MTD 179cc & 208cc Automobile Parts User Manual


 
When pulling the starter rope, the rope
can unexpectedly jerk back toward the engine
causing serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully
follow these instructions:
Grasp the starter cord handle.7.
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.
NOTE: 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.
If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts repeat steps 1 8.
through 7 and try again.
When the engine starts:

until the engine runs smoothly.

position.
Move the engine speed control 10. (if equipped) to the desired
speed in the “RUN” range.
NOTE: If the engine starts but falters when the choke

Momentarily move choke control back to “FULL 


position until engine runs smoothly.
Finally, move the choke control to the NO 


position, repeat steps 3 through 10 to restart engine.
If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts in the “NO 11.

position and start engine.
If engine does not start after following steps 1 through 12.
11, contact your Authorized MTD Service Dealer. DO NOT
attempt to troubleshoot this engine in any other way.
Stopping the Engine & Short Term Storage
Stop engine in accordance with the equipment Operator’s
Manual.
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.
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 The Engine
If operating the engine in the snow or rain, run the engine 1.
for a few minutes to help dry off any moisture.
Move the equipment control, if present (see Equipment 2.
Owner’s Manual), engine control lever or ignition switch to
“STOP” or “OFF” position.
Remove ignition key, if provided (see equipment Operator’s 3.
Manual).
NOTE: Removing the key will reduce the possibility of
unauthorized starting of the engine while equipment is not
in use.
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.
After the Engine is Stopped
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 1.
and choke areas.
Move the equipment control, if present, (see equipment 2.
Operator’s Manual), engine control lever or ignition switch
back and forth several times and leave the control in the
“STOP” or “OFF” position.
Move the engine choke back and forth several times and 3.

Be sure the Fuel Shut-Off Valve, , if present, is off.4.
12 se c t i O n 5— Op e r a t i O n