Craftsman 917.28858 Operator's Manual page 18

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number
of hours the engine has run and flashesto
indicate that the engine or mower needs ser-
vicing. When service is required, the service
reminder will flash for two hours. Toservice
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 inyour 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, remove 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 oil for easier starting (See the oil
viscosity chart in the Maintenance section
of this manual).
• Tochange engine oil, see the Maintenance
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 fife). Do not mix oil with
gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
_IbCAUTION: 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
andformation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage. Toavoid 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 nextseason. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products inthe
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur,
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time or
ff 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 isin thetrans-
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 choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and
cold starting procedures below.
5. 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 stitl
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. Ifthe 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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