Operation - MTD Yard-Man 12A-559K401 Operator's Manual

SECTION 7: OPERATION
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Oil:
• Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG or SH. Use SAE30 oil; do not
use 10W40 oil,
• Fill oil sump and check the oil level following steps below.
a. Position the mower on level ground and clean area around oil fill plug.
b. Remove oil fill plug and dipstick, Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and tighten securely.
c. Remove dipstick and check oil revel. If the oil is not upto FULL mark on the dipstick, pour recommended oil
through the oil fill and check the level again.
• Install oil fill plug and dipstick, tighten securely.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multiviscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check the oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running tow on oil.
Gasoline
_ ARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, or when engine is running or hot. Do not smoke when
filling up the fuel tank.
• Clean area around fuel cap. Remove cap. Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
• Pour approximately 1.5 quarts of fresh, regular grade, unleaded gasoline slowly to the fuel tank.
IMPORTANT: Never mix engine oil with gasoline.
• Fill tank to 1/2" below the bottom of the filler neck, Wipe any fuel spillage. Do not fill fuel tank completely.
Provide space for fuel expansion.
Before Starting Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the
rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
• Before each use, check drive clutch adjustment. You will have to adjust the drive clutch control if any of the
following happens: (refer to page 17 for instructions on adjustment.)
a. The mower does not propel itself with the drive clutch engaged.
b. The mower's drive wheels hesitate with the drive clutch engaged.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower.
Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
When starting the unit for the first time, face the mower against a solid object such as a wall, fence,
etc. Start the unit and if it shows any signs of motion while the drive clutch control is still disengaged,
shut the engine off immediately.
• Make sure that the drive clutch control is adjusted so the drive belt is as loose as possible.
. Move throttle control lever all the way forward.
• Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. In cold weather around 55 ° F or
below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
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