MTD Yard Machine 31A-3AAD700 Manual page 9

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Before Starting Engine
Engine Oil
The engine is shipped with oil in it. Check the oil level
before first use. For subsequent fill-ups, use the grade
of engine oil specified in engine manual. To add oil:
1. Remove the dipstick from the oil fill. Pour fresh oil
slowly through the plug. Replace dipstick.
2. Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Gasoline
WARNING:
Gasoline is flammable and
caution must be used when handling or storing
it. Do not fill fuel tank while the snow thrower is
running, when it is hot or when it is in an
enclosed area.
WARNING:
Keep your snow thrower away
from any open flame or an electrical spark and
do not smoke during fueling.
• Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to no
more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to
provide space for expansion of fuel.
Your snow thrower is equipped with a
IMPORTANT:
plastic fuel plug for shipping purposes. Please discard it
at this time.
• Always use clean, fresh, unleaded grade
automotive gasoline. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and
use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling. Make sure
that the container from which you pour the gasoline
is clean and free from rust or other foreign particles.
Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
• At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the snow
thrower is not going to be used for 30 days or
longer. Store gasoline in a clean container and
keep the cap in place on the container.
CAUTION: Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank.
To Start Engine
WARNING:
Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the snow thrower
while starting or operating. Do not operate this
snow thrower unless the chute assembly has
been properly installed and is secured.
For location of all the engine controls referred to in this
section, see Figure 6.
Electric Starter
This snow thrower is equipped with a 120 volt A.C.
electric starter. This electric starter, with a three-wire
power cord and plug, is designed to operate on 120 volt
AC household current. Follow the steps below to use the
electric starter.
Cold Start:
• Determine whether your house wiring is a three-
wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if
you are not certain.
WARNING:
properly grounded at all times to avoid the
possibility of electric shock to the operator. If
your house wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
• If your house wiring system is grounded and a
three-hole receptacle is not available at the point
the snow thrower starter will normally be used, one
should be installed by a licensed electrician.
NOTE: When connecting the power cord, always
connect cord to starter on engine first, then plug the
other end into a three-hole grounded 120 Volt
receptacle. When disconnecting the power cord,
always unplug the end from the three-hole, grounded
receptacle first.
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
• Make sure that the auger control and the drive
control are disengaged.
• Remove the keys from the plastic bag. Push key
into the ignition slot. Do not turn the key. Keep
second key in a safe place.
• Move the choke knob to FULL choke position.
• Move throttle control to the FAST position.
• Turn fuel valve on, if so equipped.
• Connect power cord to the switch box on engine.
• Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-
hole, grounded 120 volt A.C. receptacle.
• Push primer button three times.
• Push down on the starter button until the engine
starts. Do not crank for more than 5 seconds at a
time.
WARNING:
starter is possible if you continue to crank for
more than 5 seconds without a cool-down.
• When the engine starts, release the starter button
and slowly rotate the choke to OFF position. If the
engine falters, rotate the choke to FULL and then
gradually to OFF.
8
The electric starter must be
Severe damage to electric