OPERATION
BEFORE
STARTING
THE ENGINE
CHECK
THE OIL
NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with oil
rated 30. Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed.
1.
Make sure the unit is level.
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine
runs.
2.
Clean the area around the dipstick. Remove the dipstick. Wipe
the oil from the dipstick.
3.
Insert the dipstick into the oil fill tube. Turn the dipstick clock-
wise until it is tight. Remove the dipstick. Check the oil level on
the dipstick. The oil level must reach the FULL mark on the
dipstick.
4.
If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on the
dipstick. The quantity of oil needed from ADD to FULL is shown
on the dipstick. Do not add too much oil.
ADD GASOLINE
WARNING: Always use a safety gasoline container.
Do not smoke when adding gasoline to the fuel tank.
Do not add gasoline when you are inside an enclo-
sure. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine and
let the engine cool for several minutes.
Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 85
octane. Fresh fuel prevents gum from forming in the fuel system or
on essential carburetor parts. Purchase fuel in quantity that can be
used with 30 days.
•
Do not use gasoline
which
Fuel Tank
contains Methanol.
•
Do not mix oil with gasoline.
•
For engine protection,
use a
fuel stabilizer
available
at a
Sears Store or Service Center.
• This engine is certified to operate on gasoline. Exhaust Emission
Control System: EM (Engine Modifications).
CAUTION:
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 prevent engine problems with the fuel system, empty the fuel
system before storage of 30 days or longer as follows.
Drain the fuel tank.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Start the engine. Let the engine run until the fuel lines and the
carburetor are empty.
After storage, make sure you use fresh fuel. See the storage
instructions for additional information.
Never use engine cleaner or carburetor cleaner in the fuel tank
or permanent damage can occur.
CARBURETOR
The factory settings for the carburetor are for most conditions. If the
engine is operated under the following conditions, you can adjust
the carburetor mixture. See "How To Adjust The Carburetor" in the
Service And Adjustment section.
1.
The engine has a loss of power or does not run smooth.
2.
A change from summer to winter operation.
3.
A 40 degree change in the operation temperature. The carbure-
tor was adjusted at 80 degrees at the factory.
4.
The engine is operated above 4,000 feet.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
WARNING:
The electrical system
has two primary
components,
an operator presence system and a Se-
lect Reverse M system. The operator presence sys-
tem determines if the operator is sitting on the seat.
This system will stop the engine when the operator
leaves the seat.attachment
clutch The Select Rever-
se M system gives the operator the ability to tempo-
rarily mow in reverse if he decides such operation is
absolutely necessary and safe operating precautions
are taken. For your protection, always make sure the-
se systems operate correctly.
NOTE: The engine
will not start unless you depress the
clutch/brake pedal or engage the parking brake and move the
attachment clutch to the DISENGAGE position.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Make sure the spark plug wire is connected to the spark plug.
6.
Move the speed control lever to the neutral (N) position.
Make sure the attachment clutch is in the DISENGAGE
posi-
7.
tion. If the blade rotation control is not in the DISENGAGE posi-
tion, the engine wilt not start.
F-050610L
18
Move the throttle control completely forward to the CHOKE I\1
or FAST position. Some models have a separate choke knob.
Pull the choke knob to the full CHOKE position.
Turn the ignition key to the START _
position. Release the
key when the engine starts. The ignition key switch will auto-
matically default to the recommended
RUN-MOW
position for
normal mowing. See "How To Operate The Ignition Key Switch"
in the Operation Section.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after four or five tries,
move the throttle control to the FAST position. Again try to
start the engine.
If the engine
will not start, see the
TROUBLESHOOTING
CHART.
Slowly move the throttle control to the SLOW position. If model
has a separate choke knob, push in the choke knob.
Let a cold engine run for several minutes. Begin work when the
engine is warm. To start a hot engine, move the throttle control
to a position between FAST and SLOW.