Craftsman 917.379480 - Manual (Page 8)

DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drive control lever
fonvard until it clicks; then release the drive
control lever.
• Fonward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released. To stop
forward motion w^out stopping engine,
release the operator presence control bar
slightly until tiie drive control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down
to handle to continue mowing without self­
propelling.
• To keep drive control engaged when
turning comers, push down on handle and
lift front wheels off ground while turning
lawn mov^r.
perator presence
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in
the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick.
NOTE; Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 18.5 ozs. of oil. For type
and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE"
in Maintenance section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil
cap each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane(Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
^WARNING; Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation 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. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
i&CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline
filler cap
OH filler
cap
Oil filler cap/dipstick
Upper limit
TO START ENGINE
• Turn fuel valve to ON position,
• To start a cold engine, move handle
mounted throttle/choke control lever to
choke position.
• Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
• Slowly move throttle control lever to
fast position after engine starts.
• To start a warm engine, move throttle
control lever to fast or slow position
Q then follow steps above.