Starting The Engine; Filling Up Oil; Filling Up Gasoline; Type Of Oil - Craftsman 247 Owner's Manual

Brake Switch: This switch is located under the brake
pedal assembly. The engine will not start without first
depressing the brake pedal. This switch will also shut
off the engine if the operator attempts to get off the unit
without setting the parking brake,
Blade Control Switch: This switch is located in the
steering column. If the operator attempts to start the
engine, get off the seat or remove grass bag with the
blade control lever stillengaged, it will shut engine off.
Grass Bag Switch: This switch is located in the
bulkhead behind the engine. If the operator attempts to
cut grass when the grass catcher is not properly
attached to the vehicle, itwill shut engine off.
Before Starting
Filling Up Oil
Check oil level in the engine oilsump before starting the
engine. (Oil sump capacity: 22 ozJ0.65 liter)
1. Place the vehicle on level ground and flip the seat
up to access the engine.
2. With a dry rag, clean the area around the oil fill on
the engine.
3. Remove dipstick and wipe it clean with cloth.
4. Replace and tighten the dipstick. Remove the
dipstick again and check the oil level mark on it.
The oil level should be at FULL line on the dipstick.
If the level is short of that, add oil to the oil fill slowly.
Recheck the oil level on the dipstick. If needed, add
more oil. Do not overfill.
NOTE: The lawn utility vehicle is shipped with oil in the
engine crankcase.
5. Place the dipstick in position and tighten to secure.
Type of Oil
SAE Viscosity Grades
lIll
_mi[llvdE_
°F -20 ° O° 20 ° 3240 ° 60 _ 80 ° 100 °
3tading temperature range anticipated before next oil change
*CAUTION: Air cooledenginesrunhotterthanautomotive
_=ngines. The useof non-synthetic multi-viscosity o ils(5W-
30, 10W-30 etc.) in temperatures above 40°F willresultin
nigherthannormaloilconsumption. W hen usinga multi-
/iscoslty oil, checkoil levelmore frequently.
'* CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if usedbelow40°F, will resultin
lard startingand poesibleengineboredamagedue to
nadequatelubrication.
1. Refer to the chart above for proper grade of oil.
2. Use a high quality detergent oil classified =For
service SF, SG,SH, SJ" or higher.
3. Do not use special additives.
NOTE: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API
certification and API service symbol with "SJ/CF
Energy Conserving" or higher is an acceptable oil at all
temperatures. Use of synthetic off does not alter
required oil change intervals.
Filling Up Gasoline
WARNING:
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-
ventilated area, away from sparks, open
flames, pilot lights, heat and other ignition
sources.
NOTE: On a vehicle which has already been started
and/or operated once immediately prior to this gasoline
fill-up, turn engine off and let cool at least two minutes
before removing gas cap.
1. Remove gas tank cap and fill tank to approximately
1.5 inches below top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion. Be careful not to overfill.
2. Replace cap on the gas tank and tighten to secure.
If fuel spills on part of engine or vehicle, wait until it
evaporates before starting engine.
Type of Gasoline
• Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with
minimum 85 octane rating.
• Do not use gasoline mixed with methanol, or
gasoline which has been stored for more than 30
days. Always purchase fuel in quantity that can be
used up within 30 days. Fresh fuel prevents gum
from forming in the fuel system or on carburetor.
• Do not mix gasoline with engine oil.
NOTE: Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
gasoline, are blended with alcohols or ethers. Using
these blends frequently can damage the fuel system or
affect performance. If engine performance is affected,
use gasoline with lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
Starting the Engine
1. Looking under the seat and towards the front of the
engine, check that spark plug wire is connected.
2. Occupy the seat and insert key into ignition switch.
3. Place blade control lever in OFF position. (Refer to
Figure 7 for location of controls mentioned here.)
4. Engage parking brake.
5. Pull choke control outward into the Choke position.
6. Tum ignition key clockwise to START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It will retum
to RUN position automatically.
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