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.



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MTD 179cc, 208cc manual Starting the Engine, Engines with Electric Starters, Inserted into ignition switch
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179cc, 208cc specifications

MTD, a renowned name in outdoor power equipment, has made significant strides in the world of garden machinery with its 208cc and 179cc engines. These robust engines are designed to meet the varying needs of homeowners and professional landscapers alike, ensuring reliability and performance in both residential and commercial settings.

The MTD 208cc engine stands out with its powerful output, making it an excellent choice for larger mowing tasks and tougher terrain. This engine provides ample torque, allowing for efficient cutting through thick grass and uneven ground. It features a recoil start for quick and easy ignition, accompanied by a built-in primer bulb that ensures reliable starting under various conditions. With a lightweight design, the 208cc engine promotes maneuverability without compromising on power, making it ideal for riders and walk-behind mowers.

In contrast, the MTD 179cc engine is slightly smaller yet equally capable. Its compact design offers a great balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for smaller lawns and garden projects. The 179cc engine is particularly favored for its user-friendly nature, designed for easy handling and operation, which appeals to homeowners who may not have extensive gardening experience. Like the 208cc model, it also features a recoil start and primer bulb for convenience.

Both engines utilize advanced technologies such as a low-oil shutdown feature, which protects the engine from potential damage by turning it off if oil levels drop too low. This is coupled with an efficient air filtration system that ensures the engine runs smoothly and reduces the frequency of maintenance. These features not only enhance the longevity of the engines but also promote sustainable usage by minimizing emissions and fuel consumption.

The construction of both engines reflects MTD’s commitment to durability and performance. They are built with high-quality materials that withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Additionally, these engines are designed with vibration-dampening features to provide operators with a more comfortable experience while in use.

In summary, MTD's 208cc and 179cc engines combine power, efficiency, and reliability, making them popular choices for a variety of lawn and garden applications. With user-friendly features and robust construction, these engines exemplify MTD's dedication to crafting innovative outdoor solutions tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Whether tackling a sprawling yard or maintaining a small garden, MTD provides the right engine to get the job done effectively.
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