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Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722. MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722 PRINTED IN U.S.A. 33” Snow Thrower Model 31AE993I401 770-10278B.fm FORM NO. (5/2001)
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the left or right side of the snow thrower is observed from the operator’s position. Unpacking • Remove staples from the top, sides, and ends of the shipping crate. •...
shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks over the lower shift rod. See Figure 2. NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change speeds or change directions. •...
• Loosen the jam nut and thread the cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. See Figure 7. • Recheck adjustment; readjust as necessary and tighten the jam nut. “Z” End Jam Nut Auger Control Cable Figure 7 Skid Shoes...
Shift Lever The shift lever is located in the center of the handle panel and is used to determine ground speed and direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight positions. See Figure 9. Always release traction the control before IMPORTANT: changing speeds.
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER Before Starting WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. Gas And Oil Fill-up Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower.
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: • Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle.
Trigger Cables Shift Arm Auger Actuator Bracket Hex Nut And Cupped Washer Figure 10 • Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached. • Reassemble the frame cover. NOTE: If you placed plastic film under the gas cap, be certain to remove it before operating the snow thrower.
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR SNOW THROWER WARNING: Before lubricating, repair- ing, or inspecting, disengage all clutch levers and stop engine. Wait until all mov- ing parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
Do not overfill the gear case, since IMPORTANT: damage to the seals could result. Be sure the vent plug is free of grease in order to relieve pressure. Auger Bearings and Shaft Every season lubricate the auger bearings and the bearings on the side of the frame with light oil.
Shear Bolts Washer Carriage Bolt Hex Nut Figure 15 • Remove the six carriage bolts (three per side), belleville washers and hex nuts which attach slide shoes to the snow thrower on two sides. See Figure 8. • Reassemble new slide shoes with the hardware removed earlier (cupped side of belleville washer against the slide shoes).
• Pull the brake bracket assembly towards the cable guide roller and unhook the auger cable “Z” fitting. • Remove the upper bolts and lock washers which attach the auger housing assembly to the frame assembly using a 9/16” wrench. See Figure 16. •...
Shift Arm Assembly Shift Arm Sprocket Assembly Sprocket Friction Wheel Friction Wheel Friction Wheel Plates Screws Friction Wheel Rubber Figure 20 • Reassemble the new friction wheel rubber to the friction wheel assembly, tightening the six screws in rotation and with equal force. It is important to assemble the rubber on the friction wheel symmetrically for proper functioning.
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SECTION 9: TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Engine fails to start. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Choke not in ON position Faulty spark plug. Safety key not in ignition switch on engine. Spark plug wire disconnected. Primer button not being used properly. Engine runs erratic.
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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD PRODUCTS INC (“MTD”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. MTD warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in...