Use and Care Manual

10
OPERATION
Engines with
Recoil Starters
If you have an electric starter, see Engines
with Electric Starters earlier in this section.
WARNING
DO NOT pull recoil starter with engine running. Doing so
may VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is
started and run outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Be sure fuel valve, if present (see equipment Operator’s
Manual instructions) is open and all switches are in the “on”
position.
3. Insert on/off key and turn to the ON position.
IMPORTANT: If the service light remains on for more than 5
seconds or begins to flash or both the ready light and service
light remain off disconnect the extension cord from the
engine and charge the battery (see Charging the Battery in the
Maintenance Section of this manual). After charging the battery
repeat STEPS 1-4. If the service light comes on again contact your
Authorized MTD Service Dealer. DO NOT attempt to troubleshoot
this engine in any other way.
4. Operate equipment control to release engine brake or clutch,
if equipped (see equipment Operator’s Manual).
WARNING
When pulling the starter, the handle may unexpectedly
jerk back toward the engine causing serious injury. To
avoid this risk, carefully follow the instructions below:
5. Grasp the recoil starter handle.
• Pull handle out slowly until you feel resistance.
• Pull the handle with one rapid full arm stroke.
• Return the handle slowly to the original position, repeat
if necessary.
NOTE: Following the instructions listed in the steps above
avoids potential damage to the recoil mechanism.
NOTE: If the recoil starter handle is frozen and will not
operate the engine, proceed as follows:
• Pull as much rope out of the starter as possible.
• Release the recoil starter handle and let it snap back
against the starter to break up ice; repeat if necessary.
6. If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts repeat steps 5
through 6 and try again.
7. Move the engine speed control to the desired speed. See
Selecting Engine Speed/Power.
8. If engine does not start after following steps 1 through 6
or the service light comes on, contact your Authorized MTD
Service Dealer. DO NOT attempt to troubleshoot this engine
in any other way.
Selecting Engine Speed/Power
NOTE: The speed control knob is used to select one of three
positions to select engine speed. Engine can be started in any
speed setting (Figure 7):
• Position One (a): Upper setting, provides full engine speed for
maximum power during normal product operation.
• Position Two (b): Center setting, lowers engine speed during
operation when less power is required (example: removing
light snow, quieter operation or reducing distance snow must
be blown).
• Position Three (c): Lower setting, used for idle engine speed.
Speed Control Knob
a
c
b
Figure 7