Service Intent - MTD 350 Series Service Manual

For Discount White Outdoor Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
MTD Engine - Series 350/450/650
• The service procedures are similar enough that
all three engines will be covered in this manual.
• Individual differences will be noted in the text
and tables where necessary.
• The most obvious feature that distinguishes the
two engine blocks is the location of the ignition
module.
• The module is mounted above the cylinder on
the Series 350 and Series 450 engines, off-set
slightly to the intake side. See Figure 1.5.
• The module is mounted about 90 degrees from
the cylinder on the Series 650 engine blocks.
See Figure 1.6.
1.7. The Series 650 engine may have a steel or plas-
tic cam and a very robust compression release
mechanism. The Series 350 and 450 use poly-
mer cams
1.8. While some components of the MTD engines
may be visually similar to those of other manu-
facturers, none of the proprietary parts are
directly interchangeable.
NOTE: The procedures detailed in this manual
are intended for use by trained technicians who
are experienced in the service and repair of out-
door power equipment. Persons who are
untrained or inexperienced in this field should
seek the assistance of an authorized service
dealer.
NOTE: This manual was developed using pre-
production equipment. Although it is current and
correct at the time of writing, it is subject to
change without notice.
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2.

SERVICE INTENT

2.1. The engines are warranted for two years against
defects in materials and workmanship, as
described in the warranty that accompanies the
mower.
2.2. Because MTD is entering a new field, dealers
can assume that MTD will be very interested in
scrutinizing any failed parts that dealers replace
under warranty during the '06 and '07 mowing
season.
2.3. Major engine failures will be repaired using ser-
vice engines, short blocks, cylinder head assem-
blies, or long blocks.
• The repair method will depend on the nature of
the damage to the engine. Service engines will
most-likely be prevalent.
• The dealer should do any diagnostic disassem-
bly needed to discern lubrication and abuse fail-
ures from defects in material or workmanship,
and file a warranty claim for the time allowed.
2.4. Realistically, service will be limited primarily to
external components.
• It is not anticipated that dealers will be doing
machine-work intensive rebuilds because it is
not cost effective.
• Internal specifications that would be relevant to
such rebuilding are not included in this manual.