SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Before Starting Engine

Engine Oil

The engine is shipped with oil in it. Check the oil level before first use. For subsequent fill-ups, use the grade of engine oil specified in engine manual. To add oil:

1.Remove the dipstick from the oil fill. Pour fresh oil slowly through the plug. Replace dipstick.

2.Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to the FULL mark on the dipstick.

Gasoline

WARNING: Gasoline is flammable and caution must be used when handling or storing it. Do not fill fuel tank while the snow thrower is running, when it is hot or when it is in an enclosed area.

WARNING: Keep your snow thrower away from any open flame or an electrical spark and do not smoke during fueling.

Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to no more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for expansion of fuel.

IMPORTANT: Your snow thrower is equipped with a plastic fuel plug for shipping purposes. Please discard it at this time.

Always use clean, fresh, unleaded grade automotive gasoline. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling. Make sure that the container from which you pour the gasoline is clean and free from rust or other foreign particles. Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the snow thrower is not going to be used for 30 days or longer. Store gasoline in a clean container and

keep the cap in place on the container. CAUTION: Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank.

To Start Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the snow thrower while starting or operating. Do not operate this snow thrower unless the chute assembly has been properly installed and is secured.

For location of all the engine controls referred to in this section, see Figure 6.

Recoil Starter

Make sure that auger and drive controls are released. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.

Turn fuel valve on, if so equipped.

Move throttle control to FAST position.

Push key into the ignition slot so that it snaps into place. Do not turn key.

Rotate choke control to FULL choke position.

Push primer button while covering the vent hole. Remove your finger from the primer between primes. Do not prime if temperature is above 50o F; prime two times between 50o F and 15o F; and prime four times below 15o F.

Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.

Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope return to the starter slowly. Repeat until engine starts.

As the engine warms up, rotate the choke knob slowly to OFF position. If the engine falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to OFF choke position.

Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes because the engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperature.

Operate the engine at full throttle (FAST) when

throwing snow.

Warm Start:

If restarting an engine after a temporary shut- down, rotate choke to OFF instead of FULL and do not prime. Pull starter handle as instructed before.

Electric Starter (if equipped)

Some models of the snow thrower may be equipped with an optional 120 volt A.C. electric starter. This electric starter, with a three-wire power cord and plug, is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. Follow the steps below to use the electric starter.

Cold Start:

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

WARNING: The electric starter must be properly grounded at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock to the operator. If your house wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter under any conditions.

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MTD 3BA manual Operating Your Snow Thrower, Before Starting Engine, To Start Engine