MTD 159 cc User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Service And Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Replacement Parts
OperatOr’s Manual
Form No. 769-25350
(July 17, 2020)
159 cc, 196 cc and 224 cc
OHV Vertical Shaft Engines
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are
applicable to all models and the model depicted may differ from yours.
WARNING
Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual before attempting to operate.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Record Product Information
Before setting up and operating your new
engine, please locate the model plate and record
the information in the provided area to the right.
You can locate the model plate by standing at
the operator’s position and looking at the rear or
right side of the engine. This information will be
necessary, should you seek technical support via
our web site, Customer Support Department, or
with a local authorized service dealer.
Model Number
Serial Number
English ......................................................................................................................................Page 2
Spanish (Español) ....................................................................................................................Page 16
French (Français) ......................................................................................................................Page 31

MTD 159 cc Specifications

General

Brand	MTD
Model	159 cc
Category	Engine
Language	English

Summary

Safe Operation Practices

TRAINING

Read, understand, and follow all warnings and instructions before operating. Keep manual for reference.

PREPARATION

Wear sturdy work shoes, close-fitting clothes. Never operate in bare feet or sandals.

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care with gasoline; it is flammable and vapors are explosive.

ENGINE OPERATION GUIDELINES

Follow instructions for safe operation of the engine and equipment.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Keep engine in safe working condition and follow storage procedures.

ENGINE MODIFICATION WARNING

Avoid serious injury or death by not modifying the engine in any way.

EMISSIONS NOTICE

Engines comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations.

INTENDED USAGE

Engine models are designed for designated outdoor power equipment only.

ENGINE REPLACEMENT INFO

Check equipment specifications for important engine information.

SPARK ARRESTOR REQUIREMENT

Use spark arrestor on land with forest, brush, or grass cover.

SAFETY SYMBOLS EXPLANATION

Explains safety symbols that may appear on the engine and equipment.

Set-Up

FUEL AND OIL REQUIREMENTS

Engine shipped without fuel or oil. Check oil level and add as needed.

CHECKING AND ADDING OIL

Check oil level on a level surface with engine off. Maintain upper limit on dipstick.

FUEL SPECIFICATIONS

Use unleaded gasoline with minimum 87 octane. Do not use E15 or E85.

REFUELING PROCEDURES

Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cooled. Do not overfill.

Operation

ENGINE FEATURES OVERVIEW

Identifies key engine components: fuel cap, starter, oil fill, model plate.

PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST

Ensure engine has fuel and oil before starting. Check all systems.

STARTING SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION

Determine engine's starting system: electric start, recoil, auto-choke.

ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE

Follow specific instructions for your engine's starting system type.

AUTO-CHOKE STARTING

Procedures for starting engines with auto-choke and drive control.

MANUAL CHOKE STARTING

Instructions for starting engines with a manual choke system.

ENGINE SHUTDOWN

Release controls or turn off switch. Remove starter key if applicable.

Service and Maintenance

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

Periodic inspection and adjustment essential for performance and service life.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Table of service intervals for checks, cleaning, and part replacements.

OIL LEVEL CHECK

Check oil level regularly and ensure it is maintained correctly.

HOW TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Drain oil while the engine is still warm for rapid and complete draining.

AIR FILTER SERVICING

Replace paper filters yearly/100 hours. Never run engine without air filter.

SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE

Inspect, clean, gap, and replace spark plug as needed for proper operation.

FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT

Replace fuel filter yearly or every 100 operating hours.

ENGINE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Periodically remove dirt build-up. Do not spray engine with water.

ENGINE STORAGE PROCEDURES

Use fuel stabilizer and run engine dry before storage to prevent damage.

REMOVING ENGINE FROM STORAGE

Check engine, fill tank with fresh fuel, and prepare for operation.

Troubleshooting

ENGINE FAILS TO START

Common causes and remedies for engine failing to start.

ELECTRIC START ISSUES

Troubleshooting for electric start problems: key, battery, circuit breaker.

ENGINE RUNS ERRATIC

Common causes and remedies for erratic engine running.

ENGINE OVERHEATING CAUSES

Low oil level or restricted airflow are common causes of overheating.

HIGH-SPEED HESITATION

Spark plug gap too close can cause hesitation at high speeds.

POOR IDLING PROBLEMS

Fouled spark plug or dirty air cleaner can cause poor idling.

ENGINE STALLING WITH FULL TANK

Carbon filter in fuel cap may be dirty or blocked.

Replacement Parts

SPARK PLUG PART NUMBER

Part number and description for Spark Plug replacement.

AIR CLEANER PART NUMBER

Part number and description for Air Cleaner replacement.

FUEL CAP ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER

Part number and description for Fuel Cap Assembly replacement.

FUEL FILTER PART NUMBER

Part number and description for Fuel Filter replacement.

The EZ Start Promise

WARRANTY PROVISIONS

MTD warrants engine starting on first/second attempt for warranty duration.

ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM WARRANTY

Lists items and conditions not covered by the EZ Start Promise.

OWNER'S MAINTENANCE DUTIES

Owner must maintain mower by following manual instructions.

GENERAL WARRANTY CONDITIONS

Repairs must be performed by an authorized MTD service provider.