Tecumseh VLV Technician's Handbook page 6

I. General Safety Precautions
WARNING
Read equipment manufacturer's manual
and this material thoroughly before using
this engine. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death. Call Tecumseh
Products Company at 1-800-558-5402 if
you have any questions.
A. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust
contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly
gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide
can cause head-
aches, dizziness,
drowsiness,
nausea, confusion
and eventually death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless
gas which may be present even if you do not see or
smell any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can collect rapidly and you can quickly be
overcome and unable to save yourself. Also, deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can linger for hours or
days in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas. If you
experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air,
and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.
To prevent serious injury or death from carbon
monoxide:
• NEVER run engine indoors. Even if you try
to ventilate engine exhaust with fans or
open windows and doors, carbon monoxide
can rapidly reach dangerous levels.
• NEVER run engine in poorly-ventilated or
partially enclosed areas such as barns,
garages, basements, carports, under
dwellings, or in pits.
• NEVER run engine outdoors where engine
exhaust can be drawn into a building through
openings such as windows and doors.
B. Avoid Gasoline Fires
Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly
flammable and can explode. Fuel
vapors can spread and be ignited by
a spark or flame many feet away from
engine. To prevent injury or death
from fuel fires, follow these instruc-
tions:
Page iv
• NEVER store engine with fuel in fuel tank
inside a building with potential sources of
ignition such as hot water and space heaters,
clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.
• NEVER remove fuel cap or add fuel when
engine is running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• NEVER fill fuel tank indoors. Fill fuel tank
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• DO NOT smoke while refueling tank.
• Use only an approved red GASOLINE
container to store and dispense fuel.
• DO NOT attempt to pour fuel from engine.
Empty fuel tank by running engine.
C. Transporting Engine
DO NOT transport engine with fuel in tank. Fuel vapor
or spilled fuel may ignite.
D. Avoid Other Fires
To reduce the risk of fire, keep all materials that can
burn, including grass and leaves, away from muffler
and the rest of the engine.
E. Stay Away from Hot Surfaces
The muffler and other engine parts
become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after the
engine has stopped. To avoid
severe burns on contact, stay away
from these areas.
F. Do Not Modify Engine
To avoid serious injury or death, DO NOT modify
engine in any way. NEVER tamper with the factory
setting of engine governor. Running the engine faster
than the speed set at the factory can be dangerous and
will VOID THE ENGINE WARRANTY.
G. Avoid Accidental Starts
To prevent accidental starting when working on equip-
ment, always disconnect spark plug wire and keep it
away from spark plug.
H. Stay Away from Rotating Parts
Never operate engine with covers
or guards removed. Rotating parts
can cause severe injury. Keep
hands, feet, hair, jewelry and
clothing away from all moving parts.