Use and Care Manual

10
OPERATION
4. Move engine speed control, if equipped, in the “FAST”
position.
5. If equipped, set the choke control to “FULL CHOKE” position.
6. If equipped, Prime 3 - 5 times.
• Make sure you cover the vent hole with your thumb.
• Hold the primer bulb in for one full second each time you
press it.
NOTE: DO NOT use the primer bulb to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown. Doing so will flood the engine and
may result in difficulty starting.
NOTE: If restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown,
move the engine speed control (if equipped) to the “FAST”
position and move the choke control to the “NO CHOKE”
position.
7. Push the starter button to start the engine.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate an electric starter for more than
5 seconds during each attempt.
8. Release the starter button.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts, repeat
steps 6 through 7.
9. After the engine starts:
• Move the choke control to 1/2 “CHOKE” position until the
engine runs smoothly.
• Next, move the choke control to the “NO CHOKE” position.
NOTE: If the engine starts but falters when the choke control is
moved to the “NO CHOKE” position. Perform the following:
• Momentarily move choke control back to “FULL CHOKE”
position.
• Next, move the choke control to “1/2 CHOKE” position
until engine runs smoothly.
• Finally, move the choke control to the “NO CHOKE”
position.
NOTE: If the engine stops with the choke control in the “NO
CHOKE” position, repeat steps 6-9 to restart the engine.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts in the “NO
CHOKE” position, move the choke control to “FULL CHOKE”
position and repeat steps 6-9 to restart the engine.
10. Disconnect the extension cord from the outlet.
11. 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.
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 shut-off valve, if present (see equipment
Operator’s Manual instructions) is open and all switches are
in the “ON” position.
3. Move the engine speed control, if equipped, to the “FAST”
position.
4. If equipped, set the choke control to “FULL CHOKE” position.
5. If equipped, Prime 3 - 5 times.
• Make sure you cover the vent hole with your thumb.
• Hold the primer bulb in for one full second each time you
press it.
NOTE: DO NOT use the primer bulb to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown. Doing so will flood the engine and
may result in difficulty starting.
NOTE: If restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown,
move the engine speed control (if equipped) to the “FAST”
position and move the choke control to the “NO CHOKE”
position.
WARNING
When pulling the recoil starter, the handle may
unexpectedly jerk back toward the engine causing
serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully follow the
instructions below:
6. 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.