Craftsman 917.388191 - Manual (Page 9)

1, Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing.
When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4, Insert and tighten dipstick,
IMPORTANT:
o Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
- 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. See “TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte­
nance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
* Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill 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 fresh­
ness.
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha­
nol) 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. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and iet 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 cieaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
0 To stop engine, release operator pres­
ence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the product
and should be considered normal,
1. To start a coid 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.
2. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine wiil not start. If you do
flood engine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
A CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.
* Under certain conditions, such as very
tail grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing effort
and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving ciumps of grass clippings.
it may also be necessary to reduce
ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly,
® For better grass bagging and most cut­
ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set in the FAST position.
«■ Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
» Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.