MTD OGST-3106 Operating Your Snow Thrower, Before Starting, Gas & Oil Fill-Up, To Start Engine

Primer

Vent Hole

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Before Starting

Read and understand 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 separate engine manual shipped with the snow thrower.

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

To Start Engine

NOTE: If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut engine off immediately. Readjust as instructed in the Final Adjustments in the Assembly Section.

•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.

•Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are in the disengaged (released) position. See Figure 6.

•Move throttle control up to FAST position.

•Insert ignition key into slot. Be certain 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 (optional)

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:

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

•Rotate choke knob to ON position.

•Push primer button three times, as instructed in the engine manual, making sure to cover

vent hole when pushing.

• Push starter button on top of the engine 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.

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 two or three times. If engine is warm, push primer button once only. Always cover vent hole in primer button when pushing. At temperatures below 15°F, additional priming may be necessary .

•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 the previous steps until engine starts.

To Stop Engine

•Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any moisture on the engine.

•To prevent possible freeze-up of starter:

Electric Starter: Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running, push starter button and spin the starter for several seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the starter will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect the power cord from recepta- cle first, and then from switch box.

Recoil Starter: With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three or four times. Pulling the starter rope will produce a

10