
4. NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the RUN position
instead of CHOKE
5. Push primer three times (3x), making sure to cover vent hole in primer bulb
when pushing. If engine is warm, push primer only once. Always cover vent
hole when pushing. Cool weather may require priming to be repeated.
6. Push starter button to start engine. Once the engine starts, immediately
release starter button. Electric starter is equipped with thermal overload
protection; system will temporarily shut-down to allow starter to cool if
electric starter becomes overloaded.
To prolong starter life, use short starting cycles (5 seconds maximum, then
wait one minute).
7. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the RUN position. If
the engine falters, restart engine and run with choke at half-choke position
for a short period of time, and then slowly rotate the choke into the RUN
position.
8. After engine is running, disconnect power cord from electric starter. When
disconnecting, always unplug the end at the wall outlet before unplugging
the opposite end from the engine.
Recoil Starter
Do not pull the starter handle while the engine running.
1. Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit)
2. Move choke to the CHOKE
warm, place choke in the RUN position.
3. Push primer three times, making sure to cover vent hole when pushing.
If engine is warm, push primer only once. Always cover vent hole when
pushing. Cool weather may require priming to be repeated.
4. Pull gently on the starter handle until it begins to resist, then pull quickly and
forcefully to overcome the compression. Engine should start. Do not release the
handle and allow it to snap back. Return rope SLOWLY to original position. If
required, repeat this step.
5. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the RUN position. If
the engine falters, restart engine and run with choke at half-choke position
for a short period of time, and then slowly rotate the choke into the RUN
position.
15
CAUTION
be rated for 15 amps at 125
must
position.
(cold engine start).
position.
CAUTION
CAUTION
position.
position (cold engine start). If engine is