Craftsman 247.270250 - Manual (Page 11)

Brake Switch: This switch is located under the brake
pedal assembly. The engine will not start witiiout first
depressing the brake pedal. This switch will also shut
off the engine if the operator attempts to get off the unit
without setting the parking brake.
Blade Control Switch: This switch is located in the
steering column. If the operator attempts to start the
engine, get off the seat or remove grass bag with the
blade control lever still engaged, it will shut engine off.
Grass Bag Switch: This switch is located in the
bulkhead behind the engine. If the operator attempts to
cut grass when the grass catcher is not property
attached to the vehicle, it will shut engine off.
Before Starting
Filling Up Oil
Check oil level in the engine oil sump before starting the
engine. (Oil sump capacity: 22 ozyo.65 liter)
1. Place the vehicle on level ground and flip the seat
up to access the engine.
2. With a dry rag, clean the area around the oil fill on
the engine.
3. Remove dipstick and wipe it clean with cloth.
4. Replace and tighten the dipstick. Remove the
dipstick again and check the oil level mark on it.
The oil level should be at FULL line on the dipstick.
If the level is short of that, add oil to the oil fill slowly.
Recheck the oil level on the dipstick. If needed, add
more oil. Do not overfill.
NOTE: The lawn utility vehicle is shipped with oil in the
engine crankcase.
5. Place the dipstick in position and tighten to secure.
Type of Oil
SÄE Viscosity ärades
5W-30, 10W-30I
Synthetic 5W-30.10W-30
"F-20°
20
°
-L _L
32
,40° 60°
_L
80° 100°
Starting temperature range anticipateci before next oil change
* CAUTION: Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive
engines. The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W-
30,10W-30 etc.) in temperatures above 40“F will result in
higher than normal oil consumption. When using a multi­
viscosity oil, check oil level more frequently.
CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40°F, will result in
hard starting and possible engine bore damage due to
inadequate lubrication.
1. Refer to the chart above for proper grade of oil.
2. Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For
service SF, SG,SH, SJ” or higher.
3. Do not use special additives.
NOTE: SynUietic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API
certification and API service symbol with “SJ/CF
Energy Conserving" or higher is an acceptable oil at all
temperatures. Use of syntiietic oil does not alter
required oil change intervals.
Filling Up Gasoline
A WARNING:
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-
ventilated area, away from sparks, open
flames, pilot lights, heat and other ignition
sources.
NOTE: On a vehicle which has already been started
and/or operated once immediately prior to this gasoline
fill-up, turn engine off and let cool at least two minutes
before removing gas cap.
1 .
2 .
Remove gas tank cap and fill tank to approximately
1.5 inches below top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion. Be careful not to overfill.
Replace cap on the gas tank and tighten to secure.
If fuel spills on part of engine or vehicle, wait until it
evaporates before starting engine.
Type of Gasoline
• Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with
minimum 85 octane rating.
• Do not use gasoline mixed with methanol, or
gasoline which has been stored for more than 30
days. Always purchase fuel in quantity that can be
used up wi№in 30 days. Fresh fuel prevents gum
from forming in the fuel system or on carburetor.
• Do not mix gasoline with engine oil.
NOTE: Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
gasoline, are blended with alcohols or ethers. Using
these blends frequently can damage the fuel sysfem or
affect performance. If engine performance is affected,
use gasoline with lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
Starting the Engine
1. Looking under the seat and towards the front of the
engine, check tiiat spark plug wire is connected.
2. Occupy the seat and insert key into ignition switch.
3. Place blade control lever in OFF position. (Refer to
Figure 7 for location of controls mentioned here.)
4. Engage parking brake.
5. Puli choke control outward into the Choke position.
6. Turn ignition key clockwise to START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return
to RUN position automatically.
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