Craftsman 247.881700 Operator's Manual page 13

Gasoline
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combus-
tion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with
up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be
used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting
dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use E85 gasoline.
• Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not
smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is
refueled or where gasoline is stored.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the tank
cap is closed properly and securely.
• Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor
may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before
starting the engine.
• Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of
vapor.
WARNING
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel to avoid dirt and
debris falling into fuel tank.
2. A fuel level indicator is located in the fuel tank. Fill tank until fuel
reaches the fuel level indictor. See Figure 10 inset. Be careful not
to overfill.
Starting The Engine
WARNING
Always keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Do not use a
pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.
NOTE: For location of all the engine controls referred to in this section,
refer to Figure 9 on page 12.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after starting.
The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating
temperatures.
1. Make certain both the auger control and drive control are in the
disengaged (released) position.
2. Insert key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. Do not attempt
to turn the key.
NOTE: The engine cannot start without the key fully inserted into the
switch.
Electric Starter
WARNING
The optional electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC
household current. It must be used with a properly grounded three-
prong receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
DO NOT use electric starter in the rain.
OPERATION
Determine that your home's wiring is a three-wire grounded system.
Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows.
If you do not have the proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric
starter under any conditions.
1. Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine's
surface. Plug the other end of extension cord into a three-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit)
3. Move choke control to the CHOKE position
start). If engine is warm, place choke control in RUN position.
4. Push primer three (3) times, making sure to cover vent hole when
pushing. If engine is warm, push primer only once. Always cover
vent hole when pushing. Cool weather may require priming to be
repeated.
5. Push and hold starter button down to start engine. Once the
engine starts, immediately release starter button. Electric
starter is equipped with thermal overload protection; system will
temporarily shut down to allow starter to cool if electric starter
becomes overloaded.
6. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to RUN
position. If the engine falters, restart engine and run with choke
control at half-choke position for a short period of time, and then
slowly rotate the choke into RUN position.
7. After engine is running, disconnect power cord from electric
starter. When disconnecting, always unplug the end at the wall
outlet before unplugging the opposite end from the engine.
Recoil Starter
Do not pull the starter handle while the engine running.
1. Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit)
2. Move choke control to the CHOKE position
start). If engine is warm, place choke control in RUN position.
3. Push primer three (3) times, making sure to cover vent hole when
pushing. If engine is warm, push primer only once. Always cover
vent hole when pushing. Cool weather may require priming to be
repeated.
4. Pull gently on the starter handle until it begins to resist, then pull
quickly and forcefully to overcome the compression. Engine should
start. Do not release the handle and allow it to snap back. Return
rope SLOWLY to original position. If required, repeat this step.
5. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to RUN posi-
tion. If the engine falters, restart engine and run with choke control
at half-choke position for a short period of time, and then slowly
rotate the choke into RUN position.
To avoid unsupervised engine operation, never leave the machine
unattended with the engine running. Turn the engine off after use and
remove ignition key.
13
position.
(cold engine
CAUTION
position.
(cold engine
WARNING