Craftsman 917.253540 Operator's Manual page 16

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OiL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped,
from the factory, already filled with summer
weight oil.
1. Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean,
reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight,
wait for a few seconds, remove and read
oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULF'
mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting ((See the oil
viscosity chart in the Maintenance section
of this manual).
• Tochangeengineoil,seethe Maintenance
section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular un-
leaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 oc-
tane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase
carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
_CAUTION: Wipe offany spilled oil or fuel.
Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an
open flame.
iMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help ensure good
cold weather starting.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation
and formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before storage of 30
days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for ad-
ditional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent damage
may occur.
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time or
if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take
extra cranking time to move fuel from the
tank to the engine.
1. Be sure freewheel control is in the trans-
mission engaged position.
2. Siton seat in operating position, depress
brake pedal and set parking brake.
3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged
position.
4. Move throttle control to fast position
5. Pull choke control outfor a cold engine start
attempt. For a warm engine start attempt
the choke control may not be needed.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and
cold starting procedures below.
6. insert key into ignition and turn key
clockwise to start position and release
key as soon as engine starts. Do not run
starter continuously for more than fifteen
seconds per minute. If the engine does
not start after several attempts, push
choke control in, wait a few minutes and
try again. If engine still does not start, pull
the choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F & above)
7. When engine starts, slowly push choke
control in until the engine begins to run
smoothly. If the engine starts to run
roughly, pull the choke control out slightly
for a few seconds and then continue to
push the control in slowly.
• The attachments and ground drive can
now be used. If the engine does not
accept the load, restart the engine and
allow it to warm up for one minute using
the choke as described above.
COLD WEATH ER STARTING (50 ° F & below)
7. When engine starts, slowly push choke
control in until the engine begins to run
smoothly. Continue to push the choke
control in small steps allowing the engine
to accept small changes in speed and
load, until the choke control is fully in. Ifthe
engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke
control out slightly for a few seconds and
then continueto push the control in slowly.
This may require an engine warm-up
period from several seconds to several
minutes, depending on the temperature.
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