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Pre-Operation Check
The engine is shipped without gasoline in the
engine. See the Set-Up Section of this manual for instructions on
adding gasoline.
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. See the 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.
Improperly maintaining this engine, or
failure to correct any problem before operation can
cause a malfunction which could result in serious
injury or even death.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before
each operation, and correct any problem.
Before you start the engine, always check the following items:
Fuel Recommendations 1. (See Set Up Section)
Checking Oil Level 2. (See Set Up Section)
Air filter (if equipped) 3. (See Maintenance Section)
General Overall Inspection. Check for any fluid leaks or 4.
discharges, and loose or damaged parts.
Check the owner’s manual provided with the equipment 5.
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
Always keep hands and feet clear of
moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting
fluid. Vapors are flammable.
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.
If you are unable to start this engine
after following instructions in this manual, contact
you authorized MTD Service Dealer. To avoid serious
burn injuries or damage to your engine, DO NOT
attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in any
other way. for example:
DO NOT use starting fluid.
DO NOT spray flammable vapors into the
carburetor.
DO NOT put flammable liquids into carburetor.
DO NOT operate engine or pull on starter rope
with spark plug removed. Fuel can spray from
spark plug hole and ignite.
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after
starting. The engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperatures.
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. If you
have a manual recoil starter, see Engines with Recoil Starters later
in this section.
Engines With Electric Starters
If you have a manual recoil starter, see Engines with Recoil
Starters later in this section.
WARNING! DO NOT pull the starter handle while
the engine is running.
WARNING! Some electric starters are equipped
with a 120V A.C. Three-Wire Power Cord and Plug
designed to operated on a 120V A.C. household
current. It must be properly grounded at all times
to avoid the possibility of injury or death from
electrical shock.
Determine if your house wiring has a Ground Fault a.
Interrupted (G.F.I.) Three-Wire Grounded System; if
you are not sure, ask a Licensed Electrician.
ChokeRun
Fast Slow/Idle Engine Off
Primer
Operation
5
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