MTD 179cc, 208cc manual Starting the Engine, Engines with Electric Starters, Operating the Engine

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few min- utes after starting. The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperatures.

Engines with Electric Starters

WARNING: The electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire power cord and plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household

current. It must be used with a properly grounded three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating the electric starter.

WARNING: DO NOT use electric starter in rain.

1.	Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire
	grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
	are unsure. If you have a grounded three-prong
	receptacle, proceed as follows. If you do not have
	the proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric
	starter under any conditions.
2.	Insert ignition key fully into slot, Figure 2-5. Make
	sure it snaps into place. DO NOT turn ignition
	key. The engine cannot start unless the key is
	inserted into ignition switch.
3.	Plug the extension cord into the electric switch box
	located on the engine, Figure 2-6. Plug the other
	end of extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt,
	grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
4.	Move throttle control, Figure 2-1, to FAST (rabbit)

2

Operating

the

Engine

Figure 2-5: The ignition key is a safety device.

WARNING

WARNING: The optional electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire power cord and plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. It must be used with a prop- erly grounded three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock.

Figure 2-6: Plug cord into electric switch box on engine.

	position.
5.	Move choke to the ON position (cold engine start).
	If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position,
	Figure 2-1.
6.	Push primer three to five (3-5) times, making sure
	to cover vent hole when pushing, Figure 2-1. If
	engine is warm, push primer only once. Always
	cover vent hole when pushing. Cool weather may
	require priming to be repeated.
7.	Push starter button to start engine, Figure 2-1.
	Once the engine starts, immediately release
	starter button. Electric starter is equipped with
	thermal overload protection; system will temporarily
	shut-down to allow starter to cool if electric starter
	becomes overloaded.

8.As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to OFF position. If the engine falters, restart engine and run with choke at half-choke position for a short period of time, and then slowly rotate the choke into OFF position.

9.After engine is running, disconnect power cord from electric starter. When disconnecting, always unplug the end at the wall outlet before unplugging the opposite end from the engine.

IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gaso- line or oil in the engine.

Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.