Tecumseh oh318ea User Manual

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All engine exhaust 
contains carbon 
monoxide, a deadly gas. 
Breathing carbon 
monoxide can cause 
headaches, dizziness, 
drowsiness, nausea,   
confusion and eventually 
death. 

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas 
which may be present even if you do not see or smell any 
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can 
collect rapidly and you can quickly be overcome and 
unable to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon 
monoxide can linger for hours or days in enclosed or 
poorly-ventilated areas. If you experience any symptoms of 
carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area immediately, 
get fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide:

•  NEVER run engine indoors. Even if you try to 

ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open windows 
and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach 
dangerous levels. 

•  NEVER run engine in poorly-ventilated or partially 

enclosed areas such as barns, garages, 
basements, carports, under dwellings, or in pits.

•  NEVER run engine outdoors where engine exhaust 

can be drawn into a building through openings such 
as windows and doors.

Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly 
flammable and can explode. Fuel vapors 
can spread and be ignited by a spark or 
flame many feet away from engine. To 
prevent injury or death from fuel fires, 
follow these instructions:

•  NEVER store engine with fuel in fuel tank inside a 

building with potential sources of ignition such as 
hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, 
electric motors, etc.

•  NEVER add fuel with engine running. 

•  NEVER start or operate the engine with the fuel fill 

cap removed.

•  Allow engine to cool before refueling.

•  NEVER fill fuel tank indoors or in an enclosed area 

such as a garage, barn shed, etc. Fill fuel tank 
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

•  DO NOT smoke while refueling tank.

•  Use only an approved red GASOLINE container to 

store and dispense fuel. Tecumseh recommends 
purchasing gasoline in containers with a capacity of 
2.5 gallons or less. Small containers are easier to 
handle and help eliminate spillage during refueling.

•  DO NOT pour fuel from engine or siphon fuel by 

mouth. To empty the fuel tank see "I. Draining Fuel" 
instructions on page 26.

Read equipment manufacturer’s manual and this 
material thoroughly before using this engine. Failure to 
do so can result in serious injury or death. Call Tecumseh 
Power Company at 1-800-558-5402 or visit 
www.TecumsehPower.com if you have any questions.