MTD 179cc User manual

•
Safe Operation Practices •Set-Up •Operati,on. Maintenance.Troubleshooting. Warranty
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
17gee, 208ee, 243ee& 272ee OHV Horizontal Shaft Engine
, .
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Form No. 769-15010
(May 17 2018)

·1 To The Owner
Thank You
This Operator's ManuaHs an important part of your new engine. Itwill help you prepare and maintain the enginefor the best
performance"PI,ejise read and understand thecontents before operating the engine.
table of Contents
1
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3 Troubleshooting ........................................... .......... 7S
Safety Symbols ........................................................ 4 Replacement Parts ................................................. 76
Set-Up ................................................ . ~ ..................... 5- Emission Statement/WarrolJty ................................. .
Contr,ols & Features ............................................... :. 7 ..................................... See Seperate Supplement,
Operation ............................................. .................... 8 Spanish ............................................... ..................... 19
Maintenance •••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••.••••. ................ '77
Record Product Information
Before operating your new engine, please locate the model plate
on the engine and record the information in the provided area
MODEL NUMBER/SERIAL NUMBER
to the right. This information will be necessary, should you seek
technical support via our web site orwith your local dealer.
DDDDDDD/DDDDDDDDDDDD
Customer Support
Please do NOT return themachineto the retaJler ordealerwithoutfirstcontacting our Customer SupportDepartment.
If you have difficultywith this productor have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance ofthis engine,
you can seek helpfroin the experts. Choose from the options below:
() Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com
() Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]
() Write us at MTD LLC· P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH ·44136-0019

Important Safe Operation Practices
AWARNINGI
This symbol points out important safety
instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself
and others. Read and follow all instructions
in this manual before attempting to operate
the equipment. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When
>"'U see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNINGI
AWARNINGI
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine Exhaust, solne ofitsconstituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
ADANGERI
This engine was built to be operated according to
the safe operation practices In this manual. As with
any type of power equipment, careleSsness or error
. on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. Failure to observe t~efollciYling safety .
instructions could result in serious injury or death, !
Training
1. Read, understand arid follow all
instructions on the engine and in the .
manual(s) before attempting to assemble
and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and
for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their
properoperation.
Know how to stopthe
engine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of
age to operate the engine. Children 14
and over should read and understand the
Instructions
and safe operation practices
in this manual and be trained and
supervised by an adult.
4.. Neverallow adults to operate the machine
without proper instruction.
5. Keep the area ofoperation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Preparation
1. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting
clothes orjewelry can be caught in the
moving
parts. Never operate the machine
in bare feet or sandals.
2. Disengage clutch levers and shift(if
equipped)Into neutral
(OW) before
starting theengine.
3. Never leave the engine running while
unattended.
4. Never attemptto make any adjustments
whiletheengine
is. running, except
where specifically recommended in the
operator's
manual. .
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
To avoid personal injuryor property damage,
use extreme care in han~ling gasoline. Gasoline
is extremelyflammable and the vapors are
explosive. Serious personal injury can occur
when gasoline is spilled on yourselfand/oryour
clothes which can ignite. wash your skin and'
change clothes immediately. '
1. When addingfuel, turn engine OFF and
letengine cool at leas.t2mlnutes before
remoying the
gas cap.
2. Fill fuel tankoutdoors or in well ventililted
area.
3.
4.,
5.
6.
7.
8.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on
atruck ortrailer bed with a plastic liner.
A!waysplace containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
If
possible, remove gas:powered
equipmentfrom thetruck ortrailer and
refuel It on the ground.lfthis is not
possible, then refuel such equipment on
atrailerwith aportable container, rather
than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
Keep the nozzle in contactwith the rim of
the fuel tank
or containeropening at all
times untilfueling is complete. Do not use
a nozzle iock-open device.
Do notoverfill fuel tank. Fill tank to full
as indicated by thefuel level indicator
installed
inside ofthefuel tank or marked
on the tank. Do notover-fill to allow space
for fuel expansion. On some models, afuel
level indicator may NOT be present, In this
instance, fill the tank no more than 1/2
inch belowthebottom ofthe filler neck to
allow space for fuel expansion.
Replace fuel cap and tighten untilthe cap
ratchets.
9. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it offtheengine
and the equipment. Move the machine
toanother area. Wait five minutes'before
starting the
engine.
2
10. To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine
, free of grass, leaves orotherdebris
build
up. Clean up 011 orfuel spillage and
remove any fuel-soaked debris.
11. Keep gasoline away from sparks, open
flames, pilotlights, heat, and other
ignition
sources.
12., Never fuel equipmentindoors because
flammable vapors will accumUlate in the
area.,
13. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources ofignition.
14. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings
frequently for
cracks orleaks. Replace if
necessary.
Operation
1. When starting theengine, make sure spark
plug, muffler, and fuel cap are in place.
2. Do not crank engine with spark plug
removed.
3. If fuel spills, waituntil it evaporates before
starting engine.
4. Allow muffler, enginecylinder, and fins to
cool before touching •.
5. Keepchildre~ away from hotor running
engines. They can sUffer bums froinahot
muffler.
6. Remove accumulated combustibles from
muffler
and cylinder area,
7. Operate equipmentwith all guards in
place.
8. Keep hands and feet away from rotating
parts.
9. TIe up longhair and remove jewelry.
10. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing,
dangling drawstrings or
items thatcould
become caught.
11. When starting theengine, pull cord slowly'
until resistance Is felt, then pull rapidly(If
notelectric start).
12. Remove all external equipment/engine
loads before starting engine.
13. Directcoupled equipment components
such as, butnotliniited to blades,
impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must be
securely attached. '
3

Maintenance & Storage
1. Keep the engine in safe working order
2. Allow the engine to cool at least five
minutes before storin9'
Never t~mper
with safety devices. Check theirproper
operation regularly.
3. Check bolts and screws for proper
tightness at frequent intervals to
keep the
engine
in safe working condition. Visually
inspecttheengine for any damage.
4. - Before cleaning, repairing or-inspecting;
stoptheengine
and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the
spark plug wire and ground it against
the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
5. Do not change the engine governor
settings or
over-speed the engine. The
governor cOlmols the maximum safe
operating speed ofthe engine.
6. Maintain and replace safety and
instruction labels as n~cessary.
Safety Symbols
7. Always refer to the operator's manual for i
importantdetails if the machine is to be
stored for an extended period of time.
8. Ifthefuel tank has to be drained, dothis
outdoors.
9. Observe proper disposal laws and
regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protectthe
environment.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injuryor death, do not modify
engine
in any way. Tampering withthe governor
setting
can lead to a runaway engine and cause
it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting ofengine governor.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified tocomply With
California and federal EPA emisSion regulations
for
SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are
certified tooperate on regular unleaded
gaSOline, and may include the folloWing
emission control systems: Engine Modification
(EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAl) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if
so equipped.
Spark Arrest~r
AWARNINGI
This machine is equipped with an Internal
combustion engIne and should nOt be used on
or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
Ifa SPilrk arrestor is used, it should be
maintained in effectiveworking order by the
operator.
In the State of California the above is
required by law (Section 4442 oUheCalifornia
Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestorfor the muffler Is available
through your
nearest engine authorized service
dealer orcontactthe service department, P.O.
Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
_attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
w
~
\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate.
WARNING-GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-
CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoorsorin apoorlyventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. -
WARNING-
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not use the engine's electricstarterinthe rain.
WARNING- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, espeCially the muffler, become extremelyhotduring operation. Allowengine and muffler
to
cool before touching.
A WARNINGI- SAVE THESE INSTRUCnONSI
Your Responsibility - Restrict the use ofthis power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions In this manual and on the
machine.
4 SECTION 2 -IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

, Set-Up
Oil & Fuel Sp~cifications
IMPORTANT: The engine"is shipped without
gasoline in the engine. See thefollowing
'instructionsforadding
gasoline. '
IMPORrANT:Sorll'e engines are shipped with oil
already in the engine, others withoutoil already
in the engine. It is very importantto check the'
oil
level before operating the engine and to '
add oil if necessa'ry. Running the engine with
insufficient'oil
can cause serious engine damage
and voidthe engine warranty
Oil Rec~mmendations
, Before starting engine; fill with engine oil,
capacity is 600 ml/20 oz. Refer tothe viscosity
chart ("Figure 3_1") for 011 recommendations.
Do not over-fill. Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent
high detergent, premium quality engine oil
certified to
meet or exceed U.S. automobile
manufacturer's requirements for service
classification ofaminimum level SJ (higher
lett~rratings are acceptable such as SL and SM
. grades). '
Engine'oil will displaythis designation onthe
container.
NOTE: Do not use non-deteigentoil or 2-stroke
,engineoil. Itcould,shorten the engine'Hervice
life.' "
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., "
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..
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VI
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tiS
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lj.!!-'
~6
VIol!
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,
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('C) -300 ·200 ·100 00 100 200 300 400
(OF) -200 00 15' 300 500 700 85' 105'
Figure 3-1
Checking Oil Level
NOTE: Be sure to check the oil while ona level
surface with the engine stopped.
To avoid engine damage, It is importantto:
'. Check oil level before each use
and every 5operating hours when
engine is warm; Check oil level
more frequently duringengine
break-in.
Keep oil level between "H" and "L"
marks on dipstick. See "Figure 3_2".
Be sure oil fill cap/plug is
tightened securely when checking.
1. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and
wipe the dipstick clean.,See "Figure 3-2".
2. Insert the cap/dipstick Intothe oil filler
fleck, and tighten the ca'p until seated. '
3. Remove the oli filler cap/dipstick. Ifthe
level is low, slowly add oil until oil level
registers between high (H) and loW (L),
"Figure 3-2~ .
4: Replace and tighten cap/dipstickfirmly
before startingengine.
NOTE: Do notciverflll:Overfilling with oil may
cause smoking, ~ard ~tarting, or spark plug
fouling.:' ,
"NOTE: DO NOT allow oli level tofall b~low the
"L" mark on the dipstick. Doing so may result in
eqUipment malfunctions or damage .
NOTE: To change the oil on your engine, see the
Maintenance Section ofthis manual.
Figure3-2
3
Filling Oil Sump
1. Be sure the engine is upright and level.
2. Remove the oil fill cap dipstickfrom oil
fillertube
by rotating counter-clockwise
and lifting the dipstickoutofthe engine.
I Wipe the dipstick clean with a shop rag.
3. Insertoil fill cap dipstick back into oilfiller
tube.
On quarter-turnoilfill caps, tighten
by rotating the cap clockwise until firmly
seated.
,NOTE: Some units may have athreaded
dipstick.
In this instance; insertthe cap/
dipstickinto the
011 filler neck, but do not
screwIt In to check.
4. Loosen and re,move the 011 fill cap
dipstickfrom the oil filler tube. Note the
oil
level, Ifoil reading on the dipstick
is belowthe "L" mark, slowly add oil to
reach the "H" level. See "Figure 3_2".
5. Insert oil fill cap dipstick back Intooil
filler
tube. Tighten by rotating the cap
clockwise untlifirmly seated.
6. Wipe away an~ spilled oiL
NOTE:To change the oil, see Checking and
Changing Oil Instructions In the M~intenance
Section of this manual. . '
I5

Fuel Recommendations
A CAUTION
Operating the engin.e witltE15 or E85 fuel, an oiV
gasoline mixture, dirty gasoline, or·gasoline
ncr JQ rlfI~ oldwithoutfuel nabllizing
additive may result in damage to your engine's
carburetor. Subsequent damage 'would not be
covered under the manufacturer's Warranty.
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low
leaded to minimize combustion chamber
deposits) yvith a minimum of 87 octane.
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (El0) or 15%
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be used.
Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty
gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water In the
fuel tank. DO NOT use E15 or E85 gasoline.
A WARNING!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive.
under certain conditions.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the
engine stopped.
Do not smoke or allow
flames or sparks in the area where the
engine
is refueled or where gasoline is
stored.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. After
refueling, make sure the tank cap is
closed properly ani:! securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling.
Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If
any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is
dry before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact
with skin or breathing of vapor.
6 SECTION 3- SET-UP
Adding Fuel
A WARNING!
An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER alloY«
children to refuel the engine. Gasoline (flIel)
vapors ar@hlghlyftammabl@ and can @xplod@.
Fuel vapors tan spread and be ignited by a spark
or flame many feet away from engine. To prevent
injury or death from fuel fires, follow these
instructions: .
DO NOT use leaded fuel.
Fuel must be fresh and clean: NEVER use.
fuel left over from last season or stored for
long periods.
NEVER mix oil with fuel in this engine.
• . DO NOT use fuel containing Meth1mol
(Wood Alcohol).
1. . Before refueling, allow the engine to cool
3.
4 ..
. 5.
6.
for two minutes ..
Be sure engine is outdoors and in a well-
ventilated area. .
Clean area around the fuel fill cap and
remove the fuel fill cap.
Using an approved red GASOLINE
container, add fuel slowly, being careful
to avoid spilling.
Replace the. fuel cap and tighten securely .
Wipe up spilled fuel before starting
engine.lffuel
is spilled DO NOT start
engine. Move machine away from area
of spillage. Avoid creating any source of
ignition until fuel vapors are gone.
Be sure fuel valve, if present, is open.
Electrical Power
A WARNING!
DO NOT pull starter rope with engine running.
Doing so may VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
A CAUTION
. The extension cord can be any length, but must be
rated for 15 amps at 125 volts, grounded and rated.
for outdoor use.
NOTES: When connecting power cord always
connect power cord to switch box on engine
first; then into outlet. See "Figure 3-3".
Determine what type of power source outlet
you will be connecting the power cord to,
befor.e you start your engine. See Engines with
ElectriC Starters instructions in the Operation
Section of this manual.
Figure 3-3

Controls and Features
Throttle
Fuel Shut-off __ =:..1'1
Valve
Recoil Starter
Handle
Oil Filler Cap!
Dipstick.
Oil Drain
Primer
Bulb
Recoil Starter Handle
Throttle
The throttle control regulates the speed of the
engine and will shut off the engine when it is
moved into the stop position.
Choke
Activating the choke closes the choke plate on
the carburetor and
aids in starting the engine.
O,iI Drain
Removing the oil drain plug will drain the oil
from the engine.
OU Filler Cap & Dipstick
Remove the oil cap to check the oil level and
add oil.
Figure 4-1
Fuel Fill
Remove the gas cap to add fuel.
Recoil Starter Handle
Pull the starter handle tostartthe engine.
Fuel Shut-Off Valve (If Equipped)
Ifequipped, is used for controlling the flow of
fuel between usage and transport/storage.
Electric Starter Inlet (If Equipped)
Requires the use of athree-prong outdoor
extension cord and a
120V power source/wall
outlet.
4
Electric
Starter Inlet
011 Filler Cap!
_ Dipstick
Starter
Inlet
Electric Start Button (If Equipped)
Pressing the buttonon the top of the electric
starter switch engages the engine's electricstarter
when plugged intop 120V power source.
Primer Bulb (If Equipped)
Pressing the primer bulbforces fuel directly
intothe engine's carburetor to aid in starting a
'Cold"engine.
Key (If Equipped)
The key is a safety device. It must be fully inserted in
order for the engine to start. Remove the key when
the snow thrower is not in yse.
Important: Do notturn the key in an attempt to
~tart the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.
7

8
Operation
Pre-Operation Check
IMPORTANT:The engine.is shipped without
gasoline in the engine. See the Set-Up Section
ofthis manual for instructions on adding
gasoline.
IMPORTANT: Some engines are shipped with 011
already in the engine, others without oil already
in the engine. It Is very importantto check the
oil before operating the engine and to add if
necessary. See the Set-Up Section of this manual
for instructions on checking and adding oil.
For your safety, and in orderto maximize
the service life of this equipment, it is very
important to !:heck its condition before you
operate this engine. Make certain to service,
correct or fix any problem that might be
identified before attempting to operate this
engine.
A WARNING I
Improperly maintaining this engine, or failure to
correct any problem before operation can cause a
malfu~on which could result In serious-injury or
even death.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before
each operation, and correct any problem.
Before you startthe engine, always check the
following items:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Fuel Recommendations (See Set Up
Sec.tion)
Checking Oil level (See Set Up Section)
Air filter (if equipped) (See Maintenance
Section)
General Overall Inspection. Check 'for any
fluid leaks or discharges, and loose or
damaged parts.
Check the owner's manual provided with
the equipment that is powered by this
engine. Review the owner's manual for
any precautions and procedures that
should be followed before starting the
engine.
Starting the Engine
AWARNINGI
Always keep hands and feet dear of moving parts.
Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
AWARNINGI
An adult should start the engine. Only allow
children to start the engine if an adult has
determined they are experienced and capable of
such operation.
AWARNINGI
If you are unable to start this engine after
following instructions in this manual, contact your
authorized MTD Service Dealer. To avoid serious
bum injuries or damage to your engine, DO NOT
attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in any
other ~aY. for example:
DO NOT use starting fluid.
. DO NOT spray flammable vapors into the
carburetor.
DO NOT put flammable liquids into
carburetor.
DO NOT operate engine or pull on starter
rope with spark plug removed. Fuel can
'Spray from spark plug hole and ignite.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few
minutes after starting. The engine will not
develop full powe[until it reaches operating
temperatures.' '
5
Familiarize yourself with the en gine symbols
shown in "Figure 5-1" before attempting to
start
this engine. If this engine is remotely
controlled by theequipment it i,s powering, be
sure to familiarize yourself with theequipment
Operator's
Manual as well.
Fast
I+I
Run
Slow/Idle
Choke
Flgu~e5-1
Engine Off
Primer
1. Ifequipped, insert the key.
Important: The key is a safety device. Do not
turn the key in an attemptto start the engine.
Doing so may cause it to break.
.t®.
Ke,
Figure5-2
NO~: 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 Ergines with Recoil Starters
later in this section.
Electric start PIli
Start
Figure5-3

Engines With Electric
Starters
If you have a manual recoil starter,
see Engineswith Recoil Starters
later In this section.
AWARNINGI
DO NOT pull the starter handle while the engine is
running.
AWARNING!
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.
a. Determine if your house wiring has a
Ground Fault Interrupted (G.F.I.) Three-Wire
, Grounded Syste"!; if you are not sure, ask a
Licensed Electrician.
b. If your house wiring does not have a G.F.I.
Three-Wire Grounded System, DO NOT
USE THIS ELECTRIC STARTER UNDER ANY
, CONDinON.
c. If your house wiring is grounded and a
G.F.!. three-Prong Wall Receptacle is not
available atthe 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 'outdoors in awell-
ventilated area. ,
2. Be sure fuel valve, if present (see
equipmentOperator's Manual
Instructions) is open and all switches are
on.
,3. Plug an extension cord intothe outlet
located
on the engine's surface. Plug the
other
end ofextension cord intoathree-
prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outletin a
well-ventilated, area.
A CAUTION
The extension cord can be any length, but must be
rated for 1S amps at 1is volts, grounded and rated
for outdoor use.
IMPORTANT: When connecting the
power
cord, always connect the power
cord to the switch box on the enginefirst;
then intothe outlet.
4. Move engine speed control, ifequipped,
In the "Fast" position.
5. Ifequipped, set the choke control to
"FULL CHOKE" pOSition.
6. Ifequipped, 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 ashort
shutdown. Doing
so will flood the
engine
and may result in equipment
malfunction.
NOTE: Ifrestarting a warm engine after a
short shutdown,
move the engine speed
control (ifequipped) 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
starterfor
more than 5 seconds during'
each attempt.
8. Release the starter button.
NOTE: Ifthe engine fails to start after 3
attempts"repeat steps 6 through 7.
9. Afterthe engine starts:
Move the choke controlto 112
"CHOKE" position until the engine
runs ~moothly.
Next, move the choke control to
the NO CHOKE position.
NOTE: Ifthe engine starts butfalters 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: Ifthe engine stops with the choke control
in the
uNO CHOKE" position, repeat steps 6-9 to
restart the
engine.
NOTE: Ifthe engine fails to startafter 3attempts
in the
UNO CHOKE" position, move the choke
control to "FULL CHOKE" position and repeat
steps 6-9 to restartthe engine.
10. Disconnect the extension cord fOrm the
outlet.
11. Disconnect theextension cord formthe
switch box
on the engine.
IMPORTANT: Ifengine does notstart after
following
steps 1through 11, contact your
Authorized MTD Service Dealer. DO NOT
attemptto troubleshoot this engine in any
other way.
Engines with Recoil
Starters
If you have an electric starter,
see Engines with Electric
Starters earlier in this section.
A WARNING!
DO NOT pull starter rope with engine running.
Doing so may VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning,
be sure engine is outdoors in awell-
ventilated area.
2. Be sure fuel valve, if present (see
equipment Operator's Manual
instructions) is open and all switches are
on.
3. Move the engine speed control, if
equipped, to the
"FAST" position. '
4. Ifequipped, set the choke control to
"FULL CHOKE" position.
5. Ifequipped, Prime 3 - 5 times.
Make sure,you cover thevent hole
wlthyourthumb. '
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 ashort
shutdown.
Doing so will flood the '
engine and may resu It in equipment
malfunction.
NOTE: Ifrestarting a warm engine aftera
short shutdown,
move theengine sp'eed
control (ifequipped) the "FAST" position
and move the choke control tothe UNO
CHOKE" position.
A WARNING!
When pulling the starter rope; the rope can
unexpectedly jerk back toward the engine causing
serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully follow
these instructions:
6. Grasp the starter cord handle.
Pull rope outslowly until you feel
resistance. '
./\lIow the rope to retract, then pull
the rope with one rapid full arm
stroke.
Return the rope slowly to the
original position.
NOTE: Following the instructions listed in
the steps above aVOids potential damage
to the recoil mechanism.
SECTION 5 - OPERATION 9 '

7.
8.
NOTE: If the recoil starter handle is frozen
and will not operatethe engine, proceed
as follows:
Pull as much rope out of the
starter
as possible.
Relea~e the ~tarer handle and let
it snap back against the starter
to
break up ice; these two steps
should only be done when the
starter
is frozen.
If the engine fails to start after 3attempts
repeat steps 5through 6and
try again.
When 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 sta~ but falters when the
choke control is moved to the "NO CHOKE"
position:
Mo'mentarily 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 5-8 to
restart the
engine.
NOTE: If the engine fails to startafter 3attempts
in the uNO CHOKE" position, move the choke
control to "FULL CHOKE" position and repeat
steps
5-8 to restartthe engine.
IMPORTANT: If engine does not start after
following steps 1 thro'ugh 8, contact your
Authorized MTD Service Dealer. DO NOT
attemptto troubleshoot this engine in any
other way.
SECTION 5- OPERATION
Stopping the Engine & Short
Term Storage
Stop engine in accordance with the equipment
Operator's
Manual.
A WARNING!
To avoid unsupervised engine operation, especially
by children, NEVER leave the engine, unattended
while running. Always turn off the engine after
use and remove the ignition key, if equipped.
AWARNINGI
NEVER store the engine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building with potential sources of ignition
such as hot water tank and space heaters, clothes
drivers, electric motors, etc.
Stopping The Engine
1. If operating the engine in the snow or
rain, run theengine for a few minutes to
help dry off any moisture.
2. Move the equipment control, if present
(see Equipment Owner's Manual), engine
control lever or ignition switch to "STOP"
or "OFF" position.
3. Remove ignition key, If provided (see
equipmentOperator's Manual).
NOTE: Removing the key will reduce the
possibility of unauthorized starting of the
engine
while equipment is not in use.
A WARNING!
NEVER store the engine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building with potential SOUKes of ignition
such as hot water tank and space heaters, clothes
dryers, electric motors, etc.
'After the Engin~ is Stopped
AWARNINGi
To prevent the possible freeze-up of engine
controls, follow instructions with engine STOPPED,
listed below:
1. Wipe all snow and moisture from the
engine
control lever and choke areas.
2. Move the equipment control, if present,
(see equipment Operator's Manual),
engine control lever or ignition switch,
back and forth several times and leave
the control in the "STOP' or "OFF"
position. '
3. Move the engine choke back and forth
several times and leave in the "FULL
CHOKE,' position.
4. Be sure the Fuel Shut-Off Valve, if present,
is off.