Operator's Manual

14
Gasoline and Oil
Recommended Gasoline
Use unleaded regular gasoline suitable for automotive use
(85 pump octane minimum). You may use leaded regular
gasoline if unleaded regular is not available.
Important Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol
because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
• Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline
that spills.
• Never fill the fuel tank inside an enclosed trailer.
• Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. Add
gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is 1/4 to
1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This empty space in the tank allows
gasoline to expand.
• Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
• Store gasoline in an approved container and
keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy
more than a 30-day supply of gasoline.
• Always place gasoline containers on the ground,
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
• When practical, remove gasoline-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
the equipment with its wheels on the ground.
• If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• If you must use a gasoline dispenser nozzle, keep
the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire
exhaust system in place and in proper working
condition.
Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swallowed.
Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious
injury and illness.
• Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
• Keep your face away from the nozzle and fuel
tank or conditioner opening.
• Keep gasoline away from eyes and skin.
Warning
Using a Fuel
Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide
the following benefits:
• Keeps stored gasoline fresh for 90 days or less; for
longer storage, drain the fuel tank.
• Cleans the engine while it runs
• Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system,
which causes hard starting
Important Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of stabilizer/conditioner to the
gasoline.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when it
is mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance of
varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all
times.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1. Shut the engine off and set the parking brake.
2. Clean around each fuel tank cap and remove the cap.
Add unleaded regular gasoline to both fuel tanks until
the level is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) below the
bottom of the filler neck. This space in the tank allows
gasoline to expand. Do not fill the fuel tanks completely
full.
3. Install fuel tank caps securely. Wipe up any gasoline
that spills.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you start the engine and use the machine, check the
oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the
Engine Oil Level on page 30.