Starting the Engine

CAUTION: Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.

• Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine.
• Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.
• Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

1. Sit on operator seat and fasten seat belt. Do not start engine at this time.

2. Push down on accelerator pedal to check free movement of pedal assembly. Release pedal.

3. Press park brake to locked position.

4. Move transaxle shift lever to N (Neutral) position.

5. Press and hold brake pedal down to engage the safety start switch.

6. CAUTION: Do not start engine by shorting across starter terminals.

   Do not use starting fluid to aid engine starting.

   Never start engine while standing on ground. Start engine only from operator’s seat.

   NOTE: The engine will start with the transaxle in gear so use caution when releasing the brake pedal.

   Turn ignition key switch to the RUN position.

7. Under extreme cold conditions use the choke:

   IMPORTANT: Open the choke by pushing the knob in to its full off position as soon as possible. Running the engine with the choke on beyond the warm up period may lead to plug fouling.

   NOTE: The dash mounted choke is designed with a snap-and-seal option that can be used for maximum weather protection during pressure washing or stormy weather. Under normal use this feature does not need to be used. To use this option, push in choke until it snaps or clicks and can be pushed in no further.

   • Pull out and hold choke knob if engine is cold. The choke spring will return the choke to the open position when released.
   
   

8. IMPORTANT: Starter may be damaged if operated continuously for extended periods of time. Allow starter to cool down after several starting attempts.

   Turn ignition key switch to START position.

   • If engine was cold: Push choke in as far as needed to obtain a stable engine idle. Once engine is running smoothly, release choke knob.
   
   

9. Release ignition key switch to the RUN position when engine starts.

   • If engine does not start within five seconds, turn ignition key switch to STOP position and wait ten seconds before trying to start again.
   • In very cold conditions, attempt starting engine three times only, then wait 5 minutes before trying again. This will allow time for starter to cool and prevent damage to starter.
   
   

10. IMPORTANT: Do not operate the engine at full throttle or under load until engine has warmed up, or engine damage could occur.

    Allow engine to warm up if needed.

11. Push park brake to disengage.