Poulan HDF900 Owner Manual - Page 8

OPERATION TO TRANSPORT CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank. AROUND THE YARD • Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spring. • Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground. • Push or pull tiller to desired location. AROUND TOWN • Disconnect spark plug wire. • Drain fuel tank. • Transport in upright position to prevent oil 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. FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7) 1. Remove hangtag from engine. 2. With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug. 3. Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi- mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SG-SL. 4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level. 5. With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if necessary. Replace oil filler plug. • For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill to within 1/2" of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2" of top 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. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING. 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 avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8) CAUTION: KEEP TINE CONTROL IN "OFF" POSITION WHEN STARTING ENGINE. OIL FILLER PLUG Fig. 7 MAXIMUM UPPER LEVEL MINIMUM LOWER LEVEL When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected. 2. Place the fuel valve to the "ON" position. 3. To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the "ON" position. 4. Move the throttle lever away from the "SLOW" position, about 1/3 of the way toward the "FAST" position. 5. Turn the engine switch to the "ON" position. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). 6. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary. NOTE: IF ENGINE FIRES BUT DOES NOT START, MOVE CHOKE CONTROL TO HALF CHOKE POSITION. PULL RECOIL STARTER HANDLE UNTIL ENGINE STARTS. 8