Craftsman 247.88855 - Manual (Page 19)

19
Engine Maintenance
Engine Oil
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API
service classification SF, SG or SH. Select the oil’s
SAE viscosity grade according to the expected
operating temperature.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30
etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-
viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32
o F. Check your snow thrower’s
engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil.
Refer to the viscosity chart for proper selection of
engine oil.
Checking Oil Level
IMPORTANT: Before operating the snow thrower,
check the oil level.
• With engine on level ground, the oil must be to
FULL mark on dipstick.
• Stop engine and wait several minutes before
checking oil level. Remove oil fill cap and
dipstick.
• Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and
tighten securely.
• Remove dipstick and check. If oil is not up to the
FULL mark on dipstick, add 5W30 oil.
Changing Oil
Change engine oil after the first two hours of
operation and every 25 hours thereafter.
In order to do that you will have to first drain the spent
engine oil from the engine and then refill with fresh oil.
32 o
colder warmer
5W30 SAE30
Viscosity Chart
• Drain oil while engine is warm. Remove oil drain
cap located at the bottom of the recoil starter of
the engine. Catch oil in a suitable container.
• When engine is drained of all oil, replace drain
plug securely.
• Remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube. For
location of the oil fill tube, see Figure 17 inset.
Pour fresh oil slowly through the tube. Replace
dipstick.
• Check and make sure that the oil level is up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
WARNING: Temperature of muffler and
nearby areas may exceed 150 o F (65 o C).
Avoid these areas.
Spark Plug
• Clean area around the spark plug base.
• Remove and inspect the spark plug.
• Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted,
burned, or the porcelain is cracked. See Figure 21.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to 0.030"
at least once a season or every 50 hours of
operation. See Figure 21.
• Spark plug replacement is recommended at the
start of each season. Refer to engine parts list
for correct spark plug type.
NOTE: Do not sandblast spark plug. Spark plug
should be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing and
washing with a commercial solvent.
Figure 21
Porcelain
Electrodes
.030”
Gap