In the USA and Canada, a 24 hour hot line, 1-800-233-3723, has a menu of pre-recorded messages offering you engine maintenance information.
4
Starting & Stopping
Choke operation/engine warm-up
This engine is a low emissions engine which operates differently
from previously built engines. It is designed for maximum
performance and life if operated with the choke fully open (in
RUN) and throttle fully open (in FAST). To open the choke fully
requires an engine warm-up period of several seconds to
several minutes, depending on the temperature.
After starting engine, first open the choke (toward RUN) until
the engine just begins to run smoothly. Then open the choke in
small steps, allowing the engine to accept small changes in
speed and load, until the choke is fully open (in RUN).
During engine warm-up, the equipment can be operated.
To obtain best starting results
Store and fuel lawn mower in level position.
Start lawn mower on hard surface or over previously cut grass.
Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Starting fluid is
flammable. Severe engine damage or fire may occur.
Periodically remove grass build-up under mower
deck. Remove spark plug wire before removing grass.
When tipping lawn mower to remove grass, keep
spark plug side of engine up.
A warm engine requires less choking than a cold engine.
Starting in cold weather:
Use the correct oil for the starting temperature expected.
De-clutch all possible external loads.
Set speed control at part throttle position.
A warm battery has more starting capacity than a cold battery.
Do not use gasoline left over from summer. Use fresh winter
grade gasoline which has higher volatility to improve starting.
Before starting engine
Move choke control to CHOKE or START position.
If equipment has separate choke and throttle controls, move
throttle control to FAST position.
Note: Choke must fully close. If engine does not start, see
control adjustments on page 5.
Typical choke and throttle controls
Open fuel shut-off valve, if
equipped.
1/4 TURN
Typical fuel shut-off
Start engine
Always keep hands and feet clear of mower blade or
other rotating machinery.
Electric starter
Turn key to START or press button. Repeat if necessary with
throttle control in FAST position. Operate engine in FAST
position.
Note: If equipment manufacturer has supplied battery, charge it
before trying to start engine, as equipment manufacturer recom-
mends. Use short starting cycles (15 secs. per min.) to prolong
starter life. Extended cranking can damage starter motor.
Typical electric starter
PRESS
BUTTON
Rewind starter (auxiliary), if equipped
Rewind starter
If your engine is equipped
with an auxiliary rewind
starter, grasp rope handle
as illustrated and pull slowly until
resistance is felt. Then pull cord
rapidly to overcome compres-
sion, prevent kickback and start
engine. Repeat if necessary with
choke off and throttle control in
FAST position. Operate engine
in FAST position.
Stop engine
Do not move choke control to CHOKE position to stop engine.
Backfire or engine damage may occur.
Keep throttle control in FAST position. Turn key to OFF.
Always remove key from switch, if equipped, when equipment
is not in use or left unattended.
Typical stop controls
When engine is transported,
close fuel shut-off valve (if
equipped) to prevent fuel
leakage.
Typical fuel shut-off
1/4 TURN
