Product Care; Troubleshooting - MTD 200 Series Operator's Manual

Product Care

WARNING!
repairing or inspecting the snow
thrower, disengage the auger control
lever. Stop the engine and remove the
safety key to prevent unintended
starting.

Troubleshooting

Engine Fails to Start
1. Choke not in CHOKE position
• Move choke to CHOKE position. See
Engine Operator's Manual.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected
• Connect wire to spark plug. See Engine
Operator's Manual.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
• Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel. See
Engine Operator's Manual.
4. Engine not primed.
• Prime engine as instructed in Engine
Operator's Manual.
5. Faulty spark plug.
• Clean, adjust gap or replace. See
Engine Operator's Manual.
6. Safety key not in switch.
• Insert safety key fully into switch.
Engine Running Eratically/Inconsistent RPM
(Hunting or Surging)
1. Engine running on CHOKE.
• Move choke lever to RUN position. See
Engine Operator's Manual.
2. Stale fuel.
• Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel. See
Engine Operator's Manual.
3. Water or dirt in fuel system.
• Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
See Engine Operator's Manual.
4. Carburetor out of adjustment.
• Contact an authorized service center.
5. Engine over-governed.
• Contact an authorized service center.
Engine Overheats
1. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
• Contact an authorized service center.
Loss of Power
1. Spark plug wire loose.
• Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
See Engine Operator's Manual.
10
Excessive Vibration
Before servicing,
1. Loose parts or damaged auger.
Unit Fails to Propel Itself
1. Auger control cable out of adjustment.
2. Auger drive belt loose or damaged.
3. Auger paddles worn excessively.
Augers Continue to Rotate
1. Auger control cable not routed properly.
Unit Fails to Discharge Snow
1. Chute assembly clogged.
2. Foreign object lodged in auger.
3. Auger control cable out of adjustment.
4. Auger drive belt loose or damaged.
Maintenance
Lubrication
Lubricate the pivot points on the auger control lever
and the extension spring at the end of the control
cable with a light oil once every season and before
the snow thrower is put into storage at the end of the
season.
• Stop engine immediately and
disconnect the spark plug wire.
Check for possible damage. Tighten
all nuts and bolts. Repair as needed.
If the problem persists, contact an
authorized service center.
• Adjust auger control cable. See Auger
Control Cable in the Adjustments
section.
• Replace auger drive belt. See Replacing
the Auger Drive Belt in the Service
section.
• Replace the auger paddles. See
Replacing the Auger Paddles in the
Service section.
• Check routing along handle. If problem
persists, contact an authorized service
center.
• Stop engine and disconnect the spark
plug wire. Clean chute and inside of the
auger housing with clean-out tool.
• Stop engine immediately and
disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove the object from auger.
• Adjust the auger control cable.
See Auger Control Cable in the
Adjustments section.
• Replace auger drive belt. See Replacing
the Auger Drive Belt in the Service
section.
Off-Season Storage
If the unit will not be used for 30 days or longer,
follow the storage instructions below.
1. Run engine until fuel tank is empty and it
stops due to lack of fuel. Do not attempt to
pour fuel from engine.
2. Lubricate machine as instructed in the
Lubrication section.
3. Store in a clean, dry area.
4. If storing unit in an unventilated area,
rustproof machine using a light oil or silicone
to coat the snow thrower.
5. Clean the exterior of the engine and the snow
thrower.
IMPORTANT: When storing unit or when it
is not being serviced, it is to remain in the
operating position with both wheels and
auger housing on the ground.
NOTE: Refer to Engine Operator's Manual for
information on storing your engine.
Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for
maintenance, service and adjustment information
on your engine.
1. To access the oil drain and spark plug on
some models, it is necessary to remove the
lower panel.
2. Remove the three screws (a) that secure the
lower panel. Remove the lower panel by
lifting up on the panel to free the tabs at the
bottom of the panel from the tab slots and
then pull back. See Figure 4-1.
(a)
Figure 4-1
NOTE:
The bottom of the panel has tabs that
help hold it in place.
NOTE:
An oil drain extension kit is available
separately. Contact your local authorized
dealer or contact Customer Support.
3. Change the oil and/or the spark plug as
instructed in your Engine Operator's Manual.
4. Re-install the lower panel by placing the tabs
in the tab slots, lifting the panel into place
and secure with the three screws removed in
Step 2.
5. Tip the snow thrower back to the operating
position and pull the recoil starter handle a few
times to see if it is difficult to pull.
4
(a)
(a)