MTD 31AE633E401, 31AE663H401 Operating Your Snow Thrower, Before Starting, Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Chute Tilt Control

The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance, and towards the rear to increase the distance.

Discharge Chute

The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance that the snow is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for greater distance; tilt down for less distance.

Headlight

The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

Throttle Control

The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine.

Safety Ignition Key

The safety ignition key must be fully inserted in the switch before the unit will start. Remove key when snow thrower is not in use. Do not attempt to turn the key.

Fuel Shut-off Valve (If equipped)

If your snow thrower is equipped with a fuel shut-off valve, locate it under the fuel tank. This valve controls fuel flow from the tank. Always make certain it is in the open (vertical) position before attempting to start the engine. See Figure 13.

Skid Shoe

The position of the skid shoe is determined by the condition of the ground from where snow has to be removed. Refer to page 8 for details.

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Before Starting

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

•The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

•Check oil and gasoline level and add if necessary. Follow related instructions in the seperate engine manual packed with your snow thrower.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

To Start Engine

•Make certain the fuel cut-off valve, if your snow thrower is so equipped, is in OPEN position.

•Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are in the disengaged (released) position.

•Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. Do not turn key.

NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.

Electric Starter

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.

•Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.

•If your house wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter under any conditions.

•If your home electrical system is grounded, but a three-hole receptacle is not available, one should be installed by a licensed electrician before using the electric starter.

•If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows.

•Rotate choke knob to OFF position.

•Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord into a three-prong 120- volt, grounded, AC receptacle.

•Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank the engine, move choke knob to FULL choke position.

•When engine starts, release starter button, and move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters, move choke immediately to FULL and then gradually to OFF.

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