Stihl FB 131 Instruction Manual - Page 8

English WARNING Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. If spilled and ignited by a spark or other ignition source, it can cause fire and serious burn injury or property damage. Use extreme caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame near the fuel or the power tool. Note that combustible fuel vapor may escape from the fuel system. Fueling Instructions WARNING To reduce the risk of fire and serious personal injury, always place the power tool on the ground before attempting to fuel the machine. WARNING Pick a Safe Location To reduce the risk of fire and explosion, fuel your power tool in a well-ventillated area, outdoors away from flames, pilot lights, heaters, electric motors, and other sources of ignition. Vapors can be ignited by a spark or flame many feet away. Select bare ground for fueling and move at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling spot before starting the engine. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting your power tool. Take care not to get fuel on your clothing. If this happens, change your clothing immediately. Allow the Power Tool to Cool Before Removing the Fuel Cap WARNING Gasoline vapor pressure may build up inside the fuel tank. The amount of pressure depends on a number of factors such as the fuel used, altitude and temperature. To reduce the risk of burns and other personal injury from escaping gas, vapor and fumes, always shut off the engine and allow it to cool before removing the fuel cap. The engine is air cooled. When it is shut off, cooling air is no longer drawn across the cylinder and engine temperatures will rise for several minutes before starting to cool. In hot environments, cooling will take longer. To reduce the risk of burns and other personal injury from escaping gas, vapor and fumes, allow the power tool to cool. If you need to refuel before completing a job, turn off the machine and allow the engine to cool before opening the fuel tank. Fuel Spraying or "Geysering" WARNING Removing the cap on a pressurized fuel tank can result in gasoline, vapors and fumes being forcefully sprayed out from the fuel tank in all directions. The escaping gasoline, vapors or fumes can cause serious personal injury, including fire and burn injury, or property damage. Sometimes also referred to as "fuel geysering," fuel spraying is an expulsion of fuel, vapors and fumes which can occur in hot conditions, or when the engine is hot, and the tank is opened without allowing the power tool to cool adequately. It is more likely to occur when the fuel tank is half full or more. Pressure is caused by fuel and heat and can occur even if the engine has not been running. When gasoline in the fuel tank is heated (by ambient temperatures, heat from the engine, or other sources), vapor pressure will increase inside the fuel tank. Some blends of gasoline, particularly those designed for use in winter, are more volatile and may cause tanks to pressurize more quickly or create greater pressure. At higher altitudes, fuel tank pressurization is more likely. How to Avoid Fuel Spraying Removing the fuel cap on a pressurized tank can result in gasoline, vapors and fumes being forcefully sprayed out from the fuel tank in all directions. To reduce the risk of burns, serious injuries or property damage from fuel spraying: - Follow the fueling instructions in this chapter. - Always assume your fuel tank is pressurized. - Allow the power tool to cool before removing the fuel cap. 6 FB 131