Weed Eater VIP HDF550A - Before Starting Engine

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER
A CAUTION: Before lifting or transport¬
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake
spring.
• Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.
• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUND TOWN
» Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT; BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW
DIRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR
ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND
STORE IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED
CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 7)
• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil,
• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.
• Engine oil should be to point of overflowing. For
approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICA¬
TIONS” on page 3 of this manual.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili¬
ties section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32“F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING: Experience indicates that 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 stor¬
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See the Storage
section of this manual for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2" (1.3 cm) of
top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to
allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is
accidentally spilled, move machine
away from area of spill. Avoid creating
any source of ignition until gasoline
vapors have disappeared.
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso¬
line near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
A
CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF”
position when starting engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
® Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
• With engine fully choked, grasp recoil starter handle
with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand.
Pul! rope out slowly until engine reaches start of
compression cycle (rope will puli slightly harder at this
point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary
in half choked position.
» When engine starts, slowly move choke control to
“RUN” position as engine warms up.
NOTE; A warm engine requires less choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold tempera¬
tures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to
be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO AD¬
JUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
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