• Do not choke the carburetor to stop engine.
• Never start or run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the air
filter (if equipped) removed.
When Changing Oil
• If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can
leak out and result in a fire or explosion.
When Tipping Unit for Maintenance
• When performing maintenance that requires the unit to be tipped, the fuel tank, if
mounted on the engine, must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or
explosion.
When Transporting Equipment
• Transport with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shut-off valve in the CLOSED
position.
When Storing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have
pilot lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
• If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area, do not start engine.
• Do not use pressurized starting fluids because vapors are flammable.
WARNING
POISONOUS GAS HAZARD. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a
poisonous gas that could kill you in minutes. You CANNOT see it, smell it, or
taste it. Even if you do not smell exhaust fumes, you could still be exposed
to carbon monoxide gas. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using
this product, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon
monoxide poisoning.
• Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and vents to
reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being
drawn towards occupied spaces.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide
alarms with battery back-up according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke
alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
• DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces,
sheds, or other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors and
windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these spaces
and can linger for hours, even after this product has shut off.
• ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away from
occupied spaces.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine
faster than you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result.
• When starting engine, pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt and then
pull rapidly to avoid kickback.
• Remove all external equipment / engine loads before starting engine.
• Direct-coupled equipment components such as, but not limited to, blades,
impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING
Rotating parts can contact or entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe laceration can result.
• Operate equipment with guards in place.
• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
• Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling drawstrings or items that could become
caught.
WARNING
Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler, become
extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
• Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
• Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
• It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or
operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section
4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or federal jurisdictions
may have similar laws. Contact the original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or
dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this
engine.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic amputation, or
laceration.
Fire hazard
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug.
• Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only engines with electric start.)
• Use only correct tools.
• Do not tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine speed.
• Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed in the same position
as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may damage the unit,
and may result in injury.
• Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel may
later shatter during operation.
When testing for spark:
• Use approved spark plug tester.
• Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.
Features and Controls
Engine Controls
Compare the illustration (Figure: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) with your engine to familiarize yourself with
the location of various features and controls.
A.
Engine Identification Numbers Model - Type - Code
B.
Spark Plug
C.
Fuel Tank and Cap
D.
Air Cleaner
E.
Starter Cord Handle
F.
Dipstick
G.
Muffler, Muffler Guard (if equipped), Spark Arrester (if equipped)
H.
Air Intake Grille
I.
Throttle Control (if equipped)
J.
Choke (if equipped)
K.
Fuel Shut-off (if equipped)
L.
Stop Switch (if equipped)
M.
Primer (if equipped)
5