Craftsman 247.77466.1 Operator's Manual page 9

Engine Controls
Stop Switch
Push button to ON prior to choking for engine start; push to OFF to
shut engine down.
Choke Control
The choke control is used to choke off the carburetor and assist in
starting the engine.
Starter Handle
The starter handle is located on the engine. Pull the starter handle to
start engine.
Control Handle
The control handle has three positions. See Figure 4-2.
• FORWARD: Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to move
wedge to split wood.
NOTE: Control handle will return to neutral position as soon as handle
is released.(Forward Position only)
• NEUTRAL: Release the control handle or move the lever to neutral
position to stop the wedge movement.
• REVERSE: Move control handle BACK or UP to return the
wedge toward the cylinder. The control handle stays in the return
(Reverse) position and returns to neutral automatically when fully
retracted.
NOTE: Reverse position may also be operated back to neutral position
manually, if necessary.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
IMPORTANT: Your log splitter may be shipped with motor oil in the
engine. You MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not
to overfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or
while the engine is hot or running.
Oil
1. Remove oil fill dipstick.
2. Check the oil level making certain not to rub the dipstick along the
inside walls of the oil fill tube. This would result in a false dipstick
reading. Refill to FULL mark on dipstick, if necessary. Replace
dipstick and tighten.
3. If necessary, with the log splitter on level ground, use a funnel to fill
engine with oil to FULL mark on dipstick. Be careful not to overfill.
Overfilling will cause the engine to smoke profusely and will result
in poor engine performance.
OPERATION
4. Check oil level three times prior to starting engine to be certain
you've gotten an accurate dipstick reading. Running the engine with
too little oil can result in permanent engine damage.
Gasoline
1. Remove fuel cap from the fuel tank.
2. Make sure the container from which you will pour the gasoline is
clean and free from rust or foreign particles. Never use gasoline
that may be stale from long periods of storage in its container.
Gasoline that has been sitting for any period longer than four weeks
should be considered stale.
3. Fill fuel tank with about 1.5 quarts of clean, fresh, lead-free grade
automotive gasoline. DO NOT use Ethly or high octane gasoline.
NOTE: Gasoline can be added to the engine when the log splitter is
in either the horizontal or vertical position. However, there are less
obstructions when the unit is in the vertical position.
NOTE: Do not use gasoline containing methanol. Gasoline containing
up to about 10% ethanol or up to 15% methyl tertiary butyl ether
(MTBE) may be used, but will require special care when engine is left
unused for extended period.
4. Replace fuel cap.
NOTE: To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied
before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See STORAGE section for additional informa-
tion.

To return
wedge
Neutral
To stop
wedge
To split wood
Figure -