Craftsman 917.77341 - Manual (Page 8)

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your trimmer is shipped without oil in the
engine.
• Be sure trimmer is level and area around oil
fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 20oz. of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE’ in
Maintenance section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
^WARNING: Experience indicates that
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 Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying to start. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.
• Move throttle control lever to fast position.
• Hold upper handle firmly and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope 1
snap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, move throttle control levet
to stop position.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
warmer weather overpriming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
Throttle
control
Starter
handle
TRIMMING TIPS
• Set the throttle control in the fast
position. If the weeds or grass are tall
and thick, operate the trimmer at a
slower walking speed.
• Frequently clean the underside of the
trimmer to remove any grass build up.
Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extent
engine life. See TO REMOVE ENGINE
COVER in the Maintenance section of
this manual.
• For best results and longer lasting line,
use the ends of the line to do the cutting
This is easily done by moving slowly
through very thick and heavy weeds.
• Use the left side of trimmer when
trimming along fences, walls, flowerbed
and other such objects.
• If trimmer lines become too short, it will
take longer to complete the job. If
trimmer lines are worn to less than half
their original length, they should be
replaced. See TO REPLACE TRIMMER
LINE in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
• Trimmer head contact with concrete,
asphalt or other hard surfaces may
cause premature wear of the ball on
bottom of trimmer head.