Starting The Engine - Craftsman 917.98643 Operator's Manual

TO
TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, ensure
transmission is disengaged by placing free-
wheel control in freewheeling position. Free
wheel control is located at the rear drawbar
of tractor.
1. Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
2. Pull freewheel control out until the free
wheel control rod locks in extended posi-
tion.
3. Do not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) mph (3,2 km/h).
4. To reengage transmission, reverse above
procedure.
NOTE: Freewheel control will automatically
disengage when the brake/clutch pedal is
depressed.
Transmission Engaged
Transmission Disengaged
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when
transporting you rtractor on a truck or a trailer,
ensure hood is closed and secured to tractor.
Use an appropriate means of tying hood to
tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH=
MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy of
a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires
can lose traction with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
HOURMETER
The hourmeter shows the total number of
hours the engine has run. To service engine
and mower, see the Maintenance section of
this manual.
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. Pull up and remove oil fill cap/dipstick;
wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the
tube and push down firmly into place.
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).
• Tochangeengineoil, seethe Maintenance
section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do
not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase
fuel in quantities that can be used within
_130 days to ensure fuel freshness.
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 damage the 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.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits
during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in
fue! tank or storage container. Always follow
the mix ratio found on stabilizer container.
Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the
carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank and
carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
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