MTD 5X70MU, 5X65MU Owner’s Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

159 cc & 196 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. 769-12384

(July 25, 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

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

Safety Labels .............................................................................4

Set-Up .........................................................................................5

Controls & Features ..................................................................6

Operation ..................................................................................7

Maintenance & Adjustments ...................................................9

Troubleshooting......................................................................12

Replacement Parts ..................................................................13

Spanish ....................................................................................17

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:

• Web: www.mtdproducts.com/equipment/mtdproducts

• Phone: (800) 800-7310

• Mail: MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING!

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or propert y of yourself and others. Read and follow all inst ructions 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!

WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Engine Exhaust, some of its cons tituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth de fects or other reproduc tive 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 obser ve the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

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.

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 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.

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 for est-covered, brush covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust s ystem is equipped with a spark ar restor meeting applicable local or s tate 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.

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! - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instruc tions in this manual and on the machine.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Set- Up

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 c lear of equipment moving par ts. 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.

10w

20w

20w40, 20w50

15w40, 15w50

10w40

10w30

(ºC) (ºF)

-30º -20º

-20º

-10º 0º

0º 20º 40º 60º 80º 100º

Figure 3-1

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).

10º 20º 30º 40º

Checking Oil Level

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

3. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean.

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

5. Remove dipstick. If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on the dipstick. See Figure 3-2 inset.

Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick

Upper Limit

Figure 3-2

6. 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 igni ted by a spark or flame many feet away fr om 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.

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

8. Fill tank until fuel reaches 1⁄2 inch below the bottom of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

9. 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.

Controls and Features

Engine

Switch†

Choke†

Fuel Shut-Off

Valve†

Fuel Cap

Starter Handle

Oil Fill Cap

Oil Drain †

(Rear of Engine)

Oil Drain

Muffler

Engine Switch (If Equipped)

The engine switch is located on rear of the engine. Turn the switch ON when starting the engine and turn it to OFF when you want to shut it down.

Choke (If Equipped)

The choke control is located on the rear of the engine below the engine switch and when activated, closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine. Pull the choke control to activate the choke on the engine. Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

Figure 4-1

Fuel Shut-Off Valve (If Equipped)

The fuel shut off valve is located on the engine below the fuel tank. Be sure the valve is ON before starting the engine. Turn the valve OFF when towing or transporting equipment.

Primer (If Equipped)

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

Air Cleaner

Primer †

Spark Plug

† If Equipped

Oil Drain

Removing the oil drain plug will drain the oil from the engine. The engine is equipped with a side drain.

NOTE: Select engines are equipped with an oil

drain located on the rear of the engine.

Oil Fill Cap

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

Fuel Cap

Remove the fuel cap to add fuel.

Operation

Pre-Operation Check

The engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. See page 65 in the Set-Up Section of this manual for instructions on adding oil and gasoline.

NOTA: Se muestra el motor utilizado en las cortadoras de césped de empuje. Si es necesario, consulte el manual del equipo para obtener información sobre el funcionamiento de los motores de otros productos.

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.

• Manual Choke System: This features

a choke on the engine and no primer. Choke systems located on the engine will feature an engine switch and may also feature a fuel shut-off valve.

• Auto-Choke/Electric Start System:

This features an automatic choke and an electric start switch on the handle.

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 c lear of equipment moving par ts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

Auto-Choke System

1. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control 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 three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. See Figure 5-2. In temperature below 50°F, prime five 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 1-1

Figure 1-2

Manual Choke System

4. If equipped, turn on fuel valve located on the engine. See Figure 5-3.

5. Pull out the choke knob located on the engine.

NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

6. Press engine switch to on.

7. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback and start engine. If engine does not start after ten seconds of repeated pulls, wait a few minutes and repeat.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter

grip to snap back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

8. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob.

Auto-Choke/Electric Start System

1. Insert plastic Electric Starter Push Key into starter housing located on the right side of upper handle until it snaps in place.

(Electric Start units only)

2. Standing behind the mower, pull the blade control back against the drive control. See Figure 5-4.

3. Recoil Start: While holding the blade and drive controls together firmly, pull the recoil starter lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and start the engine. Repeat if necessary.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

Electric Start (If Equipped): Push the electric starter push key to start the engine. See Figure 5-4.

NOTE: Electric starter is equipped with an internal circuit breaker. If unit fails to start when starter button is depressed, wait one minute for breaker to reset, then attempt to start again.

Stopping Engine

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

2. Remove Electric Starter Push Key if mower is to be left unattended, stored, or serviced (Electric Start units only). To remove key, grasp the key’s top push button and pull it straight up and out. Keep key in a safe place out of the reach of children.

Figure 1-3

Figure 1-4

8 Section 5— operation

Engine Maintenance

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

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil ††

Check Air Cleaner

Service 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 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.

First 5 Hours

Each Use or Every 5 Hrs.

Every Season

or 25 Hours

P P

WARNING!

If the engine has been running, the muf fler will be very hot. Be carefu l not to touch the muff ler.

Every Season

or 50 Hours

Every Season

or 100 Hours

Service Dates

Service Carbon Canister Filter †

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

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.

NOTE: Select engines are equipped with an oil drain located on the rear of the engine. For these engines see the equipment manual for oil change procedure.

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.

it on the ground.

Air Filter Service

Paper filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year or every 100 operating hours; more often if used in extremely dusty conditions.

WARNING!

Never use gasoline or low f lash 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.

1. Press down on the tabs securing the air filter cover. Pull back and remove the cover. See Figure 6-2.

with tabs.

Spark Plug Service

WARNING!

DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug r emoved.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.

1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug. See Figure 6-3.

Spark Plug

Oil Fill Cap

Drain Plug

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 page 5 in the Set-Up section.

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

Tab

Paper Element

Figure 6-2

2. Remove the paper element. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively dirty or damaged, replace with a new filter.

3. Insert the cover’s bottom tabs into slots in bottom of base.

4. Tilt the cover up into place and secure

Spark Plug

Boot

Figure 6-3

WARNING!

If the engine has been running, the muf fler will be

very hot. Be carefu l not to touch the muff ler.

2. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark 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.

3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending side electrode. See Figure 6-4. The gap should be set to 0.030 in.

Electrode

0.030 in.

Figure 6-4

4. Check that the spark plug washer is in

10 Section 6 — Maintenance

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