Craftsman 917299881 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.299881

Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules

and instructions

Before Operating

Thws Equ=pment

8.0 HP
21 iNCH Ti

REAR TINE TILLER WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES

E WIDTH

• Assembly

, Operation
, Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments
, Repair Parts

..................................................... i i i L I II=ll=

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

............................. ,, , ,, , , ,,,,,, ,, ,,, , ,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

SAFETY RULES

TRAINING

• Read the Owner's Manua{ carefully., Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the

equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage

the controls quickly.

• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper

instruction..

° Keep the area of operation clearof all persons,particu-

" tady small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspectthe area where the equipmentis to

be used and remove all foreign objects_

° Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before

starting the engine (motor)._

• Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad-
equate outer garments° Wear footwear that will im-

prove footing on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.,

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care..Never fill

fuel tank indoors.

• Replace gasoIine cap securely and clean up spilled

fuel before restarting.

• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors

or electric starting rnotors_

• Never' attempt to make any adjustments while the

engine (motor) is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION

• Do not put hands or'feet near or under rotating parts_

• Exercise extreme caution when operating onor cross-

ing gravel drives, walks, or roads° Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in-

spect the tiller for anydamage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the tiller_

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or'falling.

° If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble_

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position_

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the ma-
chine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into

neutral, and stop the engine.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine andmake certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting_
Disconnect the cord on electric motors.

• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are
dangerous.

• Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates,
or other safety protective devices in place.

• Keep children and pets away.

• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to
till too deep at too fast a rate.

° Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery

surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing_

• Never allow bystanders near' the unit.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the tiller (such as wheel weights,

counterweights, cabs, and the like).

• Never operate the tiller' without good visibility or light.

• Be careful when tilling in hard ground° The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the tiller' forward° if this
occurs, let goof the handlebars and do not restrain the
machine..

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe
working condition.

° Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other

bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fueltank inside
a building where ignition sources are present, such as

hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the
like. Allow the engine to cool before stodng in any

enclosure.

• Always refer to the operator's guide instructionsfor
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an

extended period.,

- IMPORTANT

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL
iNFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL.

CAUTION: Look for this symbol to point
out important safety precautions, it

means--Attention! Become Alert! Your

safety is involved.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A

POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT..
NOTE: Gives essential information that w{ll aid you to better

understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instruc-
tions.

2

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of aSears Tiller°
It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to

give you the best possible dependability and performance,.
Should you experience any probtems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized Sears
Service CentedDepartment. They have competent, well-
trained technicians andthe proper tools to service orrepair

this tillero
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 9'17.299881

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 8,0 HP

D_SPLACEMENT: 16_79cu,_in,

GASOLINECAPACITY: 4 Quarts

UnleadedRegular

OIL(API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (Above32°F)
(CAPACITY:44 oz.) SAE 5W-30 (Below32_F)

SPARKPLUG: Champion
(GAP: 030") RJ19LM (STD361458)

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATE OF
PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO
THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION,

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

IMPORTANT: THIS TILLER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED, BRUSH-COVERED OR GRASS COVERED LAND UNLESS THE
ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WiTH A SPARK ARRESTER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE

LAWS (IF ANY)° IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY
THE OPERATOR

IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THE ABOVE IS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC
RESOURCES CODE), OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS.

SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER., REFER TO THE REPAIR

PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER°

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on this tiller
Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

= Read and observe the safety rules°

• Follow a regularschedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under the "Customer
Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections ofthis manual

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any

defect in material or workmanship,,
This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable itemswhich become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts.
° Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual

° Ifthis Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty applies for only thirty (30) days

from the date of purchase.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN TILLER TO THE NEAREST SEARS

SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS
PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES,

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may atso have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,14-16

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ACCESSORIES ............................................................. 5

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 6-8

OPERATION ............................................................ 9-13

INDEX

A

Accessories ...................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor ............................................19

Depth Stake .............................. 10

Handle Height .......................... 16

Side Shields .............................. 11

Throttle ...........................................19

Tines ...............................................18

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ......................17

Wheels ....................................... 13

Air Cleaner .........................................15

B

Belt:

Belt Guard .......................................17

Repair Parts ................................23

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ...............17

C

Cooling System .................................15

Controls:

Choke ..............................................9

Throttle ........................................ 9

Drive pines) ..................................9

Cultivating ....................................... 13

Customer Responsibilities:

Air'Cleaner ..................................15

Cooling System ......................... 15

Finish .............................................16

Maintenance Schedule .............14

Muffler ........................................ t6

Oil Change ........................................15

Spark Plug ....................................16

Trees ........................................ 18

Transmission .............................i6

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ............. 17

D

Depth Stake:

Adjustment ............................... 10

Repair Parts .................................26

E

Engine:

Air Cleaner, ......................................15

Cooling System ...............................15

Fuel Type ............................................11

Engine (cont'd)

Lubrication ................................ 15

Oil Level..............................................11

Oil Type ............................. 11,15

Spark Plug .............................. 16

Starting .......................................................12

Stopping .................................. 10

Storage ..................................... 20

Winter Operation .........................15

Fuel:

Filling Tank .........................................11

Storage ................................... 20

Type ..............................................11

Finish:

Maintenance ................................16

Handle:

Height Adjustment ......................16

Repair Parts ............................................22

Lubrication:

Lubrication Chart .................... 14

Engine ..................................... 15

Muffler:

Maintenance ..................................16

Spark Arrester ...............................3

Oif:

Level .............................................11

Type ..............................................11,15

Operation:

Cultivating ........................................13

FillFuet Tank .............................11

Starting Engine ...........................12

Stopping Tines & Engine ........ 10

Tilling ...........................................................10

Tilling Hints .................. _.......... 12

Tine Operation ...............................10

Transporting Tiller',.................... 11

Winter Operation ................................15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 14

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 16-19

STORAGE ................................................................... 20

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 21

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ....................................... 22-28

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ...................................... 29-32

SERVICFJPARTS ORDERING ............... BACK COVER

R

Repair Parts:

Tiller .....................................22-28

Engine ................................ 29-32

Rules for Safe Operation .......................2

S

Service & Adjustments:

F

H

L

M

O

Carburetor ................................ 19

Handle Height .........................16

Side Shields ................................11

Throttle.......................................19

Tines .......................................t8

V-Belt (Ground Drive) .................t7

Wheels ............................... 13, 16

Service:

Repair Parts ..............................22-32

Service Record ..........................14

Spark Plug:

Gap ........................................... 3

Maintenance ........................... 16

Storage:

Fuel System ............................20

Tiller ......................................... 20

T

Tilling ........................................ 10,12

Tines:

Arrangement/Replacement ..... t 8

Operation .....................................10

Repair Parts ............................ 27

Transmission:

Maintenance ........................... t6

Repair Parts ............................ 25

Troubleshooting .......................................21

Transporting .................................. 11

W

Warranty ..........................................3

Wheels:

Adjustment ....................................... 13

Removal .................................. I6

Repair Parts ..............................24

4

......... ii iiiiii

ACCESSOR

,, i i,i1,111,1,111Mi,i1,1 i lllll IT

These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also available at most Sears Retail outlets
and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model number ofyour

tiller°

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG

/1/1/111/1111/11_11 ...........

GAS CAN ENGINE OIL

........................ ,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,i,i,ij, i I ,IlUlI,II

.............. _,,,,_,,,,,,,,_,,,,,,,_..............

MUFFLER AIR FILTER

i

i

TILLER PERFORMANCE

...........FURROW oPENER

............. ,,,,, ,,,,,,,

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES

5

iiiiiiiiiillllllllll illlll ii

ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at thefactory withexception ofthose parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To

ensure safe and proper' operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness°

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife
(1) Wire cutter
(t) Screwdriver

(t) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench

OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (standing
behind tiIler handles)_

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

(1) Handle Lock

(Black)

(1) Flat Washer 13/32 x I x 11Ga.,

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Handle Lock

(Silver)

, , ,, , ii ,, i ,,lll,,,,ml Ill Illll Illll I Illllllll

(2) Carriage Bolts

3/8-16 UNC x I Gr. 5

©

(1) Handle Lock Lever

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

FIG. 1

Q

(2) Center Locknuts

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Hairpin Clip

(1)Cable Clip

6

(1) Owner's Manual

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)

...... i, i Hl,,H'l L II I I%

staples when handling or disposing of

I & CAUTION: Be careful of exposed

carton,!,ngmaterial.

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLES,,

= While holding handle assembly, cutcabletiessecuring

handle assembly to top frame and depth stake. Let
handle assembly rest on tiller,,

. .Remove.top frame of carton.
° Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of

carton,

= Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners

of carton° Lay side carton wall down,.

° Cut down left hand rear comer of carton. Lay rear

carton wall down, which wit! remove the protective
cardboard flap from leveling shield,,

o Remove packing material from handle assembly.,

SHIFT ROD

HANDLE
ASSEMBLY

FIG. 2

INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

= Insert the thicker black handle lock (with teeth facing to

the right) in gearcase notch°

VIEWED FROMR,H.SIDEOF TILLER

_'_',,,\\. HANDLE ASSEMBLY

.h\ "-._%_% / BLACK
_,_'\j_y / / HANDLE

I

Grasp handle assembly. Hold in"up"position, Be sure
handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle

assembly into position,,

HANDLE ASSEMBLY
"UP" POSITION

LOCK LEVER TO
TIGHTEN HANDLE 1

HOLD

FIG. 4

o

Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage
bolt first, with bolt head on LoHoside of tiller (See Fig. 5)°

o

Insert front carriage bolt with care, since space for
installation is limited,

o

Lowerthe handle assembly,, Tighten Iocknuts on bolts
so handie moves with some resistance,,

o

Place flat washeron threadedend of handle lock lever.

o

Insert handle lock lever through handle base and
gearcaseo Screw in handle lock lever just enough to

hold lever in place°

o

Insert the thinner silver handle lock (with teeth inward)
in the slot of the handle base (just inside of washer),,

o

With handle assembly in lowest position, securely
tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise° Leav-
ing handle assembly in lowest position wilt make it

easier to remove tiller from carton.

HANDLE
LOCK

SLOT

CARRIAGE _X\
BOLT

FLAT

WASHER

HANDLE
LOCK
LEVER

FIG. 3

7

REAR

CARRIAGE

BOLT

HANDLE
BASE

LOCKNUTS

FIG. 5

A

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 6)

= insert end of shift rod intoholeof shift lever indicator_

• insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.

SHIFT HAIRPIN SHIFT

CLIP LEVER

FIG. 6

INDICATOR

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Make sure shift lever indicator isin "N" (neutral) posi-

tion (See Fig.6)

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle_

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of
carton.

INSERT CABLE CLIP (See Fig. 7)

• Insert plasticcable clip into hole on the back ofhandle
column. Push cables intoclip,,

HANDLE
COLUMN

CABLES

CABLE CLiP

FIG. 7

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on yourtiller were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is

important for'best tilling performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSi°

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator_

(See 'q'O ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual)=

8

lUUUUUUllUUl_1iJ ........

OPERATI

,,,iiii i_i_,ll_,,_,,u,LL'I I , , , iii i ..........................

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.
Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments° Save

this manual for future reference.

DRIVE
CONTROL

SHIFT LEVER

SHIFT LEVER

THROTTLE

CONTROL

INDICATOR

CHOKE
CONTROL

DEPTH STAKE

LEVELING

SHIELD

OUTER

SIDE

SHIELD

MEETS ANSi SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our titlers conform to the safety standards of the American Nationat Standards Institute,,

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tines.

THRO'B'LE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed.,

DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tiller wiil dig,,
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.

OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants
from being buried.

RECOIL

STARTER

HANDLE

FIG. 8

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears_
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the

transmission is in.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine,,

9

OPERATION

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can I
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting
your tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over the spec-

tacles or standard safety glasses.

i lltIHHlul I lll

i

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and
oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop movemenL

• Move shift lever to "N" (neutral) position°
ENGINE

° Move throttle contro! to "STOP" position°
° Never use choke to stop engine_

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

"ENGAGED" POSITION /THROTTLE

DRIVE CONTROL BAR
"DISENGAGED" POSITION

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift

lever intoanother position°

• Tine movementisachieved bymovingshift leverto 'T'

(till)positionand engaging drive controlbar°

. _/CONTROL
"\-. __ SHIFT

FIG. 9

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10)

Tile depthstakecan beraisedor loweredto allow you more
versatile tillingand cultivating,or to more easily transport

_ourtiller,

SHALLOWEST
TILLING

DEEPESTJ
TILLING

DEPTH_

STAKE

FIG. 10

POSITION

TILLING (See Fig. 11)

• Release depth stake pin. Pul!the depth stake up for
increasedtillingdepth. Place depthstake pininholeof

depth stake to lockin position°

° Place shiftlever indicator in'q" (till)position_

• Hold the drive contro_bar against the handle to start
tillingmovement, Tines and wheels wilt both turn.

• Movethrottlecontrolto "FAST" positionfor deep tilling.
To cultivate,throttle control can be set at any desired

speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to

cultivate.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL BAR
BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER INTO ANOTHER
POSITION

DEPTH STAKE PiN
"RELEASED" POSITION

\

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STO PPED

• Release drive control barand moveshift leverindicator

to "F' (forward) position. Engage drive control barand
tiller will move forward_

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to "SLOW" position,.

• Move shift lever indicator to "R" (reverse) position

o Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller

movement,

NUT"A" /

OUTER NUT"B"

SIDE SHIELD

10

"LOCKED"

POSITION

FIG. 11

OPERATION

TURNING

o Release the drive control bar,,

° Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.,
o Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position.,

Tines will not turn,,

• Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
o Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish to

turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from
tines°

° When you have completed your turn-around, release

the drive control barand lower handle_ Placeshift lever

-_in-"T"(till)posffion andmove_throttle control_todesired - *-
speed° To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against

the handle.

OUTER SIDE SHIELDS (See Fig, 11)

The front edges ofthe outer side shields are slotted sothat
the shields can be raised for deep tilling and lowered for
shallow tilling to protect small plants from being buried.

Loosen nut "A" in slot and nut "B". Move shield todesired
position (both sides). Retighten nuts°

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnectsparkplugwire. Drain

gasoline from fuel tank.

.......................................... ill .............

AROUND THE YARD
o Release the depth stake pin,, Move the depth stake

down to thetop hole for transportingthetiller,,Place
depth stake pin inhofe ofdepth stake to lock inposition,.

This prevents tines from scuffing the ground.

= Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position for

transporting°

° Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start

tiller movement. Tines will not turn.,

. Move throttle control to desired speed_
AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.
° Drain fuel tank.

= Transport in upright position to prevent oit leakage_

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT

TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING

OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE
IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE

CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 12)

o The engine in your tiller has been shipped, from the

factory, already filledwith SAE 30 summer weight oil,

. Withengine level, clean area around oilfiller plug and

remove plug_

• Engine oil should be to point of overflowing. For
approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICA-
TIONS" on page 3 of this manual., All oil must meet
A.P,I. Service Classification SGo

° For cold weather operation you should change oil for

easier starting (See oil viscosity chart in the Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual).

° - To_change_engineoilTseetheCustomer Responsibili-

ties section in this manual.

OIL

OIL

FILLER
PLUG

PLUG

FIG. 12

ADD GASOLINE

° Fill fuel tank.. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life..

IMPORTANT; WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F (O°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE

GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING

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,i To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run untit the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty° Use fresh fuel next season, See Storage section

of this manual for additional information, Never use engine
orcarbu retorcTeanerproducts in the fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to within 112inch of top

A

of fuel tank to prevent spills and to
allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is
accidentally spilled, move machine

away from area of spill. Avoid creating
any source of ignition until gasoline
vapors have disappeared.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-

line near an open flame.

11