To Start Engine; Warm Weather Starting; Cold Weather Starting; Automatic Transmission Warm Up - Craftsman 917.275640 Owner's Manual

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separa-
tion 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 additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products 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
transmission engaged position.
2. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
parking brake.
3. Place motion control lever in neutral
(N) position.
4. Move attachment clutch to disengaged
position.
5. Move throttle control to choke position.
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, move throttle control to fast
position, wait a few minutes and try
again. If engine still does not start,
move the throttle control back to the
choke position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and
above)
7. When engine starts, move the throttle
control to the fast position.
• 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 WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and
below)
7. When engine starts, allow engine
to run with the throttle control in the
choke position until the engine runs
roughly, then move throttle control
to fast position. This may require an
engine warm-up period from several
seconds to several minutes, depending
on the temperature.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP
Before driving the unit in cold weather,
the transmission should be warmed up as
follows:
1. Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
2. Place the motion control lever in
neutral. Release the parking brake
and let the clutch/brake slowly return
to operating position.
3. Allow one minute for transmission to
warm up. This can be done during
the engine warm up period.
• The attachments can also be used dur-
ing the engine warm-up period after the
transmission has been warmed up.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000
feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F)
the carburetor fuel mixture may need to
be adjusted for best engine performance.
(See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.)
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