Use and Care Manual

13Section 6 — Maintenance
NOTE: Never run the engines that have air filters
without them. Rapid engine wear can result.
1. Press the tab on the air filter cover and lift
the cover, or un-thread the thumbscrew,
depending on the model of engine you
have. See “Figure 6-5”.
Figure 6-5
2. Replace paper element when dirty or
damaged. Clean foam element or replace
when damaged.
3. To clean foam element, separate it
from the paper element and wash in
liquid detergent and water. Allow to dry
thoroughly before using. Do not oil the
foam element.
Adjustments
DO NOT make any engine adjustments. Factory
settings are satisfactory for most conditions.
If adjustments are needed, contact your
Authorized MTD Servicing Dealer.
Carburetor
If you think you carburetor needs adjusting, see
your nearest Authorized MTD Servicing Dealer.
Engine performance should NOT be affected
at altitudes up to 7,000 feet (2,134 meters). For
operation at higher elevations, contact your
Authorized MTD Servicing Dealer.
Alternator (if equipped)
Contact your Authorized MTD Servicing Dealer
for alternator related electrical problems such
as:
• Inoperative Starter
• Discharged Battery
• Fuse Replacement
• Alternator Maintenance/Repairs
Engine Speed
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death, DO NOT modify
engine in any way. Tampering with the governor
setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it
to operate at unsafe speeds. NEVER tamper with
the factory setting of the engine governor.
WARNING!
Running the engine faster than the speed set at
the factory can be dangerous and will VOID THE
ENGINE WARRANTY.
Removing Snow from the Engine
After each use, remove snow from the following
areas:
• Oil Fill Cap Dipstick
• Fuel Fill Cap
• Recoil Starter/Flywheel Screen
• Linkage
• Guards
• Spark Plug Connection (if visible).
• Electric Starter Switch Box, if present
(see the equipment Operator’s Manual
instructions).
NOTE: See the equipment Operator’s
Manual instructions for proper location of
fuel fill cap and control lever.
1. Removing snow will ease operation of the
recoil starter rope and reduce the risk of
water contamination when opening the
fuel fill cap.
NOTE: For more information about recoil
starters, see Engine’s with Recoil Starters
in the Operation Section of this manual.
Transporting Your Engine
WARNING!
NEVER transport this engine inside of another
vehicle or in any enclosed space if there is any
gasoline in the tank. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may
ignite.
WARNING!
If there is fuel in the fuel tank, close the fuel valve,
if equipped, and transport the engine upright in
an open vehicle, such as an open trailer or open
bed of a pickup truck.
If you DO NOT have an open vehicle and have to
transport the engine upright in a closed vehicle,
follow these steps for emptying the fuel tank
before transporting:
1. Empty fuel tank by using a commercially
available suction device designed for use
with gasoline.
WARNING!
DO NOT pour fuel from the engine or siphon fuel
by mouth.
2. Drain fuel into an approved red gasoline
container, being careful to avoid spilling.
3. Run the engine until remaining fuel is
consumed.
WARNING!
NEVER leave the engine unattended when it is
running and NEVER run the engine in an enclosed
area.
Storing Your Engine
Short-Term/Seasonal Storage
Clean Engine
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool
for at least half an hour before cleaning.
Before servicing the engine, remove the
carburetor cover and/or blower housing.
Discard the dirt and debris from the following
areas:
• Cooling Fins
• Air Intake Screen or Recoil Starter/
Flywheel Guard Areas
• Spark Plug Connection
• Levers
• Linkage Area
• Guards
• Carburetor
• Head
Removing debris will insure adequate cooling,
correct engine speed and reduce the risk of fire.
NOTE: Do not spray engine with water to clean
because water could contaminate fuel. Using
a garden hose or pressure washing equipment
can also force water into the air cleaner or
muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will
soak the paper element, and water that passes
through the element or muffler can enter the
cylinder, causing damage.
WARNING!
Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause
a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.