Craftsman 917.881064 - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATION
TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 17)
NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be
used to adjust the skid piates.
Skid piates are iocated on each side of the auger housing
and adjust the ciearance between the scraper bar and the
ground surface. Adjust skid piates eveniy to proper height
for current surface conditions. For removai of snow in
normai conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewaik,
piace skid piates in the highest position (iowest scraper
ciearance) to give a 5 mm ciearance between the scraper
bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface
to be cleared is uneven,
NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower
over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks
or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the
impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property
damage or damage to the snow thrower,
• If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface,
use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted
to lowest (highest scraper clearance) position,
1, Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop,
2, Adjust skid plates by loosening the hex nuts, then mov­
ing skid plate to desired position. Be sure both plates
are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely.
HIGH POSITION
(LOW GROUND
CLEARANCE)
i j
■A
1 HEX
NUTS
AUGER
HOUSING
V SCRAPER BAR
SKID PLATE
---- 7------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE)
FIG. 17
SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 17)
The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After
considerable use it may become worn. When it has worn
almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed,
providing additional service before requiring replacement.
Replace a damaged or worn scraper bar,
TO USE DRIFT CUTTERS (See Fig. 18)
Use the drift cutters to cut through deep snowdrifts that are
higher than the front of the snow thrower,
• Loosen upper adjustment nut enough to allow drift
cutter to be raised to highest position and tighten nut
securely. Repeat for opposite side of snow thrower,
• When not using drift cutters, loosen adjustment nut,
lower to storage position and tighten nut securely.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 19)
The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from
the factory, already filled with oil,
1, Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground,
2, Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert
the dipstick and screw tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
“FULL mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill,
• To change engine oil, see “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
in the Maintenance section of this manual,
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 19)
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over­
fill, 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 freshness.
A
WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas-
ohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and for­
mation 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 let It run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next sea­
son. See Storage Instructions for additional
Information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products In the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
CHOKE
CONTROL ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP/DIPSTICK GASOLINE
FILLER CAP
STARTER
BUTTON
PRIMER
SAFETY
IGNITION
KEY
RECOIL
STARTER
HANDLE
ON/OFF
SWITCH
13
NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION.
ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT.
FIG. 19