MTD 312-980I000 - Manual (Page 11)

4. Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).
If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.
5. Push primer button two or three times. See figure
21.
If engine is warm, push primer button once only.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15°F.
6. Grasp starter handle (see figure 21) and pull rope
out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope
rewind slowly.
7. Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping
a firm hold on the starter handle.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until engine starts. If engine
fails to start, repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 until engine
starts.
9. As engine warms up and begins to operate even­
ly, rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If
engine falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly
move to OFF position.
Optional Electric Starter: Connect power cord
to switch box on engine, then to 120 volt AC
receptacle. With the engine running, push starter
button and spin the starter for several seconds.
The unusual sound made by spinning the starter
will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect the
power cord from receptacle first, and then from
switch box.
Recoil Starter: With engine running, pull starter
rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three
or four times. Pulling the starter rope will produce
a loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to
the engine or starter.
3. To stop engine, remove the ignition key. Do not
turn key. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting while
equipment is unattended.
NOTE: Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe
place. Engine will not start without the ignition key.
4. Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move
control levers back and forth several times. Leave
throttle control lever in the STOP or OFF position.
Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.
A DANGER
AVOID INJURY FROM ROTATING
AUGER - KEEP HANDS FEET
AND CLOTHING AV/AY.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
2. To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter, pro­
ceed as follows.
A
DANGER
SHUTOFF ENGINE
BEFORE UNCLOG­
GING
DISCHARGE
CHUTE.
TO ENGAGE DRIVE
1. With the engine running near top speed, move
shift lever into one of the five FORWARD posi­
tions or two REVERSE positions. Select a speed
appropriate for the snow conditions that exist.
Use the slower speeds until you are familiar with
the operation of the snow thrower.
2. Squeeze the drive clutch grip (located on the left
handle) and the snow thrower will move. Release
it and the drive motion will stop.
NOTE: NEVER move shift lever without first releasing
the drive clutch.
TIRE CHAINS (Optional Equipment)
Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is
needed.
11