Craftsman 917.378990 Owner's Manual page 9

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Bag
handle
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
BEFORE STARTmNG ENGmNE
ADD OraL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
o Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
o Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL:' in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Oil fill cap /
dips
Gasoline
filler cap
Upper
mark mark
ADD GASOLINE
o Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur-
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
,_ar an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation
and formation ofacidsduring 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. Empty 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 additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tan k
or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
o To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar. Wait until blade and
all moving parts have stopped and turn
fuel valve to OFF position if you do not
intend to restart the engine soon.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the prod-
uct and should be considered normal.
1. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.
2. Move choke lever to ON (1\1) position.
3. Hold operator presence control bardown
to the handle and pull starter handle quick-
ly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
NOTE: The choke lever automatically
begins moving to the OFF position when
operator presence control bar is held
down to handle.
OFF lever
Fuel valve lever
9