By following these simple procedures you will reduce the chance of potentially expensive fuel related problems with your equipment. You will also eliminate the need to pay a fee for disposal of old fuel if you choose to have us perform pre season service on your equipment.

Oil Change Information

New machines should have the oil changed after the first 3 to 5 hours of use.

To change the oil:

Start the engine and run it for 10 minutes
1. Shut off the engine
2. Remove the oil drain plug and drain oil
3. Replace the oil drain plug
4. Refill the engine with a good quality SAE 5W30 engine oil
   
   Oil capacity generally varies between 20 and 30 ounces depending on engine.
   
   Check your engine manual for your model
   
   It is best to go by the dipstick reading when gauging oil level

Tecumseh Engine Starting Instructions

Using the Recoil Starter

1. Check oil level (use only SAE 5W30 oil)
2. Check fuel level (use fresh 89 octane)
3. Be sure key is pushed all the way into the engine slot
4. Set throttle lever to full speed (all the way up)
5. Turn choke clockwise to full choke
6. Push primer bulb 3 times (when starting a cold engine)

7. Pull starter rope firmly
8. When engine starts gradually reduce choke (turn counterclockwise)

(Note: Choke has 4 positions, Full, ¾, ½, Open)

9. To stop engine, push the throttle lever all the way down to "Stop" or turn or remove key

Using the Electric Starter

1. 1.Check oil level (use only SAE 5W30 oil)
2. Check fuel level (use fresh 89 octane)
3. Be sure key is pushed all the way into engine slot
4. Set throttle lever to full speed (all the way up)
5. Turn choke clockwise to full choke
6. Plug extension cord into wall and electric starter (on 120 volt electric start models)
7. Press button on electric starter (Or turn key on battery operated electric start models)
8. When engine starts gradually reduce choke (turn counterclockwise)

      (Note: Choke has 4 positions, Full, ¾, ½, Open)

9. To stop engine, push the throttle lever all the way down to "Stop" or turn or remove key

Briggs & Stratton
Engine Starting Instructions

Using the Recoil Starter

1. Check oil level (use only SAE 5W30 oil)
2. Check fuel level (use fresh 89 octane)
3. Be sure key is pushed all the way into the engine slot
4. Push Stop switch to ON
5. If engine is equipped with a throttle, set throttle lever to full speed
6. Turn choke lever counter-clockwise to full choke
7. If temperature is 15° F or higher - push primer 2 times (when engine is cold)     If temperature is below 15° F - push primer 4 times (when engine is cold) 
8. Pull starter rope firmly
9. When engine starts gradually reduce choke (turn clockwise)
10. To stop engine, push Stop switch to OFF

 Using the Electric Starter

1. Check oil level (use only SAE 5W30 oil)
2. Check fuel level (use fresh 89 octane)
3. Be sure key is pushed all the way into engine slot
4. Push Stop switch to ON
5. If engine is equipped with a throttle, set throttle lever to full speed
6. Turn choke counter-clockwise to full choke
7. Plug extension cord into wall and electric starter
8. Press button on electric starter
9. When engine starts gradually reduce choke (turn clockwise)
10. To stop engine, push Stop switch to OFF

Storage Instructions

Ariens Snow Throwers
(With Tecumseh Engines)

• Start engine and let it run for 10 minutes, then shut off.

• Drain oil from engine.

• Refill engine with fresh oil. (SAE 5-30)

• Drain gasoline from fuel tank and carburetor. Gas may be removed from tank by siphoning, using a turkey baster, or removing the fuel line from the bottom of the tank and letting it drain into a container.

• Press up on the plunger located on the bottom of the carburetor bowl. This will allow the gas in the bowl to drain out. Be sure to have a container, such as an old coffee can ready to catch the gasoline. If you have used fuel stabilizer in your gasoline, then any residual fuel in the system should not form gum and will be forced though the system when you prime and start the engine next season.

• Remove the shear bolts from the augers and grease the auger grease fittings until grease starts to come out of the ends of the augers. Rotate the augers to spread the grease on the shaft and then repeat the process and replace the shear bolts.

Storage Instructions

Ariens Snow Throwers
(With Briggs & Stratton Engines)

Follow these steps just prior to off-season storage of your snow thrower:

• Start engine and let it run for 10 minutes, then shut off.
  

• Drain oil from engine.
  

• Refill engine with fresh oil. (SAE 5-30)

• It is recommended that you use fuel stabilizer when storing an engine for more than 30 days.

• If you are using gasoline that contains alcohol (gasohol), remove gasoline from fuel tank and then start engine and run it until it stops from lack of fuel.

(Gas may be removed from tank by siphoning, using a turkey baster, or removing the fuel line from the bottom of the tank and letting it drain into a container.)

• Remove the shear bolts from the augers and grease the auger grease fittings until grease starts to come out of the ends of the augers. Rotate the augers to spread the grease on the shaft and then repeat the process and replace the shear bolts.