MTD Series 140 thru 152 manual Off-Season Storage, Trouble Shooting Guide, Possible Causes

SECTION 10: OFF-SEASON STORAGE

WARNING: Never store engine with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or other gas appliance.

•Clean snow thrower thoroughly.

•Follow “Storage” instructions found in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual. Preparing the engine for storage properly is important to prevent problems next season.

•Store in a clean, dry area. Block the snow thrower up so it is not resting on the rubber auger blades.

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in an poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rustproof the equipment, especially springs, cables and all moving parts.

SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Trouble	Possible Cause(s)	Corrective Action
Engine fails to start	Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.	Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline/oil mixture. Refer to
		engine manual packed with your unit.
	Blocked fuel line.	Clean fuel line.
	Key not in switch on engine.	Insert Key
	Spark plug wire disconnected.	Connect wire to spark plug.
	Faulty spark plug.	Clean, adjust gap or replace.
	Improper gasoline and oil mixture.	Refer to fuel mixture in separate engine manual.
Engine runs erratic	Unit running on CHOKE.	Move choke lever to OFF position.
	Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.	Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline/oil.
	Water or dirt in fuel system.	Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh gasoline/oil.
		Refer to engine manual packed with your unit
	Carburetor out of adjustment.	Refer to engine manual packed with your unit or have
		carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer
Engine overheats	Incorrect fuel mixture.	Drain fuel tank. Refill with proper fuel mixture. Refer to
		engine manual packed with your unit.
	Carburetor not adjusted properly.	Refer to engine manual packed with your unit or have
		carburetor adjusted by an authorized service dealer.
Loss of power	Spark plug wire loose.	Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
	Vent in gas cap plugged.	Clear vent.
	Exhaust port plugged.	Clean-see maintenance section.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts or damaged auger.	Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug
		wire. Tighten all bolts and nuts. Make all necessary
		repairs. If vibration continues, have unit serviced by an
		authorized service dealer.
Unit fails to propel itself.	Incorrect adjustment of drive cable	Adjust drive cable. Refer to Adjustment section of this
		manual.
	Drive belt loose or damaged.	Replace drive belt. Refer To Belt Replacement in
		Maintenance section of this manual.
Unit fails to discharge snow.	Discharge chute clogged.	Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug
		wire. Clean discharge chute and inside of auger housing
	Foreign object lodged in auger.	Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug
		wire. Remove object from auger.
	Incorrect adjustment of drive cable.	Adjust drive cable. Refer to Belt Tension Adjustment in
		Adjustment section of this manual.
	Drive belt loose or damage.	Replace drive belt. Refer to Belt Replacement in
		Maintenance section of this manual.

Refer to separate engine manual packed with your mower for more engine related information.

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.

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