MTD Series 140 through E173 manual Troubleshooting Guide, Problem, Cause, Remedy

SECTION 9: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Problem		Cause		Remedy
Engine fails to start	1.	Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel	1.	Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline/oil
				mixture as specified in the engine
				manual.
	2.	Blocked fuel line	2.	Clean fuel line
	3.	Key not in ON position	3.	Insert key and turn to ON position
	4.	Spark plug wire disconnected	4.	Connect wire to spark plug.
	5.	Faulty spark plug	5.	Clean spark plug, readjust gap, or
				replace.
	6.	Gasoline and oil not mixed correctly	6.	Refer to instructions on fuel mixture in
				the engine manual and mix
				apprpriately.
Engine runs erratic	1.	Unit running on choke	1.	Move choke lever to off position.
	2.	Fuel line blocked, or stale fuel	2.	Clean fuel line and fill tank with fresh,
				clean gasoline.
	3.	Water or dirt in fuel system	3.	Refer to engine manual on remedy.
	4.	Carburetor out of adjustment	4.	Refer to engine manual; get the
				carburetor adjusted by an authorized
				service dealer.
Engine overheats	1.	Gasoline and oil not mixed correctly	1.	Drain fuel tank and refill with proper
				fuel mixture.
	2.	Carburetor out of adjustment	2.	Refer to engine manual; get the
				carburetor adjusted by an authorized
				service dealer.
Loss of power	1.	Spark plug wire loose	1.	Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
	2.	Vent in gas cap plugged	2.	Clear vent.
	3.	Exhaust port plugged.	3.	Clean port.
Excessive vibration	1.	Loose parts or damaged auger	1.	Stop engine immediately and
				disconnect spark plug wire. Check for
				possible damage. Tighten all bolts
				and nuts. Repair as needed. If the
				problem persists, take unit to an
				authorized service dealer.
Unit fails to propel	1.	Drive cable out of adjustment	1.	Adjust drive cable following
itself				instructions on snow thrower.
	2.	Drive belt loose or damaged	2.	Replace drive cable following
				instructions on snow thrower.
Unit fails to	1.	Discharge chute clogged	1.	Stop engine immediately and
discharge snow				disconnect spark plug wire. Clean
				discharge chute and the auger
				housing.
	2.	Foreign object lodged in auger	2.	Stop engine immediately and
				disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
				object from auger.
	3.	Drive cable not adjusted properly	3.	Adjust drive cable following
				instructions on snow thrower.
	4.	Drive belt loose or damaged	4.	Replace drive belt following
				instructions on snow thrower.

NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer or call 1-800-800-7310 for the Customer Support Center. Refer to separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower for more engine related information.

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