Craftsman 917.292394 - Manual (Page 9)

With engine level, refill to point of
overflowing if necessary. Replace oil
filler plug.
For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See “OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte­
nance section of this manual).
To change engine oil, see the Mainte­
nance section of this manual.
Oil Filler
Plug
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and lead
oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera­
tures below 32'^F{0°C), use fresh, clean,
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.
^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 section of this
manual for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products
in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur,
^CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of
fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for
fuel expansion. If gasoline is accidentally
spilled, move machine away from area of
spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition
until gasoline vapors have disappeared.
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
^CAUTION; Keep tine control in “OFF”
position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first lime or if
engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra
pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from
the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly
connected.
• Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
• Move choke control to full “CHOKE”
position. Grasp recoil starter handle with
one hand and grasp tiller handle with
other hand. Pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression
cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this
point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not
let starter handle snap back against
starter. Repeat if necessary.
• If engine fires but does not start, move
choke control to half choke position. Pull
recoil starter handle until engine starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move choke
control to "RUN” position as engine
warms up,
NOTE: A warm engine requires less
choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running
position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few
minutes before engaging tines.
NOTE; If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the
carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance.
See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see
troubleshooting points.