Operator's Manual

8
Before Starting
Filling the Crankcase with Oil
The crankcase can hold 20 ounces (0.59 liters) of oil. Use
only high-quality, SAE 30 weight detergent oil that has the
American Petroleum Institute (API) service classification
SF, SG, SH, or SJ.
Before each use, ensure that the oil level is between the
Add and the Full marks on the dipstick (Fig. 5).
1626
3
2
1
4
Figure 5
1. Dipstick
2. Add mark
3. Full mark
4. Fuel tank cap
To add oil:
1. Move the lawn mower to a level surface.
2. Clean around the dipstick (Fig. 5).
3. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap
counterclockwise and pulling it out.
4. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
5. Fully insert the dipstick into the filler neck, then remove
it.
Note: To ensure an accurate oil level reading, you must
fully install the dipstick.
6. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Fig. 5).
7. If the oil level reading is below the Add mark on the
dipstick, slowly pour only enough oil into the filler hole
to raise the oil level to the Full mark on the dipstick.
Important Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and
run the engine; engine damage will result. Drain the excess
oil until the oil level on the dipstick reads Full.
8. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the cap
clockwise until it is tight.
Filling the Fuel Tank with
Gasoline
For best results, use clean, fresh, lead-free gasoline with an
octane rating of 87 or higher. To ensure freshness, purchase
only the quantity of gasoline that you expect to use in 30
days. Unleaded gasoline burns cleaner, extends engine life,
and promotes good starting. You may use leaded gasoline if
unleaded gasoline is not available.
Important Do not add oil to the gasoline.
Important Do not use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol,
premium gasoline, or white gas. Using these fuels can
damage the engine’s fuel system.
Important Do not use gasoline that is more than 30
days old.
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, and
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 1/4 to
1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This empty space in the tank allows
the gasoline to expand.
• Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where a spark may
ignite the gasoline fumes.
• Store gasoline in an approved fuel container and
keep it out of the reach of children.
• Never buy more than a 30-day supply of
gasoline.