MTD 380 Snow Blower User Manual


 
11
Engine
Listed below are general recommendations about
maintaining your snow thrower engine. For further
details, refer to the accompanying engine manual.
Check Oil Level
Before operating snow thrower, check the oil level.
With engine on level ground, oil must be to FULL
mark on dipstick. See Figure 8.
Stop engine and wait several minutes before
checking oil level. Remove oil fill cap and dipstick.
Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and
tighten securely.
Remove dipstick and check. If oil is not up to the
FULL mark on dipstick, add oil.
Figure 8
Change Oil
Change engine oil after first two hours of operation and
every 25 hours thereafter.
In order to change oil, you will have to first drain the
spent engine oil from the engine and then refill with
fresh oil.
Drain oil while engine is warm. Remove oil drain
plug located at the bottom of the recoil starter of the
engine. Catch oil in a suitable container.
When engine is drained of all oil, replace drain plug
securely.
Remove the dipstick from the oil fill. For location of
the oil fill, see Figure 6. Pour fresh oil slowly
through the plug. Replace dipstick.
Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Service Spark Plug
Clean spark plug and reset the electrode gap to 0.030"
at least once a season or every 100 hours of operation;
replace every 200 hours of operation.
Clean area around the spark plug base.
Remove and inspect the spark plug.
Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted,
burned, or the porcelain is cracked. See Figure 9.
NOTE: Do not sandblast spark plug. Spark plug should
be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing and washing
with a commercial solvent.
Figure 9
Check V-Belts
Follow instructions below to check condition of drive
belts every 50 hours of operation.
Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the
engine by removing two self-tapping screws.
Visually inspect for frayed, cracked, or excessively
worn out belts. Replace, if necessary, following
instructions on page 12.
SECTION 6: SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT
Shave Plate and Skid Shoes
The shave plate and skid shoes on the bottom of the
snow thrower are subject to wear. These should be
checked periodically and replaced when necessary.
Remove two carriage bolts, belleville washers and
hex nuts which secure each skid shoe to the auger
housing. See Figure 10.
Reassemble new skid shoes with the hardware just
removed. Make sure the cupped side of the washer
goes against the skid shoe and that the skid shoes
are adjusted to be level.
To remove shave plate: Remove both skid shoes
and hardware including carriage bolts, belleville
washers and hex nuts which attach shave plate to
the snow thrower housing. For location of shave
plate, see Figure 10.
AB
C
A
D
D
F
I
L
L
8
o
z
.
Dipstick
Fill up if
needed
Tighten
dipstick
Read oil
level
Porcelain
Electrodes
.030”
Gap
WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or
inspecting, disengage all clutch levers and stop
engine. Wait until all moving parts have come
to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.