Add Gasoline; To Start Engine - Craftsman 917.298021 Owner's Manual

4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then
re-level.
5. With engine level, refill to point of over-
flowing if necessary. Replace oil filler
plug.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See "OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Maintenance
section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, seethe Maintenance
section of this manual.
Oil Level
Oil Filler
Plug
ADD GASOLINE
• 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 quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
&CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2" of top of
fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for
fue! expansion. If gasoline is accidentally
spilled, move machine away from area of
spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition
until gasoline vapors have disappeared.
Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store,
spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tem-
peratures 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 damagethe 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
fue! lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
AI:_CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if
engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra
pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from
the tank to the engine.
1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
2. Place throttle control in "FAST" position.
3. Movechokecontroltofull"CHOKE"posi-
tion. Grasp recoil starter handle with one
hand and grasp tiller handle with other
hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of com pression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point).
4. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do
not let starter handle snap back against
starter. Repeat if necessary.
NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,
move choke control to half choke position.
Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts.
5. When engine starts, slowly move choke
control to "RUN" position as engine
warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less chok-
ing to start.
6. Move throttle control to desired running
position.
7. Allowenginetowarm upforafewminutes
before engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F/0°C), 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.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see trouble-
shooting points.
Spar Plug
Control
Throttle
Control
Recoil Starter
10