Operation; Before Starting Engine; Engine Oil; To Start Engine - Craftsman 247.88455.1 Operator's Manual

Before Starting Engine

Engine Oil

The engine is shipped with oil in it. Check the oil level before first use.
For subsequent fill-ups, use the grade of engine oil specified on page
14. To add oil:
1. Remove the dipstick from the oil fill. Pour fresh oil slowly through
the plug. Replace dipstick.
2. Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to the FULL mark on
the dipstick.
Gasoline
WARNING: Gasoline is flammable and caution must
be used when handling or storing it. Do not fill fuel
tank while the snow thrower is running, when it is
hot or when it is in an enclosed area.
WARNING: Keep your snow thrower away from any
open flame or an electrical spark and do not smoke
during fueling.
1. Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to no more than 1/2
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for expansion of
fuel.
NOTE: This unit may include a fuel plug, which is only used during
assembly to keep dirt and debris out of fuel tank. Discard the fuel plug
before filling the fuel tank.
2. Always use clean, fresh, unleaded grade automotive gasoline. Fill
the fuel tank outdoors and use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling.
Make sure that the container from which you pour the gasoline is
clean and free from rust or other foreign particles. Make sure to
wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine.
3. At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the snow thrower is not
going to be used for 30 days or longer. Store gasoline in a clean
container and keep the cap in place on the container.
CAUTION: Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank.

To Start Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator
is standing near the snow thrower while starting or
operating. Do not operate this snow thrower unless
the chute assembly has been properly installed and
is secured.
NOTE: For location of all the engine controls referred to in this section,
refer to Figure 7.
For A Cold Start
1. Make sure that auger and drive controls are released. Attach spark
plug wire to spark plug.
2. Turn fuel valve on, if so equipped.
3. Move throttle control to FAST
4. Push key into the ignition slot so that it snaps into place. Do not turn key.
5. Rotate choke control to FULL

Operation

position.
choke position.
6. Push primer button while covering the vent hole. Remove your
finger from the primer between primes. Do not prime if temperature
is above 50º F; prime two times between 50º F and 15º F; and
prime four times below 15º F.
7. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches
start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this
point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
8. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm
grip on the starter handle, let the rope return to the starter slowly.
Repeat until engine starts.
9. As the engine warms up, rotate the choke knob slowly to OFF
position. If the engine falters, return to FULL
slowly move to OFF choke position.
10. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes because the engine
will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperature.
11. Operate the engine at full throttle (FAST)
For A Warm Start:
1. If restarting an engine after a temporary shut- down, rotate choke to
OFF instead of FULL
instructed before.
Before Stopping
1. Run engine for a few minutes to help dry off any moisture on engine.
2. To avoid possible freeze-up of the starter, follow these steps:
Recoil Starter
a. With the engine running, pull the starter rope with a rapid,
continuous full arm stroke three or four times.
To Stop The Snow Thrower
1. To stop the wheels, release the drive control.
2. To stop throwing snow, release the auger control.
3. To stop engine, push throttle control lever to OFF
the key. Do not turn key.
WARNING: The temperature of muffler and the sur-
rounding areas may exceed 150º F. Avoid these areas
Clearing The Snow
CAUTION: Check the area to be cleared for foreign objects. Remove
foreign objects, if any.
1. Start the engine following starting instructions.
2. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes as the engine will
not develop full power until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Rotate the chute assembly to the desired direction, away from
bystanders and/or buildings.
4. Making certain no bystanders or obstacles are in front of the unit,
squeeze the auger control completely against the upper handle to
fully engage the augers.
5. While the auger control is engaged, squeeze the drive control
completely against the upper handle to engage the wheels. Do not
"feather" the drive control.
10
choke, then
when throwing snow.
and do not prime. Pull starter handle as
and pull out
STOP