EarthQuake 600050VCE - Manual (Page 4)

Operator's Manual
Viper® 173cc 4-Cycle Engine
4 Check for parts online at www.ardisam.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
CAUTION
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BY-PRODUCT OF A FUNC-
TIONING MUFFLER. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUC-
TIONS TO PREVENT BURNS AND FIRES.
DO NOT ALTER/MODIFY ENGINE:
NEVER ALTER OR MODIFY THE ENGINE FROM THE
FACTORY. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR IF
ENGINE IS MODIFIED OR ALTERED.
WHEN WORKING ON OR REPLACING PARTS FOR THE
ENGINE OR PRODUCT, YOU MUST ALWAYS DISCON-
NECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG AND
KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE SPARK PLUG.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Never try to ventilate engine exhaust indoors. Carbon
monoxide can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
• Never run engine outdoors where exhaust fumes may be
pulled into a building.
• Never run engine outdoors in a poorly ventilated area where
the exhaust fumes may be trapped and not easily taken
away. (Examples include: in a large hole or areas where hills
surround your working area.)
• Never run engine in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.
(Examples include: buildings that are enclosed on one or
more sides, under tents, car ports or basements.)
• Always run the engine with the exhaust and muffler pointed
in the direction away from the operator.
• Never point the exhaust muffler towards anyone. People
should always be many feet away from the operation of the
engine and its attachments.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine.
• Stay away from rotating parts. Place protective covers over
rotating parts.
• Do not use engine around dry brush, cloth rags, or other
flammable materials.
• Always keep materials and debris clear of muffler guard
and other hot engine parts.
• Never operate the engine without the muffler guard in
place.
• Always make sure exhaust pipe is free of foreign objects.
• The engine exhaust becomes very hot during operation.
Keep engine at least three feet away from buildings and
other equipment during operation.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or
jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not wear shorts.
Never wear sandals, sneakers, or open shoes, and never
operate the machine with bare feet.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught
in moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing away from any moving parts on engine and
machine.
WARNING
ENGINES GIVE OFF CARBON MONOXIDE, AN ODOR-
LESS, COLORLESS, POISONOUS GAS. CARBON MON-
OXIDE MAY BE PRESENT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT SMELL
OR SEE ANY ENGINE EXHAUST. BREATHING CAR-
BON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, FAINTING OR
DEATH, IN ADDITION TO DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS
AND CONFUSION.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, SEEK
FRESH AIR AND MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
START AND RUN ENGINE OUTDOORS. DO NOT START
OR RUN ENGINE IN ENCLOSED AREA, EVEN IF DOORS
OR WINDOWS ARE OPEN.
Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
• When storing extra fuel be sure that it is in an appropriate
container and away from any fire hazards.
• Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge.
Use only nonmetal, portable fuel containers approved by the
Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for
Testing & Materials (ASTM).
• Always fill fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area. Never
fill your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, etc.) Never
fill tank near appliances with pilot lights, heaters, or other
ignition sources. If the fuel has to be drained, this should
be done outdoors. The drained fuel should be stored in a
container specifically designed for fuel storage or it should
be disposed of carefully.
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before removing the
fuel cap/and or refilling the engine.
• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
• Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine before
starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled,
do not start the engine but move product and fuel container