MTD 769-04164 Operation, Starting the Engine, Engines with Starter Handle non-electric start

Gas and Oil Fill-up

•Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snowthrower. Read instructions carefully.

WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never fill fuel tank with engine running or while engine is hot. Do not smoke when filling fuel tank.

•Make certain the auger and drive control bails are in the disengaged (released) position.

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 minutes after starting. The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperatures.

Engines with Starter Handle (non-electric start)

IMPORTANT: Do not pull the starter handle with engine running.

1.Insert ignition key fully into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. DO NOT turn ignition key. The engine cannot start unless the key is inserted into ignition switch.

2.Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit) position.

3.Move choke to the ON position (cold engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position.

4.Push primer three to five (3-5) times, making sure to cover vent hole when pushing. If engine is warm, push primer only once. Always cover vent hole when pushing. Cool weather may require priming to be repeated.

5.Pull gently on the starter handle until it begins to resist, then pull quickly and forcefully to overcome the compression. Do not release the handle and al- low it to snap back. Return rope SLOWLY to original position. If required, repeat this step.

6.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.

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 prop- erly 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. 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. Plug the other end of exten- sion cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.

4.Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit) position.

5.Move choke to the ON position (cold engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position.

6.Push primer three to five (3-5) times, making sure to cover vent hole when pushing. 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. 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.

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Operation

WARNING

Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

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.

If your home’s wir- ing 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, do not use your snow thrower’s electric starter.

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