Craftsman 28990 Operation Manual - Page 17

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel Service reminder shows the total number next season. See Storage instructions for of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the service reminder wilt flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual. NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not running. additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. TO START ENGINE When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE 2. Sit on seat in operating position, depress CHECK ENGINE OiL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2. Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dip- stick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. Remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL' mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill. • For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Usefresh, clean, regutarunleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used brake pedal and set parking brake. 3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged position. 4. Move throttle control to fast position 5. Pullchokecontrotoutforacotd enginestart attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. 6. insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, putt the choke control out and retry. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above) 7. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly, if the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. if the engine does not within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. accept the load, restart the engine and _,CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. near an open flame. COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and iMPORTANT: When operating in temper- below) atures betow32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean 8. When engine starts, slowly push choke winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines seconds to several minutes, depending 17 on the temperature.