Service Reminder/Hourmeter - Craftsman 917.28008 Operator's Manual

SERVICE REMINDER/HOURMETER
Service reminder shows the total number
of hours the engine has run and flashes to
indicatethatthe engineor mowerneedsser-
vicing.When serviceis required,the service
reminderwill flash for two hours. Toservice
engine and mower, see the Maintenance
section of this manual.
NOTE:Servicereminderrunswhenthe igni-
tion key is in any position but "STOP". For
acuratereading, be sure key remains in the
"STOP"positionwhenengineis 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. Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dipstick;
wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the
tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do
not thread the cap ontothetube. Remove
and read oil level. If necessary, add oil
until "FULl" mark on dipstick is reached.
Do not overfill.
3. For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See the
oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance
section of this manual).
4. To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section in this manual.
5. 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 ensure fuel freshness.
_I_CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near
an open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help ensure 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
fuel 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
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 trans-
mission 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 fast position
5. Pull choke control out for a cold engine
start attempt. For a warm engine start
attempt the choke control may not be
needed.
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, push
choke control in, wait a few minutes and
try again. If engine still does not start,
pull the choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATH E R STARTI NG (50 ° F/10°C
and above)
7. When engine starts, slowly push choke
control in until the engine begins to run
smoothly. If the engine starts to run
roughly, pull the choke control out slightly
for a few seconds and then continue to
push the control in slowly.
8. 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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