12
Before Operating
If you leave the key in the ignition switch, someone
could accidently start the engine and seriously
injure you or other bystanders.
Remove the key from the ignition and disconnect
the wire from the spark plug before you do any
maintenance. Set the wire aside so that it does not
accidentally contact the spark plug.
Caution
Checking the Crankcase Oil
The engine is shipped with 1-3/4 US quarts (1.66 l) (w/
filter) of oil in the crankcase; however, the oil level must be
checked before and after the engine is first started.
The engine uses any high-quality detergent oil having the
American Petroleum Institute (API) “service classification”
SJ. The recommended viscosity (weight) is SAE 30.
1. Position the machine on a level surface.
2. Remove the engine cover.
3. Pull out the dipstick (Fig. 4) and wipe it with a clean
rag. Insert the dipstick into the tube and make sure that
it is seated fully. Remove the dipstick from the tube and
check the oil level. If the oil level is low, remove the
filler cap from the valve cover (next to the dipstick) and
add enough oil to raise the level to the FULL mark on
the dipstick.
1
Figure 4
1. Dipstick
4. Install the dipstick firmly in place.
Important The dipstick must be fully seated in the tube
to provide proper sealing of the engine crankcase. Failure
to seal the crankcase may result in engine damage.
5. Install the engine cover.
Important Check the oil level every 8 operating hours
or daily. Initially, change the oil after the first 8 hours of
operation; thereafter, under normal conditions, change the
oil every 25 hours and the filter every 100 hours. However,
change the oil more frequently when the engine is operated
in extremely dusty or dirty conditions.
Filling the Fuel Tank
Use UNLEADED Regular Gasoline suitable for automotive
use (87 pump octane minimum). Leaded regular gasoline
may be used if unleaded regular is not available.
Important Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol
because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
• Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline
that spills.
• Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. Add
gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is 1 in.
(25 mm) below the bottom of the filler neck.
This empty space in the tank allows gasoline to
expand.
• Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
• Store gasoline in an approved container and
keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy
more than a 30-day supply of gasoline.
• Always place gasoline containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel the
equipment with its wheels on the ground.
• If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used, keep
the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
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