MTD 31A-2M1A752, 31A-2M1A706 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OPER roR's

UAL

123cc OHV Horizontal Shaft Engine

752Z161-VH, 752Z161-V0 & 752Z161JWA

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-06051

(May1,2010)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

This Operator's Manual isan important part of your new engine. Itwill help you prepare and maintain the engine for the best
performance. Pleaseread and understand the contents before operating the engine.

Tableof Contents

1

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Safety Labels ............................................................ 5

Set-Up ....................................................................... 6

Controls & Features ................................................. 9

Operation ................................................................ 11

RecordProductInformation

Before operating your new engine, please locate the model plate on the engine and record the information in the provided area
below. This information will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web site or with your local dealer.

MODEL NUMBER/SERIAL NUMBER

Maintenance .......................................................... 13

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 19

Replacement Parts ................................................ 20

Warranty ................................................................. 21

Spanish ................................................................... 23

DDDDDDD/F1EIFllEEIEEIEEIEEE

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty with this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this
engine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com
0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

0 Write us at MTD LLC • EO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH •44136-0019

importantSafeOperationPractices

WARNING! 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 the equipment. Failure to

comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.

HEED IT'S WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,

toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety

instructions could result in serious injury or death.

2

Training 4.

1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the engine
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the engine and disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate the
engine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual

and be trained and supervised by an adult.

4_

Never allow adults to operate the machine without proper
instruction.

5.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the

atea.

5.

SafeHandling 0f Gas01ine:

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself and/or your clothes which can

ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

1. When adding fuel, turn engine OFF and let engine cool at

2. Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.

3. Use only an approved gasoline container.

4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.

2. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in the moving parts. Never operate the machine in

bare feet or sandals.

3_

Disengage clutch levers and shift (if equipped) into neutral
("N") before starting the engine.

5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck

6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or

Never leave the engine running while unattended.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine

is running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.

least 2 minutes before removing the gas cap.

bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.

or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

7. Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inch
belowthebottomofthefillernecktoallowspaceforfuel

expansion.

8. Replacegasolinecapandtightenitsecurely.

9. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandthe
equipment.Movethemachinetoanotherarea.Waitfive
minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

10. Toreducefirehazards,keepthemachinefreeofgrass,
leavesorotherdebrisbuildup.Cleanupoilorfuelspillage

andremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.

11. Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,
heat,andotherignitionsources.

12. Neverfuelequipmentindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthearea.

13. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andothersourcesof
ignition.

14. Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracks
orleaks.Replaceifnecessary.

Operation

1. When starting the engine, make sure spark plug, muffler,
and fuel cap are in place.

2. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

3. If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.

4. Allow muffler, engine cylinder, and fins to cool before
touching.

5. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can
suffer burns from a hot muffler.

6. Remove accumulated combustibles from muffler and
cylinder area.

7. Operate equipment with all guards in place.

8. Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

9. Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.

10. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling drawstrings or
items that could become caught.

11. When starting the engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly (if not electric start).

12. Remove all external equipment/engine loads before
starting engine.

13. Direct coupled equipment components such as, but not
limited to blades, impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must
be securely attached.

Maintenance& Storage

1. Keep the engine in safe working order

2. Allow the engine to cool at least five minutes before
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.

3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the engine in safe working condition.

Visually inspect the engine for any damage.

4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting; stop the
engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.

5. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

6. Maintain and replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.

7. Always refer to the operator's manual for important details
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period of

time.

8.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

9.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

Donot modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper

with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

_ ARNING! This machine is equipped with an

Ira spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the

above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws
apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O.Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush

covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's

exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor

meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

4 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SafetySymbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to

assemble and operate

WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Do not use the engine's electric starter in the rain

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

and muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING! Your Responsibility -- Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

Set-Up

3

Gas&OU

NOTE:The engine is shipped without gasoline in the engine.
Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine

damage and void the engine warranty.

iMPORTANT: Some engines are shipped with oil already in

the engine, others without oil already in the engine. It is very
important to check the oil level before operating the engine and

to add oil if necessary. Running the engine with insufficient oil
can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty

Before starting engine, fill with motor oil, capacity is 600 ml/20
oz. Refer to the viscosity chart (Fig. 3-1) for oil recommendations.
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 of a minimum level SF or SG (higher letter ratings
are acceptable such as SJ, SL and SM grades). Motor oil will
display this designation on the container.

m

1113O

401

CheckingOilLevelOnEngineswith Dipstick on EngineBlock

NOTE: Be sure to check the oil while on a level surface with the
engine stopped.

To avoid engine damage, it is important to:

Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating
hours when engine is warm. Check oil level more
frequently during engine break-in.

Keep oil level near or slightly below the upper level
mark on the dipstick or to point of overflow on

engines without dipstick. See Fig. 3-2.
Be sure oil fill cap/plug is tightened securely.

I. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick

clean. See Fig. 3-2.

2. Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not
screw it in.

3.

Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly
add oil until oil level registers between high (H) and low (L),
Fig. 3-2.

f

20w40.20w50 ___

I I

15w40, ;0....

I

10w40 __l_

I

10w30 ___

mm_

(°6) -300 -200 -10 ° 0° 10° 200 300 400
(°F)-200 0° 200 400 600 800 100 °

Figure 3-1

NOTE: Do not use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It
could shorten the engine's service life.

v

Iii

Checkingthe Oil

Since this manual covers several different engine models,
instructions for checking the oil with various different oil cap/
dipstick configurations follow. Refer to the instructions that
pertain to the particular engine model that you have. The three
different configurations that exist are oil cap/dipsticks that appear
on the engine block, and two models with raised engine fill/oil
cap configurations. One of the raised cap units has a quarter-turn
oil fill/dipstick and the other a threaded oil fill/dipstick. Only
on the quarter-turn model do you tighten the cap to check the
oil level. The other two models you just rest the dipstick on the

threads to check. Seethe instructions that follow for more detailed
information regarding the particular engine model thatyou have.

Figure 3-2

4. Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting
engine.

NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking,
hard starting, or spark plug fouling.

NOTE: DO NOT allow oil level to fall below the "L" mark on the
dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunctions or

damage.
NOTE: some engines are equipped with a dipstick or oil fill plug.
NOTE:To change the oil on your engine, see the Maintenance

Section of this manual.

CheckingOilLevelon Engineswith Quarter-TurnOil Fill Caps

NOTE: Be sure to check the oil while on a level surface with the
engine stopped.

To avoid engine damage, it is important to:

Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating
hours when engine is warm. Check oil level more
frequently during engine break-in.

Keep oil level between "H" and "L" marks on dipstick.
See Fig. 3-3.

Be sure oil fill cap/plug is tightened securely when
checking.

CheckingOilLevelon Engineswith ThreadedOilFill Caps

NOTE: Be sure to check the oil while on a level surface with the
engine stopped.

To avoid engine damage, it is important to:

Check oil level before each use and every 5 operating
hours when engine is warm. Check oil level more
frequently during engine break-in.

Keep oil level between "H" and "L" marks on dipstick.
See Fig. 3-4.

Be sure to rest oil fill cap on the threads when
checking. Do not tighten down oil fill cap when
checking the oil on threaded oil fill cap engines.

I. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick

clean. See Fig. 3-4.

\

Figure 3-3

1. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick
clean. See Fig. 3-3.

2. Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, and tighten
the cap until seated.

3. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly add
oil until oil level registers between high (H) and low (L),Fig. 3-3.

4. Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting
engine.

NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking,
hard starting, or spark plug fouling.

NOTE: DO NOT allow oil level to fall below the "L" mark on the
dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunctions or

damage.
NOTE:To change the oil on your engine, see the Maintenance

Section of this manual.

J

Figure 3-4

2.

Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not
screw it in.

3. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly
add oil until oil level registers between high (H) and low (L),

Fig. 3-4.

4. Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting
engine.

NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking,
hard starting, or spark plug fouling.

NOTE: DO NOT allow oil level to fall below the "L" mark on the
dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunctions or

damage.
NOTE: To change the oil on your engine, see the Maintenance

Section of this manual.

SECTION3 -- SET-UP 7

Filling Oil Sump

1. Be sure the engine is upright and level.

2. Remove the oil fill cap dipstick from oil filler tube by
rotating counter-clockwise and lifting the dipstick out of
the engine. Wipe the dipstick clean with a shop rag.

3. Insert oil fill cap dipstick back into oil filler tube. On
threaded oil cap/dipstick units, do not screw the cap on to
check, just rest cap on threads to gain proper reading. On

quarter-turn cap units, tighten down the cap to check the
oil level. Refer to the proceeding instructions based on the
engine model that you have for more detailed information
regarding checking the oil level.

4. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil filler tube. Note
the oil level and if the oil reading on the dipstick is below
the "L" mark, slowly add oil to reach the "H" level.

5. Insert oil fill cap/dipstick back into oil filler tube. Tighten by
rotating the cap clockwise until firmly seated.

6. Wipe away any spilled oil.

NOTE:To change the oil, see Checking and Changing Oil
instructions in the Maintenance Section of this manual.

FuelRecommendations

oil/gasoline mixture, dirty gasoline, or gasoline over

CAUTION: Operating the engine with E85 fuel, an

30 days old that hasn't been fuel stabilizing additive

may result in damage to your engine's carburetor.
Subsequent damage would not be covered under

the manufacturer's warranty.

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.

Adding Fuel

WARNING!An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER
allow children to refuel this engine. Gasoline (fuel)
vapors are highly flammable and can explode. Fuel

vapors can spread and be ignited by a spark or flame

many feet away from engine. To prevent injury or

death from fuel fires, follow these instructions:

DO NOT use leaded fuel.
Fuel must be fresh and clean. NEVER use fuel left over

from last season or stored for long periods.
NEVER mix oil with fuel.

DO NOT use fuel containing Methanol (Wood
Alcohol)

1,

Before refueling, allow the engine to cool for two minutes.

2.

Be sure engine is outdoors and in a well-ventilated area.

3.

Clean area around the fuel fill cap and remove the fuel fill
cap.

4,

Using an approved red GASOLINE container, add fuel
slowly, being careful to avoid spilling.

NOTE:On tanks with a fuel level indicator, fill the tank
until the fuel reaches the "fuel full" indicator mark. See Fig.
3-5. All other tanks, fill tank until the fuel reaches a 1/2inch
below the bottom of the filler neck to allow space for fuel
expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

Fnel Level Indicator

TopView

_ 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 va pot.

8 I SECTION3-- SET-UP

Figure 3=5

5. Replace the fuel cap and tighten securely.
WARNING! Wipe up spilled fuel before starting

engine. If fuel is spilled DO NOT start engine. Move

machine away from area of spillage. Avoid creating

any source of ignition until fuel vapors are gone.

ControlsandFeatures

f

Air Filter

4

Muffler

OiJDrain

Choke

Throttle

NOTE: Engine models may vary in features and/or location of
controls. The following is to serve as a general reference. Always
supplement this information with the operator's manual that

is included with the product for more information regarding
specific controls and their location.

ChokeControl

Activating choke control by sliding it all the way to the right
closes the choke plate on carburetor and aids in starting engine.

For information on choke usage, see "Starting The Engine".
The image above corresponds with the label on the engine
identifying the Choke control.

RecoilStarter& StarterHandle

This motor is fitted with a recoil action pull start and a mitten
grip handle for easy access while wearing gloves or mittens.

Fuel Fill l

Recoil Starter

Handle

OiJDrain

Figure 4-1

Ignition Key

NOTE:The existence and location of an ignition key may vary by
product. Refer to your product operator's manual for specific key
inclusion and/or location information.

Insert the key, if so equipped, and snap it into place; do not turn
the key to attempt to start/stop the unit. Pull the key out halfway

to stop the engine. Remove key when the unit is not in use.

Oil Fill

On some models the oil fill is located at the top of the engine, as
seen in the lower portion of Fig. 4-1. On some other models, it is
located on the bottom of the engine block as seen in the upper
portion of Fig. 4-1. Remove oil cap to add oil. Refer to "Pre-

Operation Check" section for checking oil and "Maintaining Your
Engine" section for adding oil instructions.

FuelCap

The location of the fuel cap may vary based on engine model.
On some models, it appears as part of the units shroud, on

others, the fuel tank is located on top of the engine. Refer to your
product operator's manual for detailed information regarding
the location of the fuel tank. Remove the fuel cap to add fuel.
These engines operate on automotive unleaded gas.

Oil Drain

The oil drain is located atthe base of the engine block and is
used to drain the motor oil from the engine.

ThrottleControl

The presence of a throttle control may vary by engine model. If
present, it regulates the speed of the engine (Rabbit being the

fastest, Turtle being the slowest) and will shut off the engine
when pushed to the STOP position.

If a throttle control is not present, then the engine is set to always
run at maximum performance speed once started.

SECTION 4-- CONTROLS AND FEATURES

Operation

Pre-OperationCheck

IMPORTANT: The engine is shipped without gasoline in the
engine. Seethe Set-Up Section of this manual for instructions on

adding gasoline.
IMPORTANT: Some engines are shipped with oil already in

the engine, others without oil already in the engine. It is very
important to check the oil before operating the engine and
to add if necessary. Seethe Set-Up Section of this manual for

instructions on checking and adding oil.
For your safety, and in order to maximize the service life of this

equipment, it is very important to check its condition before you
operate this engine. Make certain to service, correct or fix any
problem that might be identified before attempting to operate
this engine.

failure to correct any problem before operation can

i_ WARNING! Improperly maintaining this engine, or

Before you start the engine, always check the following items:

1. Fuel Recommendations (SeeSetUpSection),

2. Checking Oil Level (SeeSetUpSection),

3. Air filter (if equipped) (SeeMaintenance Section),

4. General Overall Inspection. Check for any fluid leaks or

5. Check the owner's manual provided with the equipment

causea malfunction which could result in serious
injury or even death.

Always perform a pre-operation inspection before
each operation, and correct any problem.

discharges, and loose or damaged parts.

that is powered by this engine. Review the owner's manual
for any precautions and procedures that should be

followed before starting the engine.

Starting the Engine

DO NOT operate engine or pull on starter rope
with spark plug removed. Fuel can spray from
spark plug hole and ignite.

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.

NOTE: Familiarize yourself with the engine symbols shown in
Fig. 5-1 before attempting to start this engine. If this engine is

remotely controlled by the equipment it is powering, be sure to
familiarize yourself with the equipment Operator's Manual as

well.

NOTE:The following starting instructions are for several different
types of engines. In order to locate the instructions that apply to

your engine, first determine what type of starter you have. If you
have an electric starter, see Engines With Electric Starters. Ifyou
have amanual recoil starter, see Engines with RecoilStarters later

in this section.

Fast Slow/Idle Engine Off

I+1

Run Choke Primer

WARNING! Always keep hands and feet clear of

moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting

fluid. Vapors are flammable.
WARNING! An adult should start the engine. Only

allow children to start the engine if an adult has

determined they are experienced and capable of
such operation.

WARNING! If you are unable to start this engine
after following instructions in this manual, contact 1.

you authorized MTD Service Dealer. To avoid serious

burn injuries or damage to your engine, DO NOT 2.

attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in any

other way. for example: 3.

DO NOT use starting fluid.
DO NOT spray flammable vapors into the 4.

carburetor.
DO NOT put flammable liquids into carburetor.

Figure 5-1

RecoilStarter

running. Doing so may VOIDYOURWARRANTY.

WARNING! DO NOTpull starter rope with engine

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

Besure fuel valve, if present (seeequipment Operator's
Manual instructions) isopen and all switches are on.

Move the engine speed control, if equipped, to the "FAST"
position.

Set the choke control to "FULL CHOKE"position.

11

NOTE: If restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown,
move the engine speed control (if equipped) the "FAST"
position and move the choke control to the "NO CHOKE"

position.

5. Operate equipment control to release engine brake or
clutch, if equipped (seeequipment Operator's Manual).

can unexpectedly jerk back toward the engine

WARNING! When pulling the starter rope, the rope

causing serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully

follow these instructions:

6. Grasp the starter cord handle.

Pull rope out slowly until you feel drag.
Without allowing the rope to retract, continue

pulling the rope with one rapid full arm stroke.
Return the rope slowly to the original position.

NOTE: Following the instructions listed in the steps above avoids
potential damage to the recoil mechanism.

If the recoil starter handle is frozen and will not operate the
engine, proceed as follows:

Pull as much rope out of the starter as possible.
Release the starer handle and let it snap back

against the starter to break up ice'; these two
steps should only be done when the starter is

frozen.

7. If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts repeat steps 1
through 7 and try again.

8. When the engine starts:

Move the choke control to 1/2 "CHOKE" position
until the engine runs smoothly.

Next, move the choke control to the NO CHOKE
position.

9. Move the engine speed control (ifequipped) to the desired
speed in the "RUN" range.

NOTE: If the engine starts but falters when the choke
control is moved to the "NO CHOKE" position:

Momentarily move choke control back to "FULL
CHOKE" position.

Next, move the choke control to "1/2 CHOKE"
position until engine runs smoothly.

Finally, move the choke control to the NO
CHOKE position.

If the engine dies after choke control is moved to "NO CHOKE"
position, repeat steps 3 through 10 to restart engine.

10. If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts in the "NO
CHOKE" position, move the choke control to "FULL CHOKE"

position and start engine.

11. If engine does not start after following steps 1 through

11,contact your Authorized MTD Service Dealer. DO NOT

attempt to troubleshoot this engine in any other way.

Stepping the Engine& ShortTerm Storage

Stop engine
Manual.

in accordance with the equipment Operator's

WARNING! To avoid unsupervised engine

operation, especially by children, NEVER leave the
engine unattended while running. Always turn off
the engine after use and remove the ignition key, if

equipped.
WARNING! NEVER store the engine with fuel in the

fuel tank inside a building with potential sources of

ignition such as hot water tank and space heaters,

clothes drivers, electric motors, etc.

Stopping TheEngine

1. If operating the engine in the snow or rain, run the engine
for a few minutes to help dry off any moisture.

2. Move the equipment control, if present (see Equipment
Owner's Manual), engine control lever or ignition switch to
"STOP" or "OFF" position.

3. Remove ignition key, if provided (see equipment Operator's
Manual).

NOTE: Removing the key will reduce the possibility of
unauthorized starting of the engine while equipment is not

in use.

WAI_NJNG! NEVER store the engine with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building with potential sources of

ignition such as hot water tank and space heaters,
clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.

Afterthe

1.

2. Move the equipment control, if present, (see equipment

3. Move the engine choke back and forth several times and

4. Be sure the Fuel Shut-OffValve,, if present, is offl

EngineisStopped

WARNING! To prevent the possible freeze-up of

engine controls, follow instructions with engine

STOPPED, listed below:

Wipe all snow and moisture from the engine control lever
and choke areas.

Operator's Manual), engine control lever or ignition switch
back and forth several times and leave the control in the

"STOP" or "OFF" position.

leave in the "FULL CHOKE" position.

12 J SECTION S-- OPERATION

Maintenance

MaintenanceSchedule

6

First S Hours

CheckEngineOil Level

ChangeEngineOil _

CheckAir Cleaner (If soequipped) M/

Service Air Cleaner (If so equipped) V""

CheckSparkPlug _//

ReplaceSpark Plug _//

Clean EngineShroud (If so equipped) M/

Clean around muffler M/

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 kind of maintenance to be performed
are described in the table above. Follow the hourly or calendar
intervals, whichever occur first. More frequent service is required
when operating in adverse conditions.

EachUseor
EverySHrs.

,/

EverySeason

or 25 Hours

Every Season

or SOHours

EverySeason

orlO0 Hours

Service

Dates

m30

_ ARNING! Shut offthe engine before performing

NOTE: If engine must be tipped to transport equipment or to
inspect or remove grass, keep spark plug side of engine up.
Transporting or tipping engine spark plug down may cause
smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air

cleaner.

i_ WARNING! If the engine has been running, the

any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up,

disconnect the spark plug boot.

muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the
muffler.

Checkingand Changingthe EngineOil

Oil Recommendations

Refer to viscosity chart in Fig. 6-I for oil recommendations. 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,SH or SJ. Motor oil classifications will show
this designation on the container.

20w40,2Ow50___mhb'

I I v

15w40,15w50___mhh

I v

10W40 ,_m,_m,m_m,mm_m_

I t'_

10W30 ___m

_____L___

(0C)-30 o -20 o -10 ° 0 ° 10° 20o 30 o 40o

("F)-20° 0° 200 400 600 800 100°

Figure 6-1

NOTE: Do not use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It
could shorten the engine's service life.

To avoid engine damage, it is important to:

Check oil level before each useand every 5 operating hours
when the engine iswarm.

Change the oil after the first 5 operating hours and every
50 operating hours thereafter. Engine should still be warm

but NOT hot from recent use.

13

Oil FillCap/Dipstick

drain oil, drain fuel from tank by running engine

WARNING! Before tipping engine or equipment to

until fuel tank isempty.

Carefully disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away
from the spark plug. Refer to Fig. 6-2 for spark plug location.

Keep the disconnected spark plug wire securely
away from the metal parts where arcing could

occur.

Carefully attach the spark plug wire to the
grounding post, if provided.

Figure 6-2

2,

Be sure that the fuel fill cap is on and securely tightened.

3.

Be sure to find correct oil drain plug location, if present
(see the equipment Operator's Manual instructions for

additional information).

4. Clean area around the oil drain plug.

5. Place an approved recyclable oil container under the oil
drain plug.

6. Remove the Oil drain plug. See Fig. 6-3.

Drain _,j

Fig. 6-3

repeatedly left in contact with the skin for

_ WARNING! Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if

prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless
you handle used oil on a daily basis, iris still
advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap
and water as soon as possible after handling used

oil.

7. Tip engine to position the oil flow, so it will drain from the
lowest point on the engine.

8. Drain the oil into an approved recyclable oil container.
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.

9. Install the oil drain plug and tighten securely.

10. Clean area around the oil drain plug.

11. Remove the oil fill cap dipstick.

12. Fill with the recommended Oil. See Fig. 6-1.
NOTE: DO NOT overfill oil filler. Doing so may result in oil

carry-over to the equipment and cause malfunction or
damage.

NOTE: DO NOT allow oil level to fall below and "L" mark on
dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunction or

damage.

13. Wipe away any spilled oil.

14. Check the oil level by installing the Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick.

For threaded Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick models, rest
the cap on the threads, do not tighten down the

cap to check the oil level.
For quarter-turn Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick models,

tighten down the cap to check the oil level.

NOTE: See the Set-Up section earlier in this manual for
detailed instructions on identifying and checking the oil on
each of these specific engine models.

SECTION 6-- MAINTENANCE