MTD 31AH5C3F401, 31AH5Q3G401 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Snow Thrower
Models 31AH5C3F401 31AH5Q3G401
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTR UCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an 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 arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester 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 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.
FORM NO.
770-10028D.fm (5/01)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower .......................................................................5
Know Your Snow Thrower.................................................................................7
Operating Your Snow Thrower ..........................................................................8
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................10
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower........................................................................11
Servicing Your Snow Thrower ...........................................................................12
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................16
Parts List............................................................................................................17
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new Snow Thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the model plat e is very import ant if you ne ed help fr om your loca l authorize d dealer .
You can locate the model number by looking at the lower frame cover on the rear of your snow thrower. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
(Serial Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.yardman.com
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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
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 reproductiv e harm.
DANGER
: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation 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 hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read, understand, a nd follow all in struction s on the machine and in the manual(s ) before a ttempting to assemble and o perate. Keep this ma nual in a safe pl ace for future and regular re ference a nd for orde ring replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their prope r operation. Know how to stop the mach ine and d isengage them quickly.
3. Never allow childre n under 14 y ears old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should rea d and understand the op eration in struction s and sa fety rules i n this manual and should be trained and sup ervised b y a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause seriou s personal injury . Plan your snow throwin g pattern to avoid di scharge of mat erial toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, hel pers, pets and chi ldren at l east 75 feet from the machin e while it is in operatio n. Stop machine if anyo ne enters the area.
7. Exercise caution to avoid s lipping o r falli ng, espe cially when operating in reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area wh ere the eq uipment i s to be used. Remove all door mat s, newspa pers, sle ds, boards, wires and o ther foreig n object s which c ould be tripped over or throw n by the auger/imp eller.
2. Always wear safet y glasses or eye s hields d uring operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. T hrown ob jects whi ch ricochet can cause serious inj ury to the eyes.
3. Do not operate wit hout wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose clothing which cou ld becom e entang led in m oving parts. Wear footwear w hich wi ll improve footing on slippery surfaces.
4. Use a grounded three wire ex tension cord and receptac le for all units with electric start engi nes.
5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crus hed rock surfaces.
6. Disengage all cl utch levers before st arting the engin e.
7. Never attempt to m ake any adjustme nts while engine i s running, except where spec ifically recomm ended in the operator’s manual.
8. Let engine and m achine adju st to outd oor tem perature before starting to clear snow.
9. To avoid personal injury or pro perty damage use extre me care in handling gasolin e. Gasol ine is e xtremely flammable and the v apors are explosiv e. Serious personal injury c an occur w hen gas oline is spilled o n yourself or your c lothes which c an ignit e. Wash y our skin and change clot hes immedi ately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cig ars, pipes and other
sources of ignition. c. Never fuel machine indoo rs. d. Never remove gas cap or add fue l whil e the
engine is hot or running. e. Allow engine to cool at leas t two minu tes before
refueling. f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fil l tank to no more tha n
½ inch below bottom of fill er neck to provide space
for fuel expansi on. g. Replace gasoli ne cap an d tighten secu rely. h. If gasoline is sp illed, wip e it off th e engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area . Wait 5
minutes before start ing the e ngine. i. Never store the machine or fuel containe r inside
where there is an o pen flam e, spark or pilot l ight
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heate r, clothes
dryer etc.). j. Allow machine to cool 5 minute s before storin g.
Operation
1. Do not put hands o r feet near rotating p arts, in the a uger/ impeller housing o r disc harge chu te. Cont act wit h the rotating parts can am putate ha nds and feet.
2. The auger/impelle r clutch lev er is a safety de vice. Nev er bypass its operati on. Doing so, makes the ma chine unsafe and may cause p ersonal i njury.
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3. The clutch leve rs must o perate easily in both d irections and automatically retu rn to the disenga ged position when released.
4. Never operate with a missing or da maged di scharge chute. Keep all safe ty devic es in pl ace and working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly vent ilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide , an odorless and dea dly gas .
6. Do not operate mac hine while under the influenc e of alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine be come hot and c an cause a burn. D o not touch.
8. Exercise extreme ca ution when operating on or cro ssing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution w hen changi ng directi on and w hile operating on slop es.
10. Plan your snow t hrowing pat tern to av oid disc harge towards windows, wa lls, cars e tc. To avoid prope rty damage or personal injury caus ed by a ricochet.
11. Never direct disc harge at c hildren, b ystander s and pet s or allow anyone in front of t he machi ne.
12. Do not overload machine capa city by attemptin g to clear snow at too fast of a rate.
13. Never operate this machin e without good visib ility or light. Always be sure of your footi ng and k eep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, n ever run.
14. Disengage power to t he aug er/impeller w hen transporting or not in use.
15. Never operate mach ine at hi gh transp ort speeds on slippery surfaces. Look down and b ehind an d use ca re when in reverse.
16. If the machine shoul d start to vibrate abn ormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug an d grou nd it agai nst the engine. Inspect thoroughly for dam age. Repair any damage before starting and ope rating.
17. Disengage all cl utch lev ers and st op engin e before y ou leave the operating position (be hind the handles). Wai t until the auger/im peller come s to a complete stop befo re unclogging the d ischarge chute, m aking an y adjustments, or inspecti ons.
18. Never put your hand in the d ischarge or colle ctor openings. Always use a cl earing to ol to unc log the discharge opening.
19. Use only attach ments a nd acce ssories approved by the manufacturer (e.g. wheel weigh ts, tire c hains, cabs etc.) .
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manua l,
use care and goo d judgme nt. Cont act your dea ler or telephone 1-800-800-7 310 for assistance and the name of your nearest serv icing de aler.
Maintenance And Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
2. Disengage all cl utch lev ers and stop engi ne. Wait u ntil the auger/impelle r come to a complet e stop. D isconn ect the spark plug wi re and grou nd again st the en gine to prevent unintended starting before cl eaning, repairi ng, or inspecting.
3. Check bolts, and sc rews for pro per tig htness at frequent intervals to keep t he ma chine in safe worki ng condi tion. Also, visually inspe ct mach ine for an y damag e.
4. Do not change the engi ne governor settin g or over-speed the engine. The g overnor c ontrols the m aximum s afe operating speed o f the eng ine.
5. Snow thrower shave plates an d skid shoes are subj ect to wear and damage. F or your s afety protecti on, freque ntly check all compon ents and replace with origin al equipment manufac turers (O.E.M.) pa rts only. Use of parts which do not m eet the ori ginal eq uipment specifications may lea d to imp roper perfor mance an d compromise safety.
6. Check clutch co ntrols period ically to verify they engage and disengage prope rly and adjust, if ne cessary. Refer to the adjustment s ection i n this op erator’s manual for instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
8. Observe proper disposal l aws and regulations for ga s, oil, etc. to protect the environmen t.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow from machine an d prevent freeze up of auger/i mpeller.
10. Never store the machine or fuel c ontainer i nside whe re there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a wate r heater, furnace ,cloth es dryer etc .
11. Always refer to the operators ma nual for p roper instructions on off-season storage.
WARNING: Restrict the use of this p ower machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
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SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
NOTE: Any referen ce in this manual to the left or right side of the snow thrower is observed from the operator’s position.
Unpacking
Remove screws from the top sides and ends of the shipping crate.
Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures or personal injury.
Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e., Operators Manual, etc).
Roll unit out of crate.
Loose Parts
The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the bolts may shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe place until needed. See Figure 1.
Shear Bolts
Hex Lock Nuts
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over the lower handle.
Look at the lower rear of the snow thrower frame to be sure all the cables are aligned with the cable roller guides.
Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage bolts previously removed and tighten the upper two plastic wing nuts. See Figure 3.
Upper Shift Rod
Shift Rod Connector
Lower Shift Rod
Wing Nuts
Figure 3
Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of the lower shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks over the lower shift rod. See Figure 3.
Figure 1
Assembly
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage bolts from each side of the lower handle. See Figure 2.
Lower Handle
Wing Nuts, Washers, & Bolts
Figure 2
Handle Panel
Upper Handle
NOTE: If the conn ector is not prop erly assemb led, the
shift rod will pivot and y ou will not be able to change speeds or change directions.
If not already attached, slip the cables that run from the handle panel to the chute into the cable guide located on top of the engine. See Figure 4.
Cable Guide
Figure 4
Unwrap the headlight wire, which is attached to the headlight beneath the handle panel.
Wind the headlight wire around the right handle until excess slack is remove d.
Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead coming from the right side of the engine, beneath the fuel tank.
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Final Adjustments
Auger Control Adjustment
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
Push forward on the auger control until the small rubber bumper contacts the upper handle. There should be slack in the cable. See Figure 5 .
Release the auger co ntrol. T he cable sh ould be straight. Make certain you can depress the auger control against the left handle completely without using excess force.
If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows:
Loosen the jam nut and thread the cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. See Figure 5 .
Recheck the adjustment before retightening the jam nut against the cable.
Auger Control
Z-End
Jam Nut
Auger Control Cable
Figure 5
Skid Shoe Adjustment
The space between the shave plate and the ground can be adjusted by repositioning the skid shoes found on either side of the snow throwers auger housing. For close snow removal, place skid shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position when area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 6.
IMPORT ANT :
thrower be operated on a gravel surface, as loose stones can be easily picked up and thrown by the machine. If you must operate on a gravel surface, ALWAYS adjust the skid shoes into the HIGH position to allow the shave plate maximum clearance.
Adjust skid shoes as follows:
Loosen, but do NOT remove, the three hex nuts which fasten the skid shoe to the auger housing.
Raise or lower the skid shoe to desired position.
NOTE: Make certai n t he en t ir e ba s e of bo th skid s hoe s are against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes. When one side does wear out, the skid shoes are reversible.
It is NOT recommended that this snow
Skid
Shoes
Hex Nuts
Figure 6
Retighten the hex nuts loosened earlier.
Repeat this adjustment on the skid shoe found on
the opposite side of the snow thrower.
Traction Control and Shift Lever Adjustment
To check the adjustment of the traction control and shift lever, proceed as follows:
Move the shift lever into sixth (6) position. a. With the traction control (refer to Figure 7)
released, squeeze in triggers and gently push the snow th rower fo rward, th en pull it back. Disregarding the overall weight of the snow thrower, the machine should otherwise move freely.
b. Engage the traction control and attempt to
move them m achi ne bot h for ward and rearward. You should experience resistance as the wheels should not be turning.
Move the shift lever in to the f ast revers e (R2)
position and repeat the previous steps (a & b). If you experienced resistance either when repositioning the shift lever from 6 to R2 or when attempting to move the machine forward or rearward with the traction control rel eased, yo ur snow t hrowers traction control is in need of adjustment and you should NOT operate the machine before completing the adjustment as follows:
Loosen the jam nut on the traction control cable
and UNTHREAD the cable one full turn.
Recheck the adjustment.
Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached. If the machine can be moved freely both forward and rearward when the traction control fully depressed, proceed as follows:
Loosen the jam nut on the traction drive cable and
THREAD the cable in one full turn.
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Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment as necessary.
Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached.
NOTE: If you are uncert ain that you have rea ched the correct adjustment, refer to Traction Control Adjustment in Adjustment Section.
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Traction Control / Auger Control Lock
Heated Handles Switch
Headlight
Discharge Chute
Skid Shoe
Auger
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.
Shift Lever
Electric Chute Rotation Switch
Figure 7
Traction Control / Auger Cont rol Lock
The traction control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the traction control to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop. See Figure 7.
This same lever also locks the auger control so you can turn the chute directional control without interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger control is engaged alo ng with the traction control, the operator can release the auger control (on the left handle) and the auger s will remain engaged. Re lease the traction control to stop bo th the augers and track drive (auger control must also be released).
IMPORT ANT :
changing speeds.
Always release tractional control before
Auger Drive Control
The auger drive control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the control grip to engage the augers. Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction control must also be released.) See Figure 7.
Chute Tilt Control
Auger Drive Control
Wheel Steering Control
Primer
Choke
Safety Ignition Key
Throttle Control
Chute Tilt Contro l
The distance snow is thrown can be changed by adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance, toward the rear to increase. See Figure 7.
Skid Shoe
The position of the skid shoe is determined by the condition of the ground from where snow has to be removed. See Figure 7.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle panel and is used to determine both ground speed and direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight positions. See Figure 7.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds. Position number one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6) is the fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) s peeds. R1 is the slower , whil e R2 is the faste r of t he tw o.
IMPORT ANT :
changing speeds.
Always release tractional control before
Electric Starter Button
Switch Box
Recoil Starter Handle
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Electric Chute-Rotation Switch
The electric chute-rotation switch is located o n the left side of the snow thrower dash panel. See Figure 7. To change the direction in which discharged snow is thrown, proceed as follows:
Push the toggle switch to the left to rotate the chute counterclockwise.
Push the toggle switch to the right to rotate the chute clockwis e.
IMPORT ANT :
completed its rotation cycle in either direction. Failure to do so can result in damage to the electric chute motor and/or its drive gear.
Release the switch once the chute has
Heated Handles Switch
The heated handles switch is located on the right side of the snow thrower handle panel. To activate the heated handles, toggle the switch to the right to generate heat within the handles. Toggle the heated handles switch to the left into the OFF position after using the snow thrower.
NOTE: The heated handles are a compli ment to, not a substitute for, proper cold weather outerwear for hands. It is recommended that the user wear adequ ate winter protection for hands (like gloves/mittens) when operating this snow thrower.
Wheel Steering Controls
The left and right wheel steering controls are located on the underside of the handles and are used to assist in steering the snow thrower. Squeeze the right wheel steering control when turning right, squeeze the left control when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open areas until you become familiar with these controls. See Figure 7.
NOTE: It is easier to maneuver a non-running snow thrower with both wheel steering controls held in simultaneously.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine when pushed down completely. See Figure 7.
Safety Ignition Key
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted in the switch before the unit will start. Remove the ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use. See Figure 7.
IMPORT ANT :
Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
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. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pip es an o th er s our ces of ignition.
A plastic cup is provided inside the fuel fill opening on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cup before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank cap to close after fill-up.
To Start Engine
NOTE: If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or augers) with the clutch g rips disengaged, shut engine off immediately. Readjust as instructed in the Final Adjustments in the Assembly Section.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal loop on end of the spark plug wire (inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are in the disengaged (released) position.
Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert ignition key into slot. See Figure 7. Be certain it snaps into place. Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
Electric Starter
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.
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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.
If your house wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter under any condi tions.
If your home electrical system is grounded, but a three-hole receptacle is not available, one should be installed by a licensed electrician before using the electr ic start er.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows:
Rotate choke knob to OFF position and do not prime engine.
Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord into a three-hole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
Push starter button on top of the engine to crank engine. As you crank the engine, move choke knob to FULL choke position.
When engine starts, release starter button, and move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters, move choke immediately to FULL and then gradually to OFF.
When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug from the three-prong receptacle first and then from the snow thrower.
Recoil Starter
Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position instead of FULL.
Push primer button two or three times. If engine is warm, pus h prim er but ton on ce on ly.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer bu tton when pushing. Additional prim ing may be necessary for firs t start if temperature is below 15°F.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm hold on the starter handle.
Repeat the previous steps until engine starts.
Electric Starter:
Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running, push starter button and spin the starter for several seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the starter will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect the power cord from receptacle first, and then from switch box.
Recoil Starter
With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three or four times. Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to the engine or starter.
Move throttle control to stop or off position.
Remove ignition key. Do not turn key. Disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
NOTE: Keep it in a safe place. Engine will not start without ignition key.
Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move control levers back and forth several times.
To Engage Wheel Drive
With the engine running near top speed, move the shift lever into one of the six FORWARD positions or two REVERSE positions. Select a speed appropriate for the snow conditions that exist.
NOTE: Use slower speeds in higher snow, and until you are familiar with the operation of the snow thrower.
Squeeze the traction control against the right handle and the snow thrower will move. Release it and the drive motion will stop.
IMPORT ANT :
releasing the traction control. Doing so will cause premature wear to the drive systems friction wheel.
NEVER move the shift lever without first
To Engage Augers
To engage the augers and start the snow throwing action, proceed as follows:
Squeeze the auger control against the left handle.
To disengage power to the augers:
Release both the auger control and the traction control, if engaged.
The auger control can be locked so you can turn the electric chute directional control without interrupting the snow thro wing pr oces s.
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.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Allow the engine t o w arm up for a few minut es . The engine will not develop full power until it reach es operating temperature.
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