BEFORE OPERATION CHECKSFEATURE
IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?
Check the General Condition of the Engine
Check the Engine
OIL ALERT SYSTEM (applicable types)
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your
equipment, it is very important to take a few moments before you
operate the engine to check its condition. Be sure to take care of
any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it,
before you operate the engine.
Improperly maintaining this engine, or failure to
correct a problem before operation, can cause a
malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before
each operation, and correct any problem.
Always check the following items before you start the engine:
Look around and underneath the engine for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks.
Remove any excessive dirt or debris, especially around the
muffler and recoil starter.
Look for signs of damage.
Check that all shields and covers are in place, and all nuts, bolts,
and screws are tightened.
Check the fuel level (see page ). Starting with a full tank will
help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
Check the engine oil level (see page ). Running the engine
with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
The Oil Alert system (applicable types) will automatically stop
the engine before the oil level falls below safe limits. However,
to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected shutdown, always
check the engine oil level before startup.
The Oil Alert system is designed to prevent engine damage
caused by an insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase. Before
the oil level in the crankcase can fall below a safe limit, the Oil
Alert system will automatically stop the engine.
If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level
(see page ) before troubleshooting in other areas.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the engine is
level and stopped.
Check the air filter element (see page ). A dirty air filter
element will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance.
Check the equipment powered by this engine.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered
by this engine for any precautions and procedures that should
be followed before engine startup.
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OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
STARTING THE ENGINE
CLOSED
CCLLOOSSEEDD
CONTROL LEVER
CONTROL L EVER
OONN
OONN
SSTTOOPP
SSLLOOWW
FFAASSTT
SSLLOOWW
SSTTOOPP
DDiirreeccttiioonn ttoo ppuullll
CHOKE ROD
STARTER GRIP
Before operating the engine for the first time, please review the
SAFETY INFORMATION
section on page and the
BEFORE
OPERATION CHECKS
on page .
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill you.
Avoid any areas or actions that expose you to carbon
monoxide.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by
this engine for any safety precautions that should be observed
with engine startup, shutdown or operation.
Move the control lever.
Control lever with engine stop function:
Move the control lever away from the SLOW position, about 1/3
of the way toward the FAST position.
Move the control lever to the ON position.
Control lever with only engine stop function:
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull
briskly in the direction of the arrow as shown below. Return the
starter grip gently.
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine.
Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.
Do not operate the engine on slopes greater than 20°.
Pull the choke rod to the CLOSED position.
Do not use the choke if the engine is warm or the air temperature
is high.
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