Use and Care Manual

Operation
5
8
Pre-Operation Check
IMPORTANT: The engine is shipped without
gasoline in the engine. See the Set-Up Section
of this manual for instructions on adding
gasoline.
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.
WARNING!
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:
1. Fuel Recommendations (See Set Up
Section)
2. Checking Oil Level (See Set Up Section)
3. Air filter (if equipped) (See Maintenance
Section)
4. General Overall Inspection. Check for any
fluid leaks or discharges, and loose or
damaged parts.
5. Check the owner’s manual provided with
the equipment 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
WARNING!
Always keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.
Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
WARNING!
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.
WARNING!
If you are unable to start this engine after
following instructions in this manual, contact your
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.
NOTE: 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 this manual 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.
On/Off Key
The on/off key provides power to the Electronic
Fuel Injection (EFI) system to prepare the engine
to start.
Insert the on/off key and turn to the ON
position. The ready light will light showing the
engine is ready to be started. See Figure 5-1.
IMPORTANT: If the service light comes on or
both the ready light and service light remain off
charge the battery (see Charging the Battery
in the Maintenance Section of this manual).
The engine will not start unless the battery is
charged.
NOTE: if using the electric starter, ensure the
grounded extension cord is plugged into the
electric starter inlet and grounded outlet before
inserting the on/off key.
Key
Figure 5-1
Starter Types
NOTE: The following starting instructions apply
to several different engines. See Figure 5-2.
The engine will be equipped with one or both
of the following starter types. Determine starter
type the engine is equipped with and perform
one of the following:
• Electric Starter - See Engines with Electric
Starters in this section.
• Recoil (Pull) Starters - See Engines with
Recoil Starters in this section.
Recoil StartElectric Start
Figure 5-2