To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.387241 Owner's Manual

GAS
• Fillfueltank. Usefresh,clean,regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of87
octane.(Useof
leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-
ties that can be used within 30 days to
assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN
TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), use
fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starting.
WARNING: Expedence indicates that
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 fue_ 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
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled
oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
__ Gasoline
Filler Cap
Engine Oil
Cap w/
Dipstick
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) times before trying to start. Use a
firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine
which has already run for a few minutes.
• Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pull starter handle
quickly. DO NOT allow starter rope to
snap back.
• To STOP engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary.to repeat pdming steps. In
warmer weather over pdming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do
flood engine wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and DO NOT repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing effort
and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting
in a counter-clockwise direction, starting
at the outside of the area to be cut,
spreads grass clippings more evenly and
puts less load on the engine. To keep
clippings off of walkways, flower beds,
etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise
direction.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher oft
with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
7
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up grass
and trash. Clean underside of mower
housing after each use. See "Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass
and not be noticed. Also, the mulched
grass will biodegrade quickly to provide
nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch
with your highest engine (blade) speed
as this will provide the best recutting
action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dried and the newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun.