MTD OHV Series Original Operating Instructions page 9

English
If oil with an individual viscosity
is used, a viscosity should be
selected from the table for the
average temperature in the
application area.
Caution!
If an inferior oil or an oil for 2-stroke
engines is used, the service life of
the engine may be damaged.
Checking the oil level
Caution!
When checking the oil, ensure that
the unit is on a level surface and
that the engine is switched off.
Fig. 2
Unscrew the oil filler cap (1) and

wipe the dip stick.
Insert the dipstick into the inlet

nozzle but do not screw in.
Pull out the dipstick and check

the oil level.
If the level is too low, slowly pour
in a little oil up to the upper "max"
mark on the dip stick.
Before starting the engine, firmly

screw in the dip stick.
Caution!
Do not pour in too much oil.
Too much oil may result in engine
damage, smoke generation,
starting problems, sooted spark
plug or oiled-up air filter.
Recommended fuels
Danger!
!
– Under certain conditions petrol is
extremely flammable and
explosive.
– Refuel only in well ventilated
surroundings and with the engine
switched off. Do not smoke near
the fuel tank or in the fuel storage
location and extinguish all
ignition sources.
– Do not overfill the petrol tank
(there must be no fuel in the filler
neck). After refuelling, ensure
that the fuel cap is closed and
secured.
– When refuelling, do not spill any
fuel. Spilled fuel or petrol vapours
may ignite. If fuel was spilled,
ensure that the area is dried
before restarting the engine.
6
– Avoid repeated or prolonged skin
contact and inhalation of the
vapours.
Risk of engine damage!
!
– Do not mix fuel and oil.
– Use clean, fresh and unleaded
fuel only.
– Use fuel with an octane number
of 87 or higher only.
– Do not use fuel of specification
E85/E15!
– Store fuel in quantities which can
be used within 30 days.
– Ensure that no dirt, dust or water
gets into the tank.
Checking the petrol level
Caution!
Before refuelling, leave the engine
to cool down for at least two
minutes.
Before removing the fuel cap and

refuelling, clean the area around
the filler neck.
Fill the tank until approx. 2 cm

below the rim of the filler neck
to allow the fuel to expand.
Starting the engine
Danger!
!
Keep hands and feet away from
moving parts. Do not use any
pressurised starting aids.
The vapours are flammable.
Danger!
!
Follow all operating instructions in
the operating manual for the unit on
which this engine is mounted.
Note:
Some models have
– no choke and no primer:
The engine is automatically set to
the particular starting process.
– no throttle:
The speed is automatically set.
The engine always runs at
optimum speed.
Fig. 3
Preparing to start the engine
If the engine is cold:
Set throttle (1; if fitted) to position

CHOKE/ .
or
Operating manual for engine
Press the primer (7, Fig. 1;

if fitted):
– at temperatures above 10 °C:
Press 1–3x
– at temperatures below 10 °C:
Press 3–5x
Note:
– When pressing the primer, cover
the vent hole on the primer
button with your finger.
– If the engine does not start,
actuate the primer again.
If the engine is warm:
Set throttle (1, if fitted) to

MAX/ .
Important
Even if the engine is warm, it may
be necessary
– to actuate the choke (if fitted)
or
– to actuate the primer (if fitted) 1x.
Starting with the hand starter
Stand behind the unit, depress

the safety lever (2; if fitted) and
hold down against the handle.
Pull gently on the starter handle

(3) until it begins to resist. Then
pull quickly and forcefully to
overcome the compression and
prevent a backlash. If required,
repeat.
Caution!
Do not let the starter handle spring
back against the engine. Slowly
guide it back to prevent damaging
the starter.
Starting with the electric starter
(depending on model)
Disconnect charger from power

supply and unit.
Stand behind the unit, depress

the safety lever (2; if fitted) and
hold down against the handle.
Turn the ignition key on the

steering handle (4) and hold until
the engine starts.
– Start attempt maximum
5 seconds.
– Wait 20 seconds before trying
again.