Service Reminder/Hour Meter; Before Starting The Engine; Check Engine Oil Level; To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.28858 Operator's Manual

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number
of hours the engine has run and flashes to
indicatethat the engine or mower needs ser-
vicing, When service is required, the service
reminder wi]] flash for two hours. To service
engine and mower, see the Maintenance
section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the
ignition key is in any position but "STOP".
For acurate reading, be sure key remains
in the "STOP" position when engine is not
running.
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, re-
move and read oil level. If necessary,
add oil until "FULl" mark on dipstick is
reached, Do not overfill
• For cold weather operation you should
change eit for easier starting (See the
oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance
section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section in this manual
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do
not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of 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
ssure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
• Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in temper-
atures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help insure 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 shou]d
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 brake pedal and set parking
brake.
3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged
position,
4. Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm
and cold starting procedures below.
5, insert key into ignitionand 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(10°C) and above')
6. 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.
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