Before Starting The Engine; How To Start The Engine - Craftsman 536.270281 Operator's Manual

OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK THE OIL
NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with SAE
30 weight oil. Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed.
1. Make sure the unit is level.
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine
runs.
2. Clean the area around the dipstick. Remove the dipstick. Wipe
the oil from the dipstick.
3. Insert the dipstick into the oil fill tube. Turn the dipstick clock-
wise until it is tight. Remove the dipstick. Check the oil level on
the dipstick. The oil level must reach the FULL mark on the
dipstick.
4. If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on the
dipstick. The quantity of oil needed from ADD to FULL is shown
on the dipstick. Do not add too much oil.
ADD GASOLINE
WARNING: Always use a safety gasoline container.
Do not smoke when adding gasoline to the fuel tank.
Do not add gasoline when you are inside an enclo-
sure. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine and
let the engine cool for several minutes.
Fill the fuel tank with regular Fuel Tank
unleaded gasoline. Do not use F_II_
premium unleaded gasoline.
Make sure the gasoline is fresh
and clean. Leaded gasoline will
increase deposits and shorten
the life of the valves.
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 prevent engine problems with the fuel system, empty the fuel
system before storage of 30 days or longer as follows.
1, Drain the fuel tank,
2,
3,
Start the engine. Let the engine run until the fuel lines and the
carburetor are empty.
After storage, make sure you use fresh fuel. See the storage
instructions for additional information.
4. Never use engine cleaner or carburetor cleaner in the fuel tank
or permanent damage can occun
CARBURETOR
The factory settings for the carburetor are for most conditions. If the
engine is operated under the following conditions, you can adjust
the carburetor mixture. See "How To Adjust The Carburetor" in the
Service And Adjustment section.
1. The engine has a loss of power or does not run smooth.
2. A change from summer to winter operation.
3. A 40 degree change in the operation temperature. The carbure-
tor was adjusted at 80 degrees at the factory.
4. The engine is operated above 4,000 feet.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
WARNING: The electrical system has an operator 4,
presence system that includes a sensor switch
mounted in the seat. These components tell the elec-
trical system if the operator is sitting on the seat. This
system will stop the engine when the operator leaves 5,
the seat. For your protection, always make sure this
system operates correctly.
NOTE: The engine will not start unless you depress the
clutch/brake pedal or engage the parking brake and move the
attachment clutch to the DISENGAGE position.
1. Sit in the middle of the seat. Push the clutch/brake pedal corn- 6.
pletely forward. Keep your foot on the pedal.
7.
2. Move the speed control lever to the neutral (N) position.
3. Make sure the attachment clutch is in the DISENGAGE posi-
tion.
Move the throttle control completely forward to the CHOKE or
FAST position. Some models have a separate choke knob. Pull
the choke knob to the full CHOKE position.
Turn the ignition key to the START position. Release the key
when the engine starts.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after four or five tries,
move the throttle control to the FAST position. Again try to
start the engine. If the engine will not start, see the
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART.
Slowly move the throttle control to the SLOW position. If model
has a separate choke knob, push in the choke knob.
Let a cold engine run for several minutes. Begin work when the
engine is warm. To start a hot engine, move the throttle control
to a position between FAST and SLOW.
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