MTD L-Style Operating Your Snow Thrower, Before Starting Gas & Oil Fill-Up, Starting The Engine

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.

Gas & Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately with your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.

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.

•A plastic cap is provided inside the fuel fill opening to protect the tank during manufacturing. Remove and discard. Use the threaded fuel tank cap to close after fill-up.

Starting The Engine

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

•Make certain the auger and drive controls are in the disengaged (up) position.

•Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert ignition key into slot and snap in place. Do not attempt to turn the key.

WARNING: If your home electrical

system is grounded, but a three-hole receptacle is not available, do not use your snow thrower’s electric starter.

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

•Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine’s surface. Plug the other end of extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.

•Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (cold engine start).

NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the OFF position instead of FULL.

•Push the primer two or three times for cold engine start, making sure to cover vent hole in the center of the primer when pushing.

NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.

•Push starter button to start engine.

•Once the engine starts, immediately release starter button.

•As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the OFF position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate the choke control back to FULL and then slowly into the OFF position again.

•When disconnecting the extension cord, always unplug the end at the three-prong wall outlet before unplugging the opposite end from the snow thrower.

NOTE: The engine cannot start unless the key is inserted into ignition switch.

Electric Starter (on models so quipped)

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

CAUTION: If your home’s wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do

not use this electric starter under any conditions.

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 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.

Recoil Starter

•Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (cold engine start).

NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the OFF position instead of FULL.

•Push the primer two or three times for cold engine start, making sure to cover vent hole in the center of the primer when pushing.

NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.

NOTE: Additional priming may be necessary if the temperature is below 15° Fahrenheit.

•Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull the rope out. At the point where it becomes slightly harder to pull the rope, slowly allow the rope to recoil.

•Pull the starter handle with a firm, rapid stroke.

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