Use and Care Manual

9
OPERATION
NOTE: The following starting instructions are for several
different types of engines. In order to locate the instructions that
apply to your engine, first determine what type of starter you
have. If you have an electric starter, see Engines With Electric
Starters. If you have a manual recoil starter, see Engines with
Recoil Starters later in this section.
Recoil Start
Electric Start
Figure 6
Engines With Electric
Starters
If you have a manual recoil starter, see Engines
with Recoil Starters later in this section.
WARNING
DO NOT pull recoil starter with engine running. Doing so
may VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
WARNING
The electric starter is equipped with a 120V A.C. Power
Plug designed to operated with a grounded extension
cord and on 120V A.C. household current. It must be
properly grounded at all times to avoid the possibility of
injury or death from electrical shock.
Determine if your house wiring has a Ground Fault
Interrupted (G.F.I.) Three-Wire Grounded System; if you
are not sure, ask a Licensed Electrician.
If your house wiring does not have a G.F.I. Three-Wire
Grounded System, DO NOT USE THIS ELECTRIC STARTER
UNDER ANY CONDITION.
If your house wiring is grounded and a G.F.I. Three-Prong
Wall Receptacle is not available at the location where
your starter will be used, one must be installed by a
Licensed Electrician BEFORE USING THE ELECTRIC STARTER!
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is
started and run outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Be sure fuel shut-off valve, if present (see equipment
Operator’s Manual instructions) is open and all switches are
in the “on” position..
3. Plug an extension cord into the electric starter inlet located
on the engine’s surface. Plug the other end of extension
cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a
well-ventilated area.
CAUTION
The extension cord can be any length, but must be
rated for 15 amps at 125 volts, grounded and rated for
outdoor use.
IMPORTANT: When connecting the power cord, always
connect the power cord to the electric starter inlet on the
engine first; then into the G.F.I. three-pronged wall outlet.
4. 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.
5. Push the starter button to start the engine.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate an electric starter for more than
5 seconds during each attempt.
6. Release the starter button.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts, repeat
steps 6 through 7.
7. Disconnect the extension cord from the outlet.
8. Disconnect the extension cord from the electric starter inlet
on the engine.
IMPORTANT: If engine does not start after following steps 1
through 11, contact your Authorized MTD Service Dealer. DO NOT
attempt to troubleshoot engine.
9. Move the engine speed control to the desired speed. See
Selecting Engine Speed/Power.