ENGINE
FUEL
SYSTEM
IMPORTANT:
It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming in essential
fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel
filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage.
Also, 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.
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
alternative
in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage.
Add
stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or stor-
age container.
Always follow the mix ratio
found on stabilizer container.
Run engine
at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer
to allow the stabilizer to reach the carbure-
tor. Do not drain the gas tank and carbure-
tor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE
OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in
the Maintenance
section of this manual).
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times
to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic.
Plastic cannot
breathe, which allows condensation to
form and will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT:
Never cover mower while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
• I, C AUTION:
Never store the lawn mower
with gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING
- See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to a Sears Service Center.
PROBLEM
CAUSE
CORRECTION
Does not start
1. Dirty air filter.
2. Out of fuel.
3. Stale fuel.
4. Water in fuel.
5. Spark plug wire is
disconnected.
6. Bad spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken
blade adapter.
8. Control bar in released
position.
9. Control bar defective.
10. Fuel valve lever (if so
equipped) in OFF position.
11. Weak battery (if equipped).
12. Disconnected
battery
1. Clean/replace
air filter.
2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Drain tank and refill with
fresh, clean fuel.
4. Drain fuel tank and
carburetor and refill tank
with fresh gasoline.
5. Connect wire to plug.
6.
7.
Replace spark plug.
Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
8. Depress control bar to
handle.
9. Replace control bar.
10. Turn fuel valve lever
to the ON position.
11. Charge battery.
12. Connect battery to engine.
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