Craftsman 247.377441 Operator's Manual page 12

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to
service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in this section before starting or
running your machine.
Oil
(one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
First Time Use
1. Remove oil fill dipstick (G). See Figure 14.
2. With the mower on level ground, empty entire contents of oil bottle
provided into the engine oil fill (H).
3. Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service
category SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Always check the API service label on the oil
container to be sure it includes the letters SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher.
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine. Use the
chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected.
* Below 40ºF (4ºC) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80ºF (27ºC) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil consumption.
Check oil level more frequently.
1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.
2. Remove the oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and tighten the oil fill dipstick. Remove it to check the oil level. See
Figure 14.
4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick, remove
the oil fill dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the upper limit
mark (J). Do not overfill.
5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.
Gasoline
Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E85. Do not mix oil in gasoline
or modify engine to run on alternate fuels. This will damage the engine
components and void the engine warranty.
OPERATION
CAUTION
Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON).
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been
running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a building where
gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be burned or
seriously injured when refueling. Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and
flame away. Refuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis, please
refer to the Off Season Storage section for additional information regarding fuel
deterioration.
NOTE: Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel
when filling your fuel tank.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting
dirt or water in the fuel tank.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fuel. To allow for expansion of the fuel, do not fill
above the bottom of the fuel tank neck. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel
before starting the engine.
3. Install the fuel tank cap and tighten it until it clicks.
4. Move lawn mower at least 10 feet away from the fuel container/source and
site before starting the engine.
12
H
G
J
Figure 14
WARNING