Troubleshooting - MTD 3AA & 3CA Operator's Manual

Problem
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Loss of power
Excessive vibration
Unit fails to self-propel
Augers continue to rotate
Unit fails to discharge snow
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service representative
or call 1-800-800-7310 for the Customer Support Center. Refer to the engine manual for more engine related
information.
Possible Cause(s)
1. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
2. Blocked fuel line
3. Key not snapped in place
4. Spark plug wire disconnected
5. Faulty spark plug
6. Engine not primed
7. Engine flooded from excessive
priming
1. Unit running on choke
2. Fuel line blocked, or stale fuel
3. Water or dirt in fuel system
4. Carburetor out of adjustment
1. Carburetor out of adjustment
1. Spark plug wire loose
2. Vent in gas cap plugged
1. Loose parts or damaged auger
1. Drive belt loose or damaged
1. Cable out of adjustment.
1. Chute assembly clogged.
2. Shear pin sheared.
3. Foreign object lodged in auger.
4. Auger control cable out of
adjustment.
5. Auger belt loose or damaged.
15
Solution
1. Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline.
2. Clean fuel line
3. Insert key. See "Ignition Key"
section.
4. Connect wire to spark plug.
5. Clean spark plug, re-adjust gap,
or replace.
6. Prime engine four times.
7. Wait at least ten minutes before
starting.
1. Move choke lever to OFF position.
2. Clean fuel line and fill tank with
fresh, clean gasoline.
3. Refer to engine manual.
4. Refer to engine manual.
1. Refer to engine manual.
1. Firmly connect spark plug wire.
2. Clear vent.
1. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect spark plug wire. Check
for possible damage. Tighten all
bolts and nuts. Repair as needed.
If the problem persists, take unit to
an authorized service dealer.
1. Replace drive belt.
1. Adjust auger control cable as
shown in "Adjusting Auger Cable"
section.
1. Stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire. Clean chute and inside
of auger housing with clean-out
tool or stick.
2. Replace shear pin.
3. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove object from auger.
4. Adjust auger control cable.
5. Replace auger belt.
8
Trouble-
shooting
Please do NOT
return the unit to the
retailer from which it
was purchased, without
first contacting Customer
Support.
Log onto
www.mtdproducts.com
or call a customer service
representative at 1-800-
800-7310.
Note: You will need
the model number and
serial number if and when
calling Customer Support,
logging onto our website
and contacting a service
dealer. Please refer to
page 2 of this manual for
information regarding
locating and recording
your model and serial
numbers.