MTD 5T65RUA, 1T65RUA Owner’s Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

* Model 1T65 Shown

140 cc OHV Vertical Shaft Engine

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

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

Form No. 769-09152E

(July 7, 2017)

To The Owner

Thank You

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new engine. It will help you prepare and maintain the engine for the best
performance. Please read and understand the contents before operating the engine.

Table of Contents

1

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

Safety Symbols ........................................................ 5

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

Controls & Features ................................................. 8

Operation ................................................................. 9

Maintenance & Adjustments .................................10

Troubleshooting .....................................................14

Replacement Parts .................................................15

EZ Start Promise† ...................................................16

Spanish ....................................................................19

† Applicable to MTD Brand Auto-Choke Engines Only

Record Product Information

Before operating your new engine, please locate the model plate on the engine (shaded area in Figure below) 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

Customer Support

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

If you have difficulty assembling this product, have questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this machine, want
to order replacement parts/attachments/accessories, or want to view an online How-To video; you can seek help from the experts. Have
your full model number and serial number ready. Choose from the options below:

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

◊ Write to: MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2

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 the equipment. Failure to
comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.

HEED ITS 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 engine 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. Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

2

Training

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
area.

Preparation

1. 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.

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

3. Never leave the engine running while unattended.

4. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine
is running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

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
least 2 minutes before removing the gas cap.

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

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

6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

3

7. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to full as indicated by
the fuel level indicator installed inside of the fuel tank or
marked on the tank. Do not over-fill to allow space for fuel
expansion. On some models, a fuel level indicator may NOT
be present, in this instance, fill the tank no more than 1/2
inch below the bottom of the filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

8. Replace fuel cap and tighten until the cap ratchets.

9. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and the
equipment. Move the machine to another area. Wait five
minutes before starting the engine.

10. To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine free of grass ,
leaves or other debris build up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage
and remove any fuel-soaked debris.

11. Keep gasoline away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights,
heat, and other ignition sources.

12. Never fuel equipment indoors because flammable vapors
will accumulate in the area.

13. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.

14. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.

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
necessar y.

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.

Do not 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.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! This machine 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 arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a 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.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

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.

Symbol Description

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Set-Up

-30º -20º

10w

20w

20

30

40

20w40, 20w50

15w40, 15w50

10w40

10w30

-10º 0º

0º 20º 40º 60º 80º 100º

10º 20º 30º 40º

-20º

(ºC)
(ºF)

1

2

3

Gas & Oil

NOTE: The 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.

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 motor oil, capacity is 600 ml/20
oz. Refer to viscosity chart in Figure 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 SJ (higher letter ratings are
acceptable such as SL and SM grades). Motor oil will display this
designation on the container.

SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general, all temperature use. If
single viscosity oil is used, select the appropriate viscosity for the
average temperature in your area from the chart below.

Checking Oil Level

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

NOTE: Your engine may be equipped with either a short or
extended oil dipstick. Follow the appropriate instructions below
for the engine on your unit.

Short Dipstick

1. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick
clean. See Figure 3-2.

1. Single Viscosity

2. Multi Viscosity
CAUTION: Do not use non-detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil. It

could shorten the engine’s service life.
NOTE: A 5w30 synthetic oil may be used to improve start ability

for cold weather (temperatures below 40 F).

6

Figure 3-1

Figure 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 to the upper limit on the dipstick. See 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, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation
of air cleaner.

Extended Dipstick

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

Figure 3-3

2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck. Turn the dipstick a
1/4 turn into the locked position to fully seat.

3. Remove dipstick. If the level is low, slowly add oil until oil
level registers between high (H) and low (L). See Figure 3-3
inset.

4. Reinsert the dipstick into the locked position before
starting the engine.

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

Fuel Requirements

CAUTION: Operating the engine with E15 or E85

fuel, an oil/gasoline mixture, dirty gasoline, or
gasoline over 30 days old without 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 (E10) 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 E15 or 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.

Adding Fuel

WARNING! An adult should fuel this engine.

NEVER allow children to refuel the 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:

NOTE: Some engines may not have the fuel cap installed for
shipping purposes. To install, remove and discard the fuel tank
dust cap labeled “Discard”. Remove the bubble wrap packaging
from around the fuel cap and tighten securely.

• 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)

NOTE: Before refueling, allow engine to cool two minutes.

1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.

2. Fill tank until fuel reaches ⁄ inch below the bottom of the
filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Be careful not
to overfill.

3. Replace the gasoline cap and tighten securely. 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.

7Section 3 — Set-Up

Controls and Features

† If Equipped

Oil Drain

Air Cleaner

Oil Fill Cap

Muffler

Spark Plug

Starter Handle

Fuel Cap

Primer†

4

Primer (If Equipped)

The primer is located on the left side of the
engine, next to the air cleaner. Pressing the
primer forces fuel directly into the engine’s
carburetor to aid in starting the engine.

Oil Drain

Removing the oil drain plug will drain the oil from the engine.
The engine is equipped with a side drain, and on select units, you
may also access a bottom drain.

Oil Fill Cap

Remove the oil fill cap to check the oil level and add oil.

8

Figure 4-1

Fuel Cap

Remove the fuel cap to add fuel.
NOTE: Some engines may not have the fuel cap installed for

shipping purposes. To install, remove and discard the fuel tank
dust cap labeled “Discard”. Remove the bubble wrap packaging
from around the fuel cap and tighten securely.

Starter Handle

Pull the starter handle to start the engine.

Operation

2

1

3

1

3

2

Pre-Operation Check

The engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. See
the Set-Up Section of this manual for instructions on adding oil
and gasoline.

Determine The Starting System

Before starting the engine, you must determine the type of
starting system that is on your engine. Your engine will have one
of the following types:

• Auto-Choke System: This features an automatic choke

that does not have a manual choke or primer.

• Primer System: This features a primer on the engine.
To start your engine, follow the instructions for your type of

starting system.
Note: Equipment may have remote controls. See the equipment

manual for location and operation of remote controls.

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of

equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

5

Figure 5-1

Auto-Choke System

1. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle. See Figure 5-1.

2. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback and
start engine. Repeat if necessary.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back
against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to
the starter.

Primer System

1. Push primer 3 times. Wait about two seconds between
each push. See Figure 5-2. In temperature below 50°F,
prime 5 times. After the engine is warmed up, one prime
may be needed for all temperatures.

2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the blade
control against upper handle.

3. Pull the recoil starter lightly until resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and
start the engine. Repeat if necessary. See Figure 5-2.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back
against the rope guide.

If engine does not start, it may be necessary to re-prime
the engine.

Figure 5-2

Stopping Engine

1. Release blade control or turn off the engine switch (if
equipped).

9

Engine Maintenance

6

WARNING: Shut off the engine before performing

any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up,
disconnect the spark plug boot.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Maintenance Schedule

Each Use or
Every 5 Hrs.

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil ††

Check Air Cleaner

Service Air Cleaner †

First 5 Hours

P P

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 below. Follow the hourly or calendar intervals,
whichever occur first. More frequent service is required when
operating in adverse conditions.

WARNING: If the engine has been running, the

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

Every Season

or 25 Hours

Every Seaso n

or 50 Hours

Every Season

or 100 Hours

Service

Dates

P

P

P

Check Spark Plug

Replace Spark Plug

Clean Engine Shroud

Clean around muffler

Replace Fuel Filter

† Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
†† Every season or 25 hours if operating under heavy load or high ambient temperature.

P
P

P

P

P

10

Oil Service

Oil Fill Cap

Drain

Plug

* Short Dipstick

Shown

• 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.

1. Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops
from lack of fuel.

2. Remove drain plug and allow oil to drain into a suitable
container. See Figure 6-1.

Air Filter Service

WARNING: Never use gasoline or low flash point

solvents for cleaning the air filter element. A fire or
explosion could result.

IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air filter. Rapid
engine wear will result.

NOTE: Engines with the primer starting system are equipped
with a foam air filter element. Those with the auto-choke system
have a paper element. Follow the applicable service instructions
below.

Foam Filter

1. Remove the air filter cover by turning counter-clockwise
then pulling it towards you. See Figure 6-2. Clean foam
element or replace when damaged.

Figure 6-1

WARNING: Before tipping engine or equipment to

drain oil, drain fuel from tank by running engine
until fuel tank is empty.

3. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely.

4. Refill with the recommended oil and check the oil level.
Refer to the Set-Up Section and follow the appropriate
instructions for a short or extended dipstick.

5. Reinstall the oil fill cap securely.

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.

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.

Figure 6-2

2. To clean foam element, remove it from the air filter base
and wash in mild liquid detergent and water. Squeeze or
press the foam element to rinse out dirt and water. Do not
twist, this could damage or tear the foam element. Allow to
dry thoroughly before using. OIL the foam element with a
light engine oil.

11Section 6 — Maintenance