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

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

A plastic cup was provided inside the fuel fill opening on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cup before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank cap to close after fill-up.

Starting Engine

Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal loop on end of the spark plug wire (inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug. See Figure 8.

Metal Loop

Rubber Boot

Figure 8

Make sure the fuel shut-off valve, if so equipped, is in the OPEN (vertical) position.

Make certain the auger and traction controls are in the disengaged (released) position.

Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert ignition key into slot. Be certain it snaps into place. Do not turn key. See Figure 7.

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

Recoil Starter:

Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold engine start).

If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position instead of FULL.

Push primer button three or four times for cold engine start.

If engine is warm, push primer button once only.

NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first start if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.

Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm hold on the starter handle.

Repeat step above until engine starts.

As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly, rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If engine falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to OFF position.

Electric Starter

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.

WARNING: The electric starter must be used with a properly grounded three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully to operate 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 home 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.

When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug from the three-prong receptacle first, and then from the snow thrower.

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MTD 640 manual Operating Your Snow Thrower, Before Starting, Gas And Oil Fill-up, Starting Engine