PRE-OPERATION CHECK
The engine is shipped without fuel or oil in the engine. See the
Set-Up section of this manual for instructions on adding oil and
fuel.
DETERMINE THE STARTING SYSTEM
Before starting the engine, you must determine the type of
starting system that is on your engine. Your engine will have one
of the following types:
• Auto-Choke With Recoil or Electric Start System: This
features an automatic choke that does not have a manual
choke or primer.
• Primer System: This features a primer on the engine.
• Auto-Choke with Drive Control and Recoil or Electric
Start System: This features an automatic choke and a recoil
or electric start.
• Manual Choke System: This features a choke on the
engine and no primer. Choke systems located on the engine
will feature an engine switch and may also feature a fuel
shut-off valve.
To start your engine, follow the instructions for your type of
starting system.
NOTE: Equipment may have remote controls. See the equipment
operator's manual for location and operation of remote controls.
STARTING THE ENGINE
WARNING
Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving
parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
Auto-Choke With Recoil or Electric Start System
1. Standing behind the mower, pull the blade control handle
back against the upper handle (Figure 4).
2. While holding the blade control handle and upper handle
together firmly, pull the recoil starter handle lightly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression,
prevent kickback, and start the engine. Repeat if necessary.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter handle to snap
back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent
damage to the starter.
OPERATION
2
Primer System
1. Push primer 3 times. Wait about two seconds between each
push (Figure 5). In temperatures below 50°F, prime 5 times.
After the engine is warmed up, one prime may be needed for
all temperatures.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the blade
control against upper handle.
3. Pull the recoil starter handle lightly until resistance is felt,
then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback,
and start the engine (Figure 5). Repeat if necessary.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter handle to snap
back against the rope guide. If engine does not start, it may
be necessary to re-prime the engine.
3
8
1
Figure 4
3X
1
2
Figure 5