Poulan PR120N20S Owner Manual - Page 10

ASSEMBLY SPARK PLUG BOOT On some models a spark plug boot is packed loose in the parts bag. If your model has the boot, install on spark plug wire and reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug. Spark plug UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY: • After charging, connect engine connector (male) to battery connector (female). Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge battery as required. IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will not charge a discharged battery. ALL UNITS: At the end of the mowing season the battery should be charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter storage. CAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector from the battery connector to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your lawn mower after the season. Boot TO PREPARE BATTERY (ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY) NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower. UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH: • Connect battery charger connector (male) to harness connector (female). UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY: • Disconnect engine connector (male) from battery connector (female). • Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery connector (female). ALL UNITS: • Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet. • Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for the first time. UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH: • After charging, disconnect harness connector (female) from battery charger connector (male). Connect your battery charger to charge battery after each use. IMPORTANT: The engine will not recharge your battery. HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH Engine connector (male) Harness connector (female) Battery charger Charger connector (male) DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY Battery charger Charger Harness connector connector (male) (female) Battery box Engine connector (male) 10 OPERATION BEFORE STARTING ENGINE Read the engine manual packed with your mower. FILL ENGINE WITH OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine. • Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean. • Remove engine oil filler plug (oil fill cap/ dipstick on models so equipped). • Slowly add oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Mainte- Operator presence control bar nance section of this manual. • Fill to the top of slot in filler hole (to "FULL" line on dipstick on models so equipped). Do not overfill. • Replace plug (oil fill cap/dipstick on models so equipped) and tighten. • Check oil level before each use. Add oil Recoil starter handle as needed. • To change oil, see Maintenance section of this manual. FILL GASOLINE TANK • Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERFILL TANK. WARNING: 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 fuel tank, start the engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next TO START ENGINE CAUTION: The mower blade rotates whenever the engine is running. NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal. • Place engine START/STOP switch (if equipped) in the ON position. • Move engine speed control to FAST po- sition (or to CHOKE/START position on models equipped with choke feature). • If your mower has a primer, to start a cold engine, push primer as many times as instructed in the engine manual packed with your mower. Use a firm push. This step is not usually neces- season. See Storage Instructions for sary when starting an engine which has additional information. Never use engine already run for a few minutes. or carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. TO STOP ENGINE • To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar and/or place engine • Hold operator presence control bar down against handle. MODELS WITH RECOIL STARTER • Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back. MODELS WITH ELECTRIC STARTER START/STOP switch (if equipped) in the • Push the engine start button (or turn the OFF position. key on models so equipped). NOTE: For engines with a primer, it may IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more be necessary to repeat priming steps than five continous seconds each time you in cooler weather. In warmer weather, try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between overpriming may cause flooding and each attempt. engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT repeat ALL MODELS • For engines equipped with choke, slowly move engine speed control lever priming steps. 15 to FAST after engine starts.