Poulan PR8527ES User Manual - Page 11

OPERATION TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 16) NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be used to adjust the skid plates. Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to proper height for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in normal conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewalk, place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper clearance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface to be cleared is uneven. NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property damage or damage to the snow thrower. • If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface, use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted to lowest (highest scraper clearance) position. 1. Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. 2. Adjust skid plates by loosening the hex nuts, then moving skid plate to desired position. Be sure both plates are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely. HIGH POSITION (LOW GROUND CLEARANCE) WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. 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. Empty 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. CHOKE CONTROL SAFETY IGNITION KEY THROTTLE PRIMER ENGINE OIL FILL CAP / DIPSTICK AUGER HOUSING HEX NUTS SCRAPER BAR SKID PLATE GASOLINE FILLER CAP LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE) FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE FIG. 16 SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 16) RECOIL STARTER HANDLE STARTER BUTTON POWER CORD PLUG The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After considerable use it may become worn. When it has worn NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION. ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT. almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed, providing additional service before requiring replacement. FIG. 17 Replace a damaged or worn scraper bar. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE • Be sure fuel shut-off valve is in the "OPEN" position. CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 17) Your snow thrower engine is equipped with both a 120 Volt The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from A.C. electric starter and a recoil starter. The electric starter the factory, already filled with oil. is equipped with a three-wire power cord and plug and is 1. Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground. designed to operate on 120 Volt A.C. household current. 2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until • Be sure your house is a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire grounded system. If you are uncertain, consult a licensed electrician. "FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill. • To change engine oil, see "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Maintenance section of this manual. WARNING: Do not use the electric starter if your house is not a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire grounded system. Seri- ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 17) • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over- ous personal injury or damage to your snow thrower could result. fill. 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. 11