Briggs & Stratton 405700 - Manual (Page 4)

In the USA and Canada, a 24 hour hot line, 1-800-233-3723, has a menu of pre-recorded messages offering you engine maintenance information.
4
Starting & Stopping
Choke operation/engine warm-up
This is a low emissions engine which operates differently from
previously built engines. It is designed for maximum perfor-
mance and life if operated with the choke fully open (in RUN)
and throttle fully open (in FAST). To open the choke fully
requires an engine warm-up period of several seconds to
several minutes, depending on the temperature.
After starting engine, first open the choke (toward RUN) until
the engine just begins to run smoothly. Then open the choke in
small steps, allowing the engine to accept small changes in
speed and load, until the choke is fully open (in RUN).
During engine warm-up, the equipment can be operated.
To obtain best starting results
Store and fuel lawn machine in level position.
Start lawn mower on hard surface or over previously cut grass.
Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Starting fluid is
flammable. Severe engine damage or fire may occur.
A warm engine requires less choking than a cold engine.
Starting in cold weather:
Use the correct oil for the starting temperature expected.
De-clutch all possible external loads.
Set speed control at part throttle position.
A warm battery has more starting capacity than a cold battery.
Do not use gasoline left over from summer. Use fresh winter
grade gasoline which has higher volatility to improve starting.
If engine runs low on oil, an oil pressure switch (if engine is
equipped) will either activate a warning light. (Read the operat-
ing instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer to
determine which way your engine is equipped.) See oil pressure
on page 6 for oil filling instructions.
Before starting engine
Open fuel shut-off valve, if engine is equipped.
Move choke control to CHOKE or START position.
Note: Choke must fully close. If engine does not start, see
control adjustments on page 5.
Move throttle control to RUN or FAST position.
Typical throttle and choke controls
PULL OUT TO CHOKE
Start engine
Always keep hands and feet clear of mower blade or
other rotating machinery.
Electric starter
Turn key to START or press starter button. Repeat if neces-
sary with throttle control in FAST position. Operate engine in
FAST position.
Note: If equipment manufacturer has supplied battery, charge it
before trying to start engine, as equipment manufacturer recom-
mends. Use short starting cycles (15 secs. per min.) to prolong
starter life. Extended cranking can damage starter motor.
Typical starter switches
If engine is equipped with battery for electric starter,
do not operate engine with battery disconnected.
PRESS
BUTTON
Stop engine
Do not move choke control to CHOKE position to stop engine.
Backfire or engine damage may occur. Move throttle control
to SLOW position, then to STOP or turn key to OFF. Always
remove key from switch when equipment is not in use or left
unattended.
When transporting engine, close fuel shut-off valve (if
equipped) to prevent fuel leakage.
Typical stop switches