Craftsman 247.887330 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
I
A
warning
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always
wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
A
warning
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors
or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, and other sources of ignition.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Gas Fill
A
CAUTION
Use of Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or
methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and forma­
tion of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system
of an engine while in storage._________________________________
A
CAUTION
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage for 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 informa­
tion.
A
CAUTION
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur. * •
IMPORTANT: The mower is shipped without gas in the fuel tank.
• Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to no more than
1/2-inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.
• Always use clean, fresh, unleaded grade automotive gasoline.
Fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a funnel or spout to prevent
spilling. Make sure that the container from which you pour the
gasoline is clean and free from rust or other foreign particles.
Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine.
• At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank it the mower is not
going to be used for 30 days or longer. Store gasoline in a clean
container and keep the cap in place on the container. See STOR­
AGE instructions for additional information.
A
warning
Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn
mower while starting engine or operating mower. 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
Oil Fill
IMPORTANT: The mower is shipped with motor oil in the engine;
however, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Oil should be
changed once after the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours
of operation thereafter. Use the grade of engine oil specified in the
Maintenance section.
1. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube.
2. Check that the level of oil is up to the FULL mark on the dipstick.
If needed, pour oil slowly into the oil fill tube until a FULL oil level
is achieved.
3. Replace the oil fill cap/dipstick.
STARTING THE MOWER
1. Release all controls on the mower to prevent wheels or blades
from rotating.
2. Move gear shift lever to neutral (N) position.
3. Move the throttle/choke control lever fully upward to choke setting
N
to start a cold engine or to fast (rabbit) setting to start a
warm engine. ^
4. To start engine using recoil starter:
a. Stand on left side (as viewed from behind handlebars) of ma­
chine. Be sure your feet are safely away from the underside
of the mower deck and all mower controls are released.
b. Grasp starter rope handle and pull slowly until rope pulls
slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope with a
rapid, full arm stroke. Let rope return slowly. It engine fails to
start after three pulls, repeat instructions (try setting throttle
at fast setting).
c. When engine starts, operate in fast throttle setting
(move throttle/choke control lever from choke setting to fast
setting).
A warning
Look behind the mower before and during reverse operation. Stop
the mower blades before operating in reverse.
A warning
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the
spark plug, thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair
damage before restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of
mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should
be promptly inspected and repaired.
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