Check Oil Level; Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine - MTD 54M Operator's Manual

For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983

Check Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level
surface with the engine stopped.
1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
See Figure 9-2.
2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not
screw it in.
3. If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on
the dipstick.
4. Tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may
cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil
saturation of air cleaner.
Fuel Recommendations
Use automotive gasoline (Unleaded or lowleaded to
minimize combustion chamber deposits). Never use an
oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt,
dust, or water in the fuel tank.
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flam-
mable and is explosive under certain
conditions.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine
stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks
in the area where the engine is refueled or where
gasoline is stored.
Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel
in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank
cap is closed properly and securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled
fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled,
make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or
breathing of vapor.
Check Fuel Level
1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.
2. Fill tank to approximately one inch below lowest
portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful
not to overfill.
IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool two
minutes.

Starting The Engine

WARNING: Always keep hands and
feet clear of equipment moving parts.
Do not use a pressurized starting fluid.
Vapors are flammable.
1. Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the
upper handle. See Figure 9-3.
Oil Fill Cap/
Dipstick
Upper Level
Figure 9-2: Checking the oil level.
Figure 9-3: Starting the mower. (Your mower may differ from
that shown)
NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the
engine is warm or the air temperature is high.
2. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control
and hold it against the upper handle.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt,
then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent
kickback and start engine. Repeat if necessary.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap
back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent
damage to the starter.
4. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob.

Stopping The Engine

1. Release the blade control.
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Operating
Your
Engine
WARNING
Always keep hands
and feet clear of equip-
ment moving parts. Do
not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors
are flammable.
IMPORTANT: Do not
allow the starter grip to
snap back against the
engine. Return it gently
to prevent damage to
the starter.