Weed Eater 403284 Service Manual

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13
OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5)
When starting the engine for the fi rst time or if the engine 
has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move 
fuel from the tank to the engine.
•      Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake 
pedal and set parking brake.
•      Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.
•      Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
•      Move throttle control to choke (  )  position.
NOTE:  Before starting, read the warm and cold starting 
pro ce dures below.
•         Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” 
position and release key as soon as engine starts.  
Do not run starter continuously for more than fi fteen 
sec onds per minute.  If the engine does not start after 
several attempts, move throttle control to fast  position, 
wait a few minutes and try again.  If engine still does 
not start, move the throttle control back to the choke (
 ) position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
•     When engine starts, move the throttle control to the 
fast position.
•         The attachments and ground drive can now be used.  If 
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine 
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke 
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)
•         When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle 
control in the choke (  ) position until the engine runs 
roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This 
may require an engine warm-up period from several 
seconds to several minutes, depending on the tem-
 per a ture.
•      The attachments can also be used during the engine 
warm-up period.
NOTE:  If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold 
tem per a tures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may 
need to be adjusted for best engine performance.  See “TO 
ADJUST CAR BU RE TOR” in the Service and Adjustments 
section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE 
•     Fill fuel tank to bottom of fi ller neck. Do not overfi ll.  
Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a 
minimum of 87 octane.  (Use of  leaded gasoline will 
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce 
valve life).  Do not mix oil with gasoline.  Purchase fuel 
in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to assure 
fuel freshness.
CAUTION:  Wipe off any spilled oil or 
fuel.  Do not store, spill or use gasoline 
near an open fl ame.
IMPORTANT:  WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES 
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE 
GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER 
START ING.
CAUTION:  Alcohol blended fuels (called 
gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and 
for ma tion of acids during storage.  Acidic gas 
can damage the fuel system of an engine while 
in storage.  To avoid engine problems, the fuel 
system should be emptied before stor age of 
30 days or longer.  Drain the gas tank, start 
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines 
and carburetor are empty.  Use fresh fuel next 
sea son.  See Storage In struc tions for additional 
information.  Never use engine or carburetor 
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent 
damage may occur.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor  has been shipped, from the 
factory, already fi lled with sum mer weight oil.  
•      Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.  
•         Remove oil fi ll cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the 
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, 
remove and read oil level.  If necessary, add oil until  
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached.  Do not overfi ll.
•      For cold weather operation you should change oil for 
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the 
Maintenance sec tion of this manual).   
•      To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in 
this manual.