MTD 208cc, 179cc User Manual
Safety • Operation • Maintenance • Storage • Troubleshooting
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
179cc and 208cc
Horizontal Shaft OHV Snow Engines
IMPORTANT:
READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
PRINTED IN U.S.A. MTD Products Ltd., P. O. Box 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1
769-03333
9/11/2007
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new engine. It will help you prepare and maintain the unit for best
performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices .........................................3
Operating the Engine ...............................................5
Maintaining the Engine ............................................9
Troubleshooting ......................................................12
This Operator’s Manual may cover a range of engine models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be
applicable to all engine models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs, and equipment without notice and without
incurring obligation.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of your
engine. All information in this publication is based on the latest
product information available at the time of printing.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the
engine and should remain with it if it is resold.
WARNING: The engine is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions. Read
and understand the Operator’s Manual before operating the engine. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or
equipment damage.
Pay special attention to safety messages and notes printed in
this manual and on the engine itself. A safety message alerts
you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
WARNING: Indicates a strong possibility of
severe personal injury or death if instructions
are not followed. Each safety message is
preceded by a safety symbol.
NOTE: Gives helpful information.
IMPORTANT: Indicates a possibility of equipment or property damage if instructions are
not followed.
Customer Support
Visit www.mtdcanada.ca or call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-668-1238.
2
Engine Components
Muffler
Primer
Ignition Key
Throttle
Choke
Starter Handle
Oil Drain
Electric Switch Box*
* Optional
Figure 2-1: Front and rear views of the engine.
Read this section before starting the engine. It is important to familiarize yourself with the controls on the engine. Refer
to “Starting the Engine” section for detailed operating instructions.
Primer
Depressing primer forces fuel directly into
engine’s carburetor to aid in cold-weather
starting.
Ignition Key
The ignition key is a safety device.
Insert key and snap in place; do not
turn ignition key. Pull the key out
halfway to stop the engine. Remove
key when the unit is not in use.
Throttle
Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick
Fuel Fill Cap
Electric start button*
PRIMER
Spark Plug
Oil Drain
Removing the oil drain plug will drain the oil from the
engine. Refer to the Maintenance section in this manual
for instructions on changing the oil.
Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick
Remove oil cap to check oil level. Refer to “Pre-Operation
Check” section for checking oil and “Maintaining Your
Engine” section for adding oil instructions.
Fuel Fill Cap
Remove gas cap to add fuel. Unit runs on automotive
unleaded gas.
2
Operating
the
Engine
IMPORTANT: This engine
is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Running the engine with
insufficient oil can cause
serious engine damage
and void the engine
warranty.
Specifications are
subject to change without
notification or obligation.
Images my not reflect your
exact model and are for
reference purposes only.
The throttle control regulates the speed of the engine
and will shut off the engine when moved into the STOP
position.
Choke
Activating the choke closes the choke
plate on the carburetor and aids in
starting the engine. For information
on choke usage, see “Starting The
Engine.”
Starter Handle
This motor is fitted with a recoil action pull start and a
mitten grip handle for easy access while wearing gloves
or mittens.
Electric Start (if equipped)
Electric Switch Box
Requires the use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord
and a 120V power source/wall outlet.
Electric Start Button
Pressing the electric starter button engages the engine’s
electric starter when plugged into a 120V power source.
3
2
Pre-Operation Check
IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Running the engine with
insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage
and void the engine warranty.
Synthetic
0W-30
5W-30
Operating
the
Engine
WARNING
WARNING: Gasoline is
extremely flammable and
is explosive under certain
conditions.
WARNING: Always keep
hands and feet clear of
equipment moving parts.
Do not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
Oil Recommendations
Before starting engine, fill with oil, refer to viscosity
chart in Figure 2-2. Engine oil capacity is 600 ml. Do not
over-fill. Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent,
premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed
U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service
classification SG, SF. Motor oils classified SG, SF will
show this designation on the container.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT use nondetergent oil or
2-stroke engine oil. It could shorten the engine’s
service life.
Checking Oil Level
IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level
surface with the engine stopped.
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the
1.
dipstick clean, Figure 2-3.
Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do
2.
not screw it in.
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low,
3.
slowly add oil until oil level registers between high
(H) and low (L), Figure 2-3.
Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before
4.
starting engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may
cause smoking, hard starting, or spark plug fouling.
-40º
0º 20º 40º-20º
-30º -20º -10º 0º
Figure 2-2: Oil Viscosity Chart
Fill
between
high
and low
marks
Figure 2-3: Checking the oil level.
Fuel Recommendations
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to
minimize combustion chamber deposits) with a minimum
of 87 octane. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be used. Never
use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid
getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use
E85 gasoline.
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable 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. 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.
Fuel Level Indicator
Top View
Figure 2-4: The fuel level indicator
Checking the Fuel Level
IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool
two minutes.
Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.
1.
A fuel level indicator is located in the fuel tank. Fill
2.
tank until fuel reaches the fuel level indictor, Figure
2-4. Be careful not to overfill.
4
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Always keep hands and
feet clear of moving parts. Do not use
a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
2
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after starting. The engine will not develop full
power until it reaches operating temperatures.
Engines with Electric Starters
WARNING: The electric starter is
equipped with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug, and is designed
to operate on 120 volt AC household
current. It must be used with a properly grounded
three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid the
possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions
carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
WARNING: DO NOT use electric starter
in rain.
Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire
1.
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are unsure. If you have a grounded three-prong
receptacle, proceed as follows. If you do not have
the proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric
starter under any conditions.
Insert ignition key fully into slot, Figure 2-5. Make
2.
sure it snaps into place. DO NOT turn ignition
key. The engine cannot start unless the key is
inserted into ignition switch.
Plug the extension cord into the electric switch box
3.
located on the engine, Figure 2-6. Plug the other
end of extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt,
grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
Move throttle control, Figure 2-1, to FAST (rabbit)
4.
position.
Move choke to the ON position (cold engine start).
5.
If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position,
Figure 2-1.
Push primer three to five (3-5) times, making sure
6.
to cover vent hole when pushing, Figure 2-1. If
engine is warm, push primer only once. Always
cover vent hole when pushing. Cool weather may
require priming to be repeated.
Push starter button to start engine, Figure 2-1.
7.
Once the engine starts, immediately release
starter button. Electric starter is equipped with
thermal overload protection; system will temporarily
shut-down to allow starter to cool if electric starter
becomes overloaded.
Figure 2-5: The ignition key is a safety device.
Figure 2-6: Plug cord into electric switch box on engine.
As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control
8.
to OFF position. If the engine falters, restart engine
and run with choke at half-choke position for a short
period of time, and then slowly rotate the choke into
OFF position.
After engine is running, disconnect power cord from
9.
electric starter. When disconnecting, always unplug
the end at the wall outlet before unplugging the
opposite end from the engine.
Operating
the
Engine
WARNING
WARNING: The optional
electric starter is equipped
with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug, and is
designed to operate on 120
volt AC household current.
It must be used with a properly grounded three-prong
receptacle at all times to
avoid the possibility of
electric shock.
IMPORTANT: This engine
is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Running the engine with
insufficient oil can cause
serious engine damage and
void the engine warranty.
5
2
Operating
the
Engine
WARNING
WARNING: To avoid
unsupervised engine
operation, never leave the
engine unattended while
running. Turn the engine
off after use and remove
ignition key
Engines with Starter Handle
(non-electric start)
IMPORTANT: Do not pull the starter handle with
engine running.
Insert ignition key fully into slot, Figure 2-4. Make
1.
sure it snaps into place. DO NOT turn ignition key.
The engine cannot start unless the key is inserted
into ignition switch.
Move throttle, Figure 2-1, control to FAST (rabbit)
2.
position.
Move choke, Figure 2-1, to the ON position (cold
3.
engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF
position.
Push primer three to five (3-5) times, making sure to
4.
cover vent hole when pushing, Figure 2-1. If engine
is warm, push primer only once. Always cover vent
hole when pushing. Cool weather may require
priming to be repeated.
Pull gently on the starter handle until it begins to
5.
resist, then pull quickly and forcefully to overcome
the compression. Do not release the handle and allow it to snap back. Return rope SLOWLY to original
position. If required, repeat this step.
As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke
6.
control to OFF position. If the engine falters, restart
engine and run with choke at half-choke position
for a short period of time, and then slowly rotate the
choke into OFF position.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING: To avoid unsupervised engine operation, never leave the engine
unattended while running. Turn the
engine off after use and remove ignition key
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry
off any moisture on the engine.
Move throttle control to STOP position.
1.
Remove the ignition key. Removing the key will
2.
reduce the possibility of unauthorized starting of the
engine while equipment is not in use. Keep the key
in a safe place. The engine cannot start without
the ignition key.
Wipe any moisture away from the controls on the
3.
engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow
the starter handle to snap
back against the engine.
Return it gently to prevent
damage to the starter.
6
WARNING: Shut off the engine before
performing any type of maintenance.
To prevent accidental start-up, disconnect the spark plug boot.
IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport
equipment or to inspect, keep spark plug side of engine up. Transporting or tipping engine with spark
plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark
plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.
Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is
essential if high level performance is to be maintained.
Regular maintenance will also ensure a long service life.
The required service intervals and the type of maintenance to be performed are described in the table below.
Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occur
first. More frequent service is required when operating in
adverse conditions.
3
Maintaining
the
Maintenance Schedule
Tasks First 5
Hrs.
Check engine oil
Change engine oil
Check spark plug
Service spark plug
Clean exhaust area
Each Use or
Every 5 Hrs.
Every Season
or 25 Hrs.
Every Season
Oil Service
Check oil level regularly.
•
Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check every
•
five hours or daily before starting engine. See oil
checking procedure in the Operation section.
Oil Change
IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level
surface with the engine stopped. Drain the oil while
the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete
draining.
Drain fuel from tank by running engine until the fuel
1.
tank is empty. Be sure fuel fill cap is secure.
Place suitable oil collection container under oil drain
2.
plug.
Remove oil drain plug, Figure 3-1.
3.
Tip engine to drain oil into the container. Used oil
4.
must be disposed of at a proper collection center.
Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely.
5.
Refill with the recommended oil and check the oil
6.
level, refer to Operation section for instructions.
Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick securely.
7.
IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer
if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you
handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable
to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water
as soon as possible after handling used oil.
Oil
Drain
Plug
Figure 3-1: Remove the oil drain plug to drain oil from engine.
NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner
that is compatible with the environment. We suggest
you take it in a sealed container to your local service
station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or
pour it on the ground.
or 50 Hrs.
Oil Drain
Every Season
or 100 Hrs.
Engine
Service Dates
WARNING
WARNING: Shut off the
engine before performing
any type of maintenance.
To prevent accidental
start-up, disconnect the
spark plug boot.
Before tipping engine or
equipment to drain oil,
drain fuel from tank by
running engine until fuel
tank is empty.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to
check engine on a level
surface with the engine
stopped. Drain the oil
while the engine is still
warm to assure rapid and
complete draining.
7
Spark Plug Service
3
Maintaining
the
Engine
WARNING
DO NOT check for spark
with spark plug removed.
DO NOT crank engine
with spark plug removed.
If the engine has been
running, the muffler will
be very hot. Be careful
not to touch the muffler.
WARNING: DO NOT check for spark
with spark plug removed. DO NOT
crank engine with spark plug removed.
WARNING: If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be
careful not to touch the muffler.
To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must
be properly gapped and free of deposits.
Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug
1.
wrench to remove the plug, Figure 3-2.
Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark
2.
plug if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is
cracked or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire
brush if it is to be reused.
Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct
3.
as necessary by bending side electrode, Figure 3-3.
The gap should be set to 0.02-0.03 inches (0.60-
0.80 mm).
Check that the spark plug washer is in good condi-
4.
tion and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent
cross-threading.
After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark
5.
plug wrench to compress the washer.
NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten
1/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the
washer. When reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten
1/8-1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to compress
the washer.
Spark Plug
Spark Plug Boot
Figure 3-2: The spark plug and boot.
Electrode
0.02-0.03 in.
0.60-0.80 mm
Figure 3-3: Use a feeler gauge to measure the plug gap.
IMPORTANT: The spark plug must be tightened
securely. An loose spark plug can become very hot
and can damage the engine.
Cleaning the Engine
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least
half an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt
build-up from engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to
clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using
a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can
also force water into the muffler opening. Water that
passes through the muffler can enter the cylinder,
causing damage.
WARNING: Accumulation of debris
around muffler could cause a fire.
Inspect and clean before every use.
8
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