Craftsman 536.88123 - Manual (Page 14)

If the starter is frozen and will not turn
engine:
• Pull as much rope out of the starter as
possible.
• Release the starter handle and let it snap
back against the starter.
If the starter still fails to turn engine, repeat
the two previous steps until the starter en­
gages. Then continue with the directions for
cold start.
To help prevent possible freeze-up of recoil
starter and engine controls, proceed as fol­
lows after each snow removal job.
• With the engine running, pull the starter
rope hard with a continuous full arm
stroke three or four times. Pulling of
starter rope will produce a loud clattering
sound. This is not harmful to the engine or
starter.
• With the engine not running, wipe all
snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in area of control levers. Also move
throttle control, choke control, and starter
handle several times.
A. CAUTION: 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 snow thrower.
WARNING: Temperature of muffler and
nearby areas may exceed 150” F. Avoid
these areas.
DO NOT allow children or young teenagers
to operate or be near snow thrower while it
is operating.
A CAUTION: Do no attempt to remove
any item that may become lodged in
auger without taking the following precau­
tions:
• Release auger drive and traction drive
levers.
• Move throttle lever to stop position.
• Remove (DO NOT TURN) ignition key.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Do not place your hands in the auger or
discharge chute. Use a pry bar.
FROZEN RECOIL STARTER
• For maximum snow thrower efficiency in
removing snow, adjust ground speed,
NEVER the throttle. Go slower in deep,
freezing, or wet snow. If the wheels slip,
reduce forward speed. The engine is de­
signed to deliver maximum performance
at full throttle and should be run at this
power setting at all times. Most efficient
snow blowing is accomplished when the
snow is removed immediately after it falls.
• For complete snow removal, slightly over­
lap each path previously taken. Use more
overlap in deep snow to prevent overload­
ing.
• The snow should be discharged down
wind whenever possible. In windy condi­
tions, lower the chute deflector to direct
discharged snow close to the ground,
where it is less likely to blow into un­
wanted areas.
• For normal usage, set the skids so that
the scraper bar is 1/8" above the skids.
For extremely hard-packed snow sur­
faces, adjust the skids upward so that the
scraper bar touches the ground,
• On gravel or crushed rock surfaces, set
the skids at 1-1/4" below the scraper bar
(See To Adjust Skids Height paragraph on
page 18), Stones and gravel must not be
picked up and thrown by the machine.
• After the snow throwing job has been
completed, allow the engine to idle for a
few minutes, which wilt melt snow and ac­
cumulated ice off the engine.
• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after
each use.
» Remove ice and snow accumulation and
all debris from the entire snow thrower,
and flush with water (if possible) to re­
move all salt or other chemicals. Wipe
snow thrower dry.
SNOW THROWING TIPS