MTD Yard Machine 31A-3AAD700 Manual page 10

NOTE: When engaging the electric starter, a slight
hesitation of a few seconds may occur before the
engine starts to turn. This is normal and is not harmful
to the engine.
• Disconnect the power cord from the receptacle first
and then from the switch box on the engine.
• Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
because the engine will not develop full power until
it reaches operating temperature.
NOTE: If the starter motor runs but the engine does not
turn over, the starter gear may have frozen. Place the
snow thrower in a warmer part of the garage or storage
shed till the gear is free of the accumulated ice.
Warm Start:
If restarting a warm engine, rotate choke to OFF
instead of FULL and press the starter button. Do not
push the primer button.
Recoil Starter
• Make sure that auger and drive controls are
released. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
• Turn fuel valve on, if so equipped.
• Move throttle control to FAST position.
• Push key into the ignition slot so that it snaps into
place. Do not turn key.
• Rotate choke control to FULL choke position.
• Push primer button while covering the vent hole.
Remove your finger from the primer between primes.
Do not prime if temperature is above 50
two times between 50
o
times below 15 F.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the
rope return to the starter slowly. Repeat until engine
starts.
• As the engine warms up, rotate the choke knob
slowly to OFF position. If the engine falters, return
to FULL choke, then slowly move to OFF choke
position.
• Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
because the engine will not develop full power until
it reaches operating temperature.
• Operate the engine at full throttle (FAST) when
throwing snow.
Warm Start:
• If restarting an engine after a temporary shut-
down, rotate choke to OFF instead of FULL and do
not prime. Pull starter handle as instructed before.
o
F; prime
o o
F and 15 F; and prime four
Before Stopping
• Run engine for a few minutes to help dry off any
moisture on engine.
• To avoid possible freeze-up of the starter, follow
these steps:
Recoil Starter
a. With the engine running, pull the starter rope
with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three
or four times.
Electric Starter
a. Connect power cord to switch box, then to
120 Volt AC receptacle.
b. While the engine is running, push the starter
button and spin the starter for several
seconds.
c. Disconnect power cord from the receptacle
first, then from the snow thrower.
NOTE: The unusual sound from pulling the starter rope
or from spinning the starter will not harm the engine.
• While standing in the operator's position (behind
the snow thrower), engage the auger control for a
few seconds to clear any remaining snow and ice
from the chute assembly.
To Stop The Snow Thrower
• To stop the wheels, release the drive control.
• To stop throwing snow, release the auger control.
• To stop engine, push throttle control lever to OFF
and pull out the key. Do not turn key.
WARNING:
the surrounding areas may exceed 150
Avoid these areas.
Auger Control Test
Perform the following test before
IMPORTANT:
operating the snow thrower for the first time and at the
start of each winter season.
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
• When the auger control is released and in the
disengaged "up" position, the cable should have
very little slack, but should NOT be tight.
WARNING:
Over-tightening may prevent the auger from
disengaging and compromise the safety of the
snow thrower.
• In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is set
in the FAST position.
• While standing in the operator's position (behind
the snow thrower) engage the auger.
9
The temperature of muffler and
o
Do not over-tighten the cable.
F.