10
Operation
Start the Engine
 1.  Clean the fuel cap area of dirt and debris. Remove the fuel cap 
(D, Figure 1).
 2.  Fill the fuel tank with fuel. To allow for expansion of the fuel, do 
not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
 3.  Install the fuel cap.
Add Fuel
 WARNING
When Adding Fuel
•   Turn off engine and let cool at least 2 minutes before 
removing the fuel cap and adding fuel.
•   Fill fuel tank outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
•   Do not overfill the fuel tank. To allow for the expansion of 
gasoline, do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
•   Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, 
and other ignition sources.
•   If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable 
and explosive. Always handle fuel with 
extreme care.
Failure to observe these safety instructions can 
cause a fire or explosion which will result in 
severe burns or death.
 WARNING
When Starting Engine
•   Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner (if 
equipped) are in place and secured.
•   Do not crank the engine with the spark plug removed.
•   If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but move 
the snowthrower away from the area of the spill, and avoid 
creating any source of ignition, until the fuel vapors have 
dissipated.
•   Do not over-prime the engine. Follow the engine starting 
instructions in this manual.
•   If the engine floods, set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN 
position, move throttle (if equipped) to FAST position and 
crank until engine starts.
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable 
and explosive. Always handle fuel with 
extreme care.
Failure to observe these safety instructions can 
cause a fire or explosion which will result in 
severe burns or death.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kickback) 
will pull your hand and arm toward the engine 
faster than you can let go. 
Broken bones, fractures, bruises, or sprains 
could result.
When Starting the Engine
•  Pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt and then 
pull rapidly to avoid kickback.
WARNING
Damaged or ungrounded power cords could 
cause electric shock.
Electric shock could cause severe burns or 
death.
When Using the Electric Starter
•  The power cord must be properly grounded at all times.
•  Use only a three-conductor power cord properly grounded 
to the power source.
•  If the extension cord is damaged, it must be replaced a 
qualied person to avoid a hazard.
NOTE: The electric starter is designed for a three-conductor 
power cord only and operates on standard household current.  If a 
properly grounded electrical source is not available, DO NOT use 
the electric starter.  Contact a licensed electrician for installation of 
a properly grounded system.
 1.  Check the oil level. See Add Oil / Check Oil Level.
 2.  Ensure the auger control is disengaged.
 3.  Insert the ON/OFF key (A, Figure 2) and turn to the ON 
position or insert the Push/Pull key, if equipped.
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an 
odorless, colorless, poison gas. Breathing 
carbon monoxide can cause nausea, fainting, 
or death.
WARNING
•  Start and run engine outdoors.
•   Do not run the engine in an enclosed area, even if doors or 
windows are open.