MTD 31AS6WEG799 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRN

28" SNOW THROWER

Model No. 247.88690

CAUTION: Before using this product, read this

manual and follow all safety rules and operating

instructions.

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-03973

o SAFETY

ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE PARTS LIST

o ESPANOL

2/4/2009

WarrantyStatement.................... Page2

SafeOperationPractices.............. Pages3-6

SafetyLabels......................... Page7

Assembly......................... Pages8-11

Operation........................ Pages12-15

Off-SeasonStorage................... Page24

Troubleshooting...................... Page25

PartsList......................... Pages26-38

RepairProtectionAgreement............ Page42

Espa_ol............................. Page43

Service&Maintenance.............. Pages16-23

CRAFTSMAN LiMiTED WARRANTY

Two Years on Snow Thrower Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifthis snowthrowerfailsdueto a defectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithin

twoyearsfromthe dateor purchase,call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®toarrangefor freerepair.

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90 daysfromthe dateof purchaseifthissnowthroweriseverusedfor commercialor rentalpurposes.

Duringthefirstyearofpurchase,therewillbe nochargefor warrantyserviceinyourhome.Foryourconvenience,in-homewarrantyservicewill stillbeavailableafterthe firstyearof purchase,butatripchargewillapply.Thischargewillbewaivedif youtransportthe snowthrowertoan authorizedCraftsmandrop-offlocation.Forthe nearestauthorizedlocation,call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Searswill NOTpayfor:

• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnot limitedtoskidshoes,shaveplate,shearpins,sparkplug,air cleaner,belts,andoilfilter.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups. Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthat bendtheframeor

crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedby improper storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,or failureto maintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontained

intheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfuel determinedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused

within30 daysof itspurchasedate. Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductis usedinthe UnitedStates.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears, RoebuckandCo.,Hoffman Estates,IL 60179

EngineOilType: SAE5W-30 EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces

FuelCapacity: 3 Quarts SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

SparkPlugGap: .030"

©SearsBrands,LLC

ModelNumber.................................................................

Serial Number.................................................................

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber

anddateof purchaseabove

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingto thesafeopera- tionpracticesin thismanual.As withanytypeofpowerequipment, carelessnessor erroronthe partof theoperatorcanresultinserious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethe followingsafety instructionscould resultinseriousinjuryor death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSiTiON 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto StateofCalifornia tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm,

TRAiNiNG

• Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachineand in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureandregularreference andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Readthe Operator'sManualandfollowallwarningsand safety instructions.Failuretodoso canresultinseriousinjurytothe operatorand/orbystanders.Forquestionscall, 1-800-659-5917.

Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheir properoperation.Knowhow tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

Neverallowadultsto operatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

• Thrownobjectscan causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour snow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward roads,bystandersandthelike.

Keepbystanders,petsandchildrenat least75feetfromthe machinewhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingorfalling,especiallywhen operatinginreverse.

Your Responsibility--Restrict the useof this powermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsin thismanualandon the machine,

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

PREPARATION

Thoroughlyinspecttheareawherethe equipmentisto beused.

Removeall doormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,wiresandother

foreignobjects,whichcouldbe trippedoverorthrownbytheauger/

impeller.

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldsduringoperationand whileperformingan adjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe

eyes.

Donot operatewithoutwearingadequatewinteroutergarments.

Donot wearjewelry,longscarvesorotherlooseclothing,which couldbecomeentangledin movingparts.Wearfootwearwhich willimprovefootingonslipperysurfaces.

Usea groundedthree-wireextensioncordand receptaclefor all

machineswithelectricstartengines. Adjustcollectorhousingheighttocleargravelorcrushedrock

surfaces.

Disengageall controlleversbeforestartingtheengine.

• Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhileengineis running, exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe operator'smanual.

Letengineandmachineadjusttooutdoortemperaturebefore startingtoclearsnow.

SafeHandlingof Gasoline Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineisspilled onyourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources ofignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuel whilethe engineishot or running.

• Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inch belowbottomoffillerneckto providespaceforfuel

expansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment. Movemachinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbefore

startingtheengine.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewhere thereis anopenflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,

waterheater,spaceheater,clothesdryeretc.).

• Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.

• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailer bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• If possible,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand refueliton the ground.Ifthisis notpossible, thenrefuelsuchequipmentona trailerwithaportable container,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do notuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

OPERATION

• Donotputhandsorfeetnear rotatingparts,in theauger/impeller housingorchuteassembly.Contactwiththerotatingpartscan amputatehandsandfeet.

• Theauger/impellercontrolleverisasafetydevice.Neverbypass itsoperation.Doingsomakesthemachineunsafeandmaycause personalinjury.

• Thecontrolleversmustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsand automaticallyreturntothedisengagedpositionwhenreleased.

• Neveroperatewitha missingor damagedchuteassembly.Keep all safetydevicesinplaceandworking.

• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

• Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor drugs.

• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donot touch.Keepchildrenaway.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossinggravel surfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsor traffic.

• Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhileoperatingon slopes.

• Planyoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargetowards windows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossibleproperty damageorpersonalinjurycausedby a ricochet.

• Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersand petsor allow anyoneinfrontof themachine.

• Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto clearsnowat toofastof a rate.

• Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityorlight.Always be sureof yourfootingand keepa firmholdon the handles.Walk,

neverrun.

• Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhentransportingor not in use.

• Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson slippery surfaces.Lookdownand behindandusecarewhenbackingup.

• Ifthe machineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe engine, disconnectthesparkplugwire andgrounditagainsttheengine.

Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairanydamagebefore

startingandoperating.

• Disengageall controlleversandstopenginebeforeyouleave theoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Waituntiltheauger/ impellercomestoacompletestopbeforeuncloggingthechute assembly,makingany adjustments,or inspections.

• Neverputyourhandinthedischargeor collectoropenings. Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedtounclogthedischarge opening.Donotunclogchuteassemblywhileengineisrunning. Shutoff engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingparts havestoppedbeforeunclogging.

• Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanufac- turer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).

• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then pull rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpull handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo. Broken bones,fractures,bruisesorsprainscould result.

• Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare andgoodjudgment.ContactCustomerSupportforassistance

andthenameofyournearestservicingdealer.

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation

regularly.Refertothemaintenanceandadjustmentsectionsof thismanual.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspectingmachinedisengageall controlleversandstopthe engine.Waituntiltheauger/impeller cometoacompletestop.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.

Checkboltsand screwsforpropertightnessatfrequentintervals tokeepthemachineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually inspectmachineforanydamage.

Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed oftheengine.

Snowthrowershaveplatesandskidshoesaresubjecttowear anddamage.Foryoursafetyprotection,frequentlycheckall componentsand replacewithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's (OEM)partsonly."Useofpartswhichdo notmeettheoriginal equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand compromisesafety!"

Checkcontrolleversperiodicallytoverifytheyengageanddisen- gageproperlyandadjust,if necessary.Referto theadjustment sectioninthisoperator'smanualforinstructions.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsforgas,oil,etc.to protecttheenvironment.

Priorto storing,runmachinea few minutestoclearsnowfrom machineand preventfreezeupofauger/impeller. Neverstorethemachineorfuel containerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkorpilot lightsuchasa waterheater,furnace, clothesdryeretc.

Alwaysrefertotheoperator'smanualforproperinstructionson off-seasonstorage.

Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

Donotcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved. AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)

andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 60 hoursof operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine inspectedannuallybyan authorizedservicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyand not wornexcessively.Failureto do socanresultinaccidents,injuries

ordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),

OxidizingCatalyst(OC),SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)and ThreeWay

Catalyst(TWO)if soequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(ifany)

Ifa sparkattesteris used,it shouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required

bylaw (Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands. A sparkarresterforthemuffleris availablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and

operate

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades

inside

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades

inside

WARNING-- ROTATING AUGER

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute assembly.

Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Do not use the engine's electric starter in the rain

1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGiMPELLER ANDAUGER,CONTACTWiTHiMPELLEROR

AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.

2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG DISCHARGECHUTE.

3.DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,

AND REMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL

MOVING PARTSHAVE STOPPEDBEFORE UNCLOGGING OR SERViCiNGMACHINE.

TO AVOIDTHROWN OBJECTSiNJURiES, NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS. USEEXTRACAUTIONWHEN OPERATINGON

GRAVELSURFACES.

5.BEAD OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

NOTE:Referencesto rightorleftsideofthesnowthrowerare determinedfrombehindtheunitintheoperatingposition(standing directlybehindthesnowthrower,facingthe handlepanel).

REMOVING FROM CARTON

1. Cutthe cornersofthecartonandlay thesidesflaton the ground. Removeanddiscardallpackinginserts.

2. Movethesnowthroweroutof thecarton.

3. Makecertainthecartonhas beencompletelyemptiedbefore discardingit.

LOOSE PARTS

Tworeplacementaugershearpinsare includedwiththismanual.Refer toReplacingShearPinsintheOperationsectionformoreinformation regardingshearpin replacement.

ASSEMBLY

1. Placethe shiftleverin the Forward-6position.

2. Observethe lowerrearareaofthesnowthrowertobesure both cablesarealignedwith rollerguidesbeforepivotingthehandle

upward.See Figure1.

Figure1

NOTE:Makecertainthe upperendsofeachcableare seatedproperly in itsbracket.

Securethehandlebytighteningtheplasticwingknoblocatedon boththe left andrightsidesof thehandle.SeeFigure2.Remove anddiscardanyrubberbands,ifpresent.Theyareforpackaging purposesonly.

Figure2

Positionthechuteassemblyoverthebase.SeeFigure3.

Closetheflangekeepersto securethechuteassemblytothe chutebase.SeeFigure4.Theflangekeeperswillclickintoplace whenproperlysecure.

NOTE:Iftheflangekeeperswillnoteasilyclickintoplace,usethe palmof yourhandtoapplyswift,firmpressuretothe backofeach.

Removetheflatwasherand hairpinclipfromtheendof the chutedirectionalcontrol.

Insertthe endofthechutedirectionalcontrolintothelower bracketandsecurewiththeflatwasherandhairpinclipjust

removed.See Figure5.Ifnecessary,thelowerbracketcan

beadjusted.Referto ChuteBracketAdjustmentinthe Service& Maintenancesection.

f F

Figure4

Figure3

Figure5

SET-UP

Chute Clean-Out Tool Achute clean-out tool is fastenedtothetopof theaugerhousing

witha mountingclip.SeeFigure6.Thetool isdesignedtocleara chuteassemblyoficeandsnow.Thisitemisfastenedwitha cabletie atthefactory.Cutthecable tiebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.

loft _1 .allmovingpartshave

stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtool toclearthechuteassembly.

Tire Pressure

Beforeoperating,checktirepressureandreducepressureinbothtires tobetween15psiand20 psi.

NOTE:If thetirepressureis notequalin bothtires,theunitmaynot travelin a straightpathandtheshaveplatemaywearunevenly.

ADJUSTMENTS

Skid Shoes Thesnowthrowerskidshoesareadjustedupwardatthefactoryfor

shippingpurposes.Adjustthemdownward,ifdesired,priortooperat- ingthesnowthrower.

ChuteClean-outTool

Figure6

It isnotrecommendedthatyouoperatethis snowthrowerongravel asitcaneasilypickup andthrowloosegravel,causingpersonal

njuryordamageto the snowthrowerand surroundng property.

• Forclosesnowremovalona smoothsurface,raiseskidshoes higherontheaugerhousing.

• Usea middleorlowerpositionwhentheareatobe clearedis uneven,suchasagraveldriveway

NOTE:If youchoosetooperatethesnowthrowerona gravelsurface, keepthe skidshoesin positionformaximumclearancebetweenthe groundandtheshaveplate.

Toadjustthe skidshoes:

1. Loosenthefour hexnuts(twooneachside)andcarriagebolts. Moveskidshoestodesiredposition. SeeFigure7.

2. Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceof skidshoeisagainstthe groundtoavoidunevenwearontheskidshoes.

3. Retightennutsand boltssecurely.

Figure7

Chute Assembly Thedistancesnowisthrowncanbeadjustedbychangingtheangleof

thechuteassembly.Todo so:

1. Stopthe enginebyremovingthe ignitionkeyandloosenthe plasticwingknobfoundontheleft sideofthechuteassembly.

2. Pivotthechuteupwardordownwardbeforeretighteningthewing knob.See Figure8.

Auger Control

Priorto operatingyoursnowthrower,carefullyreadandfollowall instructionsbelow.Performalladjustmentstoverifyyoursnow throwerisoperatingsafelyandproperly.

Checktheadjustmentoftheaugercontrolas follows:

1. Whentheaugercontrolis releasedandinthedisengaged"up" position,thecableshouldhavevery littleslack.ItshouldNOTbe tight.

2. Inawell-ventilatedarea,startthesnowthrowerengine.Referto StartingtheEngineinthe Operationsection.

3. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthe snow thrower),engagethe auger.

4. Allowtheaugertoremainengagedforapproximatelyten (10) secondsbeforereleasingthe augercontrol.Repeatthisseveral

times.

5. Withtheaugercontrolin thedisengaged"up"position,walktothe frontofthemachine.

6. Confirmthatthe augerhascompletelystoppedrotatingand showsNOsignsof motion.IftheaugershowsANYsignsof rotating,immediatelyreturntotheoperator'spositionandshutoff theengine.WaitforALLmovingpartstostopbeforeadjustingthe augercontrol.

7. Toreadjustthecontrolcable,loosentheupperhexboltonthe augercablebracket.SeeFigure9.

8. Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(or downward toincreasecabletension).

9. Retightentheupperhex bolt.

10. Repeatsteps2-6aboveto verifyproperadjustmenthasbeen achieved.

Figure8

Figure9

ChuteAssembly

Auger Control

Gas Cap

Clean Out

Tool

Augers _ Skid Shoe

Figure10

Nowthat youhavesetup yoursnowthrower,it'simportanttobecome iGNiTiON KEY acquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.RefertoFigure10.

SHIFT LEVER

Theignitionkeyisa safetydevice.Itmustbe fullyinsertedinorderfor theenginetostart. Removetheignitionkeywhenthesnowthroweris

notinuse.

Chute Directional Control

Recoil Starter Handle

Electric Start Button

Outlet

1 2345 6

Theshiftleverislocatedonthe dashpanel.Placetheshiftleverinto anyof eightpositionstocontrolthedirectionoftravelandground speed.

Forward Yoursnowthrowerhassixforward(F) speeds.Positionone(1)is the

slowestandpositionsix(6) isthe fastest. Reverse

Yoursnowthrowerhastwo reverse(R)speeds.One(1)istheslower andtwo(2) isthe faster.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanSnowThrowersconformtothesafetystandardofthe AmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

NOTE:Donotturntheignitionkeyinanattemptto starttheengine.

Doingsomaycauseitto break.

CHOKE CONTROL

Thechokecontrolisfoundon the rearoftheengineand isactivated byturningtherotarychokeknobtotheCHOKEposition.Activating thechokecontrolclosesthechokeplateon thecarburetorandaids in startingthe engine.

STOP SWITCH

Pressintothe ONpositionwhen startingtheengineandwill shutoff

theenginewhenmovedintotheOFFposition.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

Thishandleisusedto manuallystarttheengine.

ELECTRIC STARTER BUTTON

Pressingtheelectricstarterbuttonengagestheengine'selectric starterwhenpluggedintoa 120Vpowersource,

ELECTRIC STARTER OUTLET

Requirestheuseof athree-prongoutdoorextensioncord(included) anda 120Vpowersource/walloutlet.

PRIMER

Depressingthe primerforcesfueldirectlyintothe engine'scarburetor toaidin cold-weatherstarting,

OiL FILL

Engineoil levelcanbecheckedand oiladdedthroughtheoil fill.

GAS CAP

Unthreadthegascaptoaddgasolinetothefuel tank.

DRIVE CONTROL/AUGER CONTROL LOCK

Thedrivecontrolislocatedon the righthandle.Squeezethecontrol gripagainstthehandletoengagethe wheeldrive.Releaseto stop.

Thedrivecontrolalsolockstheaugercontrolso youcan operate thechutedirectionalcontrolwithoutinterruptingthesnowthrowing

process,iftheaugercontrolisengagedsimultaneouslywiththedrive control,the operatorcan releasetheaugercontrol(onthelefthandle) andtheaugerswillremainengaged.Releasebothcontrolstostopthe augersandwheeldrive.

AUGERS

Whenengaged,theaugersrotateanddrawsnowintotheauger housing.

CHUTE ASSEMBLY

Snowdrawnintotheaugerhousingisdischargedoutthechute assembly.

AUGER CONTROL

Theaugercontrolislocatedonthe left handle.Squeezethecontrol gripagainstthehandletoengagetheaugersandstart snowthrowing action.Releasetostop.

NOTE:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.

Failureto dosowillresultinincreasedwearon yourmachine'sdrive

system.

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

f -\

CHUTE DiRECTiONAL CONTROL

ADJUSTABLE

DISCHARGE

LEFT

DISCHARGE

Thechutedirectionalcontrolislocatedonleft sideof thesnowthrower. Tochangethedirectioninwhichsnowisthrown,turnchutedirectional

controlasfollows: * Crankclockwiseto dischargeto theleft.

* Crankcounterclockwisetodischargeto the right.

SKiD SHOES

Positiontheskidshoesbasedonsurfaceconditions.Adjustupward forhard-packedsnow.Adjustdownwardwhenoperatingon gravelor

crushedrocksurfaces.

CHUTETILT

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

Neveruseyour handsto clearacloggedchuteassembly.Shut offengineand remainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtool toclearthechuteassembly.

Thechuteclean-outtool isconvenientlyfastenedtotherearof the augerhousingwitha mountingclip.Shouldsnowandice become lodgedin thechuteassemblyduringoperation,proceedasfollowsto safelycleanthechuteassemblyandchuteopening:

1. Releaseboththe AugerControlandthe DriveControl.

2. Stopthe enginebyremovingthe ignitionkey.

3. Removetheclean-outtoolfromthe clipwhichsecuresittothe rearoftheaugerhousing.

4. Usethe shovel-shapedendof theclean-outtooltodislodgeand scoopanysnowandicewhichhasformedin andnearthechute assembly.

5. Refastentheclean-outtoolto themountingclip ontherearof theaugerhousing,reinsertthe ignitionkeyandstartthesnow thrower'sengine.

6. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthesnow thrower),engagethe augercontrolfora fewsecondstoclearany remainingsnowandice fromthechuteassembly.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthevaporsare explosive.Neverfuelthe machine indoorsorwhiletheengineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

Alwaysfillthefueltankoutdoorsand usea funnelor spoutto preventspilling.

• Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedgasolinewitha minimum of85octane.Freshfuelpreventsgumfromforminginthe fuel systemoronessentialcarburetorparts.Purchasefuelin a quantitythatcanbeusedwithin30 days.

• Neverfillthefuel tankcompletely.Fillthetanktowithin1-1/2" fromthetopto providespaceforexpansionoffuel.

• Makesuretowipeoff anyspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Makecertainboththe augercontrolanddrivecontrolarein the disengaged(released)position.

2. Insertignitionkeyinto slot.Makesure itsnapsintoplace.Donot attempttoturnthekey.

NOTE:Theenginecannotstartwithoutthe keyisfullyinsertedintothe ignitionswitch.

Electric Starter Determinethatyourhome'swiringisathree-wiregroundedsystem.

Aska licensedelectricianifyou arenotcertain.

Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsandwarningson the machineand inthismanualbeforeoperating.

Oil Theunitwasshippedwithoil inthe engine.Checkoil levelbeforeeach

operationto ensureadequateoilin theengine.Forfurtherinstructions, referto thestepsonpage16.

1. Removethedipstickfromtheoil fill.

2. Checkandmakesurethatthe levelof oil isupto the FULLmark onthedipstick.

3. Ifthe oil levelis notupto FULL,pourfreshmotoroil (5W-30,with a minimumclassificationofSF/SG/SH/SJ)slowlythroughthe opening.Replaceoil fill dipstickandcheckoil levelagain.

Gasoline

• Storegasolineinaclean,approvedcontainerandkeepthecapin placeonthecontainer.

• Makesurethatthecontainerfromwhichyoupourthe gasolineis cleanandfreefromrustor otherforeignparticles.

Theoptionalelectricstarterisequippedwitha groundedthree-wire powercordandplug,and is designedto operateon 120voltAC householdcurrent.It mustbeusedwitha properlygroundedthree- prongreceptacleatall timesto avoidthe possibilityofelectricshock.

Followall instructionscarefullypriortooperatingtheelectricstarter. DONOTuse electricstarterinthe rain.

Ifyouhavea groundedthree-prongreceptacle,proceedasfollows:

1. Plugtheextensioncordintotheoutletlocatedontheengine's surface.Plugtheotherendof extensioncord intoa three-prong

120-volt,grounded,ACoutletinawell-ventilatedarea.

2. RotatechokecontroltoCHOKEIJl position.

3. Ifit is 15°Forhigherpushprimertwotimes,ifbelow15°F,push primerfourtimes.

4. PushStopswitchto ONposition.

5. Pushstarterbuttonto startengine.

Toprolongstarterlife,useshortstartingcycles(5 secondsmaximum thenwaitoneminute).

6. Oncethe enginestarts,releasestarterbutton.

7. Allowtheenginetowarmup severalminutes,adjustingchoke towardRUNposition.Waituntilenginerunssmoothlybeforeeach chokeadjustment.

8. Whendisconnectingthe extensioncord,alwaysunplugtheend atthethree-prongwalloutletbeforeunpluggingtheoppositeend

fromthesnowthrower.

Recoil Starter

1. Rotatechokecontrolto CHOKE IJl position.

2. Depressprimer.Ifit is 15°Forhigherpushprimertwotimes,if below15°F,pushprimerfourtimes.

3. PushStopswitchto ONposition.

4. Graspthe recoilstarterhandleandslowlypullthe ropeout.At thepointwhereit becomesslightlyhardertopullthe rope,slowly allowthe ropeto recoil.

5. Pullthe starterhandlewitha firm, rapidstroke.Donotrelease thehandleandallowittosnap back.Keepa firmholdonthe starterhandleandallowittoslowlyrecoil.

6. Allowtheenginetowarmup severalminutes,adjustingchoke towardRUNposition.Waituntilenginerunssmoothlybeforeeach chokeadjustment.

NOTE:NEVERrepositiontheshiftlever(changespeedsordirection oftravel)withoutfirstreleasingthedrivecontrolandbringingthesnow throwertoacompletestop.Doingsowill resultin prematurewearto thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.

TO ENGAGE AUGERS

1. Toengagethe augersandstartthrowingsnow,squeezethe augercontrolagainstthelefthandle.Releasetostoptheaugers.

REPLACING SHEAR PINS

Theaugersare securedtothespiralshaftwithfourshearpinsand

bow-tieclips.Ifthe augershouldstrikea foreignobjector icejam, thesnowthrowerisdesignedsothattheshearpinsmayshear.Ifthe augerswill notturn,checktoseeifthepins havesheared.SeeFigure

11.

NEVERreplacetheaugershearpinswithanythingotherthanSears SKU#88389/OEM PartNo.738-04124Areplacementshearpins. Anydamagetotheaugergearboxorothercomponentsasaresultof failingto do sowill NOTbecoveredbyyoursnowthrower'swarranty.

Alwaysturnoff thesnowthrower'sengineand removethekeypriorto

replacingshearpins.

Toavoidunsupervisedengineoperation,neverleavethe machine

unattendedwiththeenginerunning.Turntheengineoffafter useand removeignitionkey.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Afteryouarefinishedsnow-throwing,runengineforafewminutes beforestoppingtohelpdry offanymoistureontheengine.

1. PushStopswitchto OFFposition.

2. Removetheignitionkeyandstoreina safeplace.

3. Wipeall snowandmoisturefromtheareaaroundtheengineas wellas theareainandaroundthe drivecontrolandaugercontrol. Also,engageand releasebothcontrolsseveraltimes.

TO ENGAGE DRIVE

1. Moveshiftleverintooneofthesixforward(F) positionsor two reverse(R)positions.Selecta speedappropriateforthe snow conditionsand a paceyou'recomfortablewith.

NOTE: WhenselectingaDriveSpeed,usetheslowerspeedsuntil youarecomfortableandfamiliarwiththe operationofthesnow

thrower.

2. Squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthehandleandthesnow throwerwillmove.Releaseit anddrivemotionwillstop.

Figure11

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.

EachUse

1st5 to8hours

Annuallyor25hours

Annuallyor50hours

Annuallyor100hours

BeforeStorage

Underheavyloadorinhightemperatures

1. Engineoillevel

2. Looseormissinghardware

3. Unitand engine.

1. Engineoil

1. Engineoi11-

2. Controllinkagesand pivots

3. Wheels

4. GearshaftandAugershaft

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

1. Fuelsystem

1. Check

2. Tightenor replace

3. Clean

1. Change

2. Lubewithlightoil

3. Lubewithmultipurposeautogrease

4. Lubewithlightoil

1. Change

1. Check/Change

1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof

completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest Sears Service

Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

= =

fueloraddagasolineadditivetothe gasinthetank.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,disengageall controls

Iandstopengine.Waituntilall movingpartshavecometo a complete [stop.

Checking Engine Oil

1. Besureengineis uprightandlevel.

2. Unscrewoil fillcapfromoil fillertubeandwipe dipstickclean.

3. Screwoil fillcapbackintooil fillertube.Tightensecurely.

4. Unscrewand removeoilfill capfromoilfillertube.Noteoillevel. Ifoil readingondipstickisbelow"ADD"mark,slowlyaddoil to reach"FULL"level.SeeFigure12.

5. Screwoil fillcapbackintooil fillertube.Tightensecurely.

6. Wipeawayanyspilledoil.

Changing Engine Oil Toavoidenginedamage,it isimportantto:

• Checkoillevelbeforeeachuseandeveryeightoperatinghours.

• Changeoilafterfirst5 to8operatinghoursandevery50operat-

inghoursor oncea seasonthereafter.

1. Placeenginelevelandremovesafetykey.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepitawayfromsparkplug (Refertonextsection).Ifconnected,disconnectextensioncord frompowersource.

..J

,,.J

U.,

Maintain oil level

at FULL

a a

Figure12

3. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,removeoildrainpluganddrainoil intoanappropriatereceptacle.SeeFigure13.

Usedoilisahazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoilproperly.

IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-

ItiesorSearsServiceCenterfor safedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

4. Reinstalloildrainplugandtightensecurely.

5. Refilltheenginewithrecommendedoil.SeeRecommendedOil Usagechart.The engine'soilcapacityis20ounces.

Recommended Oil Usage

6. Wipeawayanyspilledoil.

Checking Spark Plug Checksparkplugyearlyorevery100operatinghours.

1. Removechokecontrolknobandsafetykey.

2. Loosenandremovethe mountingscrewsfromthesnowhood. SeeFigure14.

3. Slowlyremovethesnowhood,makingsurethatthe primerbulb hoseandignitionwireremainconnected.SeeFigure14inset.

4. Removeandinspectsparkplug.

5. Replacesparkplugif porcelainiscrackedorif electrodesare pitted,burnedorfouledwithdeposits.

6. Checkelectrodegapwithafeelergaugeandsetgapto .030 (0.76ram)ifnecessary.SeeFigure15.

7. Reinstallsparkplugandtightensecurely.

8. Remountthe snowhoodtotheenginewith themountingscrews, againmakingsurethe primerbulbhoseandignitionwireare

connected.

9. Connectthechokecontrolknobto thechokeshaftonthe carburetor.Ifthechokecontrolknobisnotinstalledcorrectly,the

chokewillnotoperate.

10. Installthe safetykey.

0il FIll

Oil Drain

Figure13

Screws

Figure14

,,!

NOTE:A resistorsparkplugmustbe usedfor replacement.Contacta SearsPartsand RepairCenteror 1-800-4-MY-HOME®forareplace- mentsparkplug,Champion®partnumberRC12YC. Carburetor

Enginesoperatedatabout3000to5000feet(900to1500meters) abovesealevelmayrequireahighaltitudecarburetormainjet.If erraticperformanceis observed,contactaSearsPartsand Repair Centerforcosttoinstall/purchaseahighaltitudecarburetormainjet.

1..030 (.76mm)Gap

2. Electrodes

_. Porcelain

Figure15

Engine Speed

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,DONOTmodifyengineinany way.Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcancausetheengineand equipmenttooperateatunsafespeeds.NEVERtamperwithfactory

settingofenginegovernor.Runningtheenginefasterthanthespeed setatthefactoryis dangerous.

LUBRICATION

Gear Shaft Thegear(hex)shaftshouldbe lubricatedatleastoncea seasonor

afterevery25 hoursofoperation.

1. Topreventspillage,removeall fuelfromtankbyrunningengine untilitstops.

2. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardso that itrestson theaugerhousing.

3. Removethe lowerframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnow throwerbyremovingthe fourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.

4. Applya lightcoatingofengineoil(or3-in-1oil) to thehexshaft. SeeFigure16.

NOTE:Whenlubricatingthehexshaft,be carefulnottogetanyoilon thealuminumdriveplateor rubberfrictionwheel.Doingsowillhinder thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.Wipeoff anyexcessor spilledoil. Wheels

Atleastoncea season,removebothwheels.Cleanandcoattheaxles witha multipurposeautomotivegreasebeforereinstallingwheels.

Figure16

Chute Directional Control Oncea season,lubricatetheeyeboltbushingandthespiralwith

3-in-1oil.

Auger Shaft Atleastoncea season,removetheshearpinson augershaft.Spray

lubricantinsideshaft,andaroundthespacersandflangebearings foundat eitherendoftheshaft.SeeFigure17.

SHAVE PLATE AND SKID SHOES

Theshaveplateand skidshoesonthe bottomof thesnowthrowerare subjecttowear.Theyshouldbecheckedperiodicallyandreplaced whennecessary. Toremoveskidshoes:

1. Removethefour carriagebolts,washers,andhexflangenuts whichsecurethemto thesnowthrower.

2. Reassemblenewskidshoeswiththefourcarriagebolts(twoon eachside),washers,andhexflangenuts.Referto Figure18.

Toremoveshaveplate:

1. Removethecarriageboltsand hexnutswhichattachit tothe snowthrowerhousing.

2. Reassemblenewshaveplate,makingsureheadsof carriage boltsareto theinsideof housing.Tightensecurely.Referto Figure18.

,,.

Figure17

x X \

NOTE:Angers notshownfor clarity.

Figure18

ADJUSTMENTS

Shift Cable

If thefull rangeofspeeds(forwardandreverse)cannotbe achieved, referto thefiguretotherightandadjusttheshiftcableasfollows:

1. Placethe shiftleverin thefastest (F6) forwardspeedposition.

2. Loosenthehex nuton theshiftcableindexbracket.SeeFigure

19.

3. Pivotthebracketdownwardtotakeupslackinthecable.

4. Retightenthehexnut.

Drive Control Whenthedrivecontrolis releasedandin thedisengaged"up"position,

thecableshouldhaveverylittle slack.It shouldNOTbetight.Also, ifthereisexcessiveslackin thedrivecableor iftheunitexperiences intermittentdrivewhileusing,thecablemayneedtobeadjusted. Checktheadjustmentofthedrivecontrolas follows:

1. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,pushthesnowthrowergently forward.Theunitshouldrollfreely.

2. Engagethedrivecontrolandgentlyattempttopushthesnow throwerforward.Thewheelsshouldnotturn.Theunitshouldnot

rollfreely.

3. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,movetheshiftleverbackand forthbetweenthe R2positionandthe F6positionseveraltimes.

Thereshouldbeno resistancein the shiftlever.

4. If anyoftheabovetestsfailed,thedrivecableisin needofadjust- ment.Proceedasfollows:

5. Loosenthelowerhexboltonthe drivecable bracket.SeeFigure

20.

6. Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(or downward toincreasecabletension).

7. Retightenthelowerhexbolt.

Figure19

Chute Bracket If thespiralatthe bottomofthechutedirectionalcontrolisnotfully

engagingwiththechuteassembly,thechutebracketcanbeadjusted. Todo so:

1. Loosenthetwonutswhichsecurethechutebracketandreposi- tionitslightly.See Figure21.

2. Retightenthenuts.

Figure20

Figure21

Auger Control f "_ RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingtheauger

controlcable.

Skid Shoes RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingtheskid

shoes.

BELT REPLACEMENT

Auger Belt

Toremoveandreplaceyoursnowthrower'saugerbelt,proceedas follows:

1. Topreventspillage,removeall fuelfromtankbyrunningengine untilitstops.

2. Removethe plasticbeltcoveronthefrontof theenginebyremov- ingthetwoself-tappingscrews.SeeFigure22.

3. Rolltheaugerbeltoff theenginepulley.SeeFigure23.

4. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardso that itrestson theaugerhousing.

5. Removetheframecoverfromthe undersideof thesnowthrower byremovingfourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.SeeFigure

24.

Figure22

Figure 23

Figure24

6. Removethebeltasfollows.RefertoFigure25. a. Loosenandremovetheshoulderscrewwhichactsasabelt

keeper.

b. Unhookthesupportbracketspringfromtheframe.

7. Removethebeltfromaroundtheaugerpulley,andslipthebelt betweenthesupportbracketandtheaugerpulley.SeeFigure26.

8. Reassembleaugerbeltbyfollowinginstructionsinreverseorder.

9. PerformtheAugerControltestoutlinedintheAssemblysection ofthismanual.

NOTE:DoNOTforgettoreinstalltheshoulderscrewandreconnect thespringtotheframeafterinstallingareplacementaugerbelt.

Drive Belt Toremoveandreplaceyoursnowthrower'sdrivebelt,proceedas

follows:

1. Topreventspillage,removeallfuel fromtankby runningengine untilit stops.

2. Removetheplasticbelt coveronthe frontoftheengineby remov- ingthetwoself-tappingscrews.See Figure22on previouspage.

3. Removethebeltasfollows.Referto Figure27. a. Rolltheaugerbeltoff theenginepulley.

b. Useawrenchto pivottheidlerpulleytowardthe right. c. Liftthedrivebeltoffenginepulley.

/" }

Figure25

Figure26

Figure27

4, Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothatitrestson

theaugerhousing.

5. Removetheframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnowthrower byremovingfourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.Referto

Figure24,

6. Backoutthestopbolttoincreasetheclearancebetweenthe frictionwheeldiscandfrictionwheel,SeeFigure28,

7. Slipthedrivebeltoffthepulleyandbetweenfrictionwheeland frictionwheeldisc,SeeFigure28,

8, Removeandreplacebeltinthereverseorder, NOTE:Engagingthedrivecontrolwilleasereassemblyofthebelt.

FRICTION WHEEL REMOVAL

Ifthe snowthrowerfailstodrive withthedrivecontrolengaged, andperformingthedrivecontrolcableadjustmentfailsto correct theproblem,the frictionwheelmayneedto be replaced.Followthe instructionsbelow.Examinethefrictionwheelfor signsofwearor crackingandreplaceifnecessary.

1. Topreventspillage,removeall fuelfromtankbyrunningengine untilitstops.

2. Placethe shiftleverin third Forward(F3)position.

3. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardso that itrestson theaugerhousing.

4. Removetheframecoverfromthe undersideof thesnowthrower byremovingfourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.

5. Removethe right-handwheelbyremovingthescrewandbell washerwhichsecureitto theaxle.SeeFigure29.

6. Carefullyremovethehexnutandwasherwhichsecuresthe hex shaftto thesnowthrowerframeandlightlytaptheshaft'send todislodgetheballbearingfromtherightsideof theframe.See Figure30.

Stop Bolt

Figure28

/ ii

Figure29

Figure30

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