Starting the Engine
Pre-Start Checklist
With the spark wire disconnected from the spark plug, make
the following checks and perform the following services before
starting the engine.
Read the Safe Operation Practices and Features & Controls 1.
Sections in this manual. Read the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Check the machine for loose or missing hardware. Service 2.
as required.
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Operator’s Manual.3.
Check that all the safety guards and covers are in place.4.
Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See Engine 5.
Operator’s Manual.
Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.6.
Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions 7.
in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual. Follow all the
instructions and safety rules carefully.
WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.
Starting the Engine
Complete the “Pre-Start Checklist.”1.
Put the Wheel Gear Lever in the ENGAGE position.2.
Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the “travel” position (lever 3.
all the way down) so that the tines are clear of the ground.
Release all controls on the tiller.4.
Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the “FAST” setting.5.
On engines equipped with a fuel valve, turn the valve to 6.
the open position as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Choke or prime engine as instructed in the separate Engine 7.
Operator’s Manual.
For recoil (non-electric) starting models: 8.
Place one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller a.
when you pull the starter handle.
Use the recoil starter rope to start the engine as b.
instructed in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
When the engine starts, gradually move the choke
lever (on engines so equipped) to the “NO CHOKE”,
“CHOKE OFF” or “RUN” position.
Leave the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the c.
“FAST” setting.
For electric starting models:9.
Turn the engine ignition key to the “START” setting a.
and allow the starter motor to crank the engine for
several seconds. Avoid cranking the engine longer
than 15 seconds at a time as doing so could damage
the starter motor.
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for detailed
starting instructions.
When the engine starts, release the key and it will b.
return to the “RUN” setting.
Gradually move choke lever (on engines so c.
equipped) to “NO CHOKE”, “CHOKE OFF” or “RUN”
position.
Leave the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the d.
“FAST” setting.
Recoil Starter
If necessary, the electric start engine can be started with the
recoil starter rope by following the steps below:
If the battery is not “dead” or damaged, leave it connected 1.
to the tiller so it will be recharged during engine operation.
Make sure the battery cells are filled to the upper level line
with electrolyte.
If the battery is “dead” or damaged, remove it and have it 2.
tested. Before starting the engine, cover the terminal on
the loose end of the positive (+) cable with the insulated
boot and secure it in place with electrical tape to prevent
electrical sparks.
Put the ignition key in the “RUN” position and then follow 3.
Steps 1-8 of “Starting the Engine.”
Operation
5
12
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