Troubleshooting - MTD Series 140 through E173 Operator's Manual

SECTION 9: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem
Engine fails to start 1. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
2. Blocked fuel line
3. Key not in ON position
4. Spark plug wire disconnected
5. Faulty spark plug
6. Gasoline and oil not mixed correctly
Engine runs erratic 1. Unit running on choke
2. Fuel line blocked, or stale fuel
3. Water or dirt in fuel system
4. Carburetor out of adjustment
Engine overheats 1. Gasoline and oil not mixed correctly
2. Carburetor out of adjustment
Loss of power 1. Spark plug wire loose
2. Vent in gas cap plugged
3. Exhaust port plugged.
Excessive vibration 1. Loose parts or damaged auger
Unit fails to propel 1. Drive cable out of adjustment
itself
2. Drive belt loose or damaged
Unit fails to 1. Discharge chute clogged
discharge snow
2. Foreign object lodged in auger
3. Drive cable not adjusted properly
4. Drive belt loose or damaged
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer or
call 1-800-800-7310 for the Customer Support Center. Refer to separate engine manual packed with your snow
thrower for more engine related information.
Cause
13
Remedy
1. Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline/oil
mixture as specified in the engine
manual.
2. Clean fuel line
3. Insert key and turn to ON position
4. Connect wire to spark plug.
5. Clean spark plug, readjust gap, or
replace.
6. Refer to instructions on fuel mixture in
the engine manual and mix
apprpriately.
1. Move choke lever to off position.
2. Clean fuel line and fill tank with fresh,
clean gasoline.
3. Refer to engine manual on remedy.
4. Refer to engine manual; get the
carburetor adjusted by an authorized
service dealer.
1. Drain fuel tank and refill with proper
fuel mixture.
2. Refer to engine manual; get the
carburetor adjusted by an authorized
service dealer.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clear vent.
3. Clean port.
1. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect spark plug wire. Check for
possible damage. Tighten all bolts
and nuts. Repair as needed. If the
problem persists, take unit to an
authorized service dealer.
1. Adjust drive cable following
instructions on snow thrower.
2. Replace drive cable following
instructions on snow thrower.
1. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect spark plug wire. Clean
discharge chute and the auger
housing.
2. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
object from auger.
3. Adjust drive cable following
instructions on snow thrower.
4. Replace drive belt following
instructions on snow thrower.