MTD 357CC - Electric Start Procedure

8
2
Operating
the
Engine
IMPORTANT: This engine
is shipped without gaso-
line or oil in the engine.
Running the engine with
insufficient oil can cause
serious engine damage and
void the engine warranty.
WARNING: The optional
electric starter is equipped
with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug, and is
designed to operate on 120
volt AC household current.
It must be used with a prop-
erly grounded three-prong
receptacle at all times to
avoid the possibility of
electric shock.
WARNING
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Always keep hands and
feet clear of moving parts. Do not use
a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few min-
utes after starting. The engine will not develop full
power until it reaches operating temperatures.
Engines with Electric Starters
WARNING: The electric starter is
equipped with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug, and is designed
to operate on 120 volt AC household
current. It must be used with a properly grounded
three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid the
possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions
carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
WARNING: DO NOT use electric starter
in rain.
Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire 1.
groundedsystem.Askalicensedelectricianifyou
are unsure. If you have a grounded three-prong
receptacle, proceed as follows. If you do not have
the proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric
starter under any conditions.
Insertignitionkeyfullyintoslot,Figure2-5.Make2.
sure it snaps into place. DO NOT turn ignition
key.The engine cannot start unless the key is
inserted into ignition switch.
Plugtheextensioncordintotheelectricswitchbox3.
locatedontheengine,Figure2-6.Plugtheother
endofextensioncordintoathree-prong120-volt,
grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
Movethrottlecontrol,Figure2-1,toFAST(rabbit)4.
position.
MovechoketotheCHOKEposition(coldengine5.
start).Ifengineiswarm,placechokeinRUN
position,Figure2-1.
Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocover6.
ventholewhenpushing,Figure2-1.Ifengineis
warm, push primer only once. Always cover vent
hole when pushing. Cool weather may require
priming to be repeated.
Pushstarterbuttontostartengine,Figure2-1.7.
Once the engine starts, immediately release
starter button. Electric starter is equipped with
thermaloverloadprotection;systemwilltemporarily
shut-down to allow starter to cool if electric starter
becomes overloaded.
Figure2-5:Theignitionkeyisasafetydevice.
Figure2-6:Plugcordintoelectricswitchboxonengine.
Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontrol8.
to RUN position. If the engine falters, restart engine
andrunwithchokeathalf-chokepositionforashort
periodoftime,andthenslowlyrotatethechokeinto
RUN position.
After engine is running, disconnect power cord from 9.
electric starter. When disconnecting, always unplug
the end at the wall outlet before unplugging the
opposite end from the engine.