Making Adjustments - MTD 642 Operator's Manual

• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until
it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.
To Stop Engine
• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
• To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows.
Electric Starter
(If equipped)
• Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then
to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running,
push starter button and spin the starter for several
seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the
starter will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect
the power cord from receptacle first, and then from
switch box.
Recoil Starter
• With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid,
continuous full arm stroke three or four times.
Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering
sound, which is not harmful to engine or starter.
• To stop engine, move throttle control to "stop" or
"off" position.
• Remove the ignition key. Do not turn key.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
NOTE:
Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe
place. Engine will not start without the ignition key.
• Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move
control levers back and forth several times.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in operator's
manual.
To Engage Drive
• With the engine running near top speed, move shift
lever into one of the five FORWARD positions or
two REVERSE positions. Select a speed
appropriate for the snow conditions that exist. Use
the slower speeds until you are familiar with the
operation of the snow thrower.
• Squeeze the auger control grip and the augers will
turn. Release it and the augers will stop.
• Squeeze traction control grip and the snow thrower
will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
• NEVER move shift lever without releasing drive
clutch.
To Engage Augers
• To engage the augers and start throwing snow,
squeeze the auger control grip against the left
handle. Release to stop the augers.
Tire Chains
(If Equipped)
• Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction
is needed.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.
WARNING:
rounding areas become hot and can cause
a burn. Do not touch.
• For most efficient snow removal, remove snow
immediately after it falls.
• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previous swath.
• Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the scraper bar for
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted
upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward
when using on gravel or crushed rock.
• Be certain to follow the precautions listed under ''To
Stop Engine'' to prevent possible freeze-up.
• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
Chute Assembly
• The distance snow is thrown can be controlled by
adjusting the angle of the top section of the chute
assembly.
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Muffler, engine and sur-