Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove the bump knob on my SpeedSpool™ unit?

The Speed Spool bump knob can be removed by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. Sometimes the bump knob can be too tight to unscrew by hand. In these cases, you may need to unscrew it with a pair of channel locks or large pliers.

What is the gas/oil mix ratio for a MTD 2-cycle engine?

All two-cycle engines must run on a mixture of gas and two-cycle engine oil. Never run a two-cycle engine on straight gasoline, because it will cause damage to the engine.

MTD recommends mixing four ounces of 32-to-1 two-cycle engine oil for every gallon of unleaded gas used. If you try running your MTD product on a leaner fuel mixture (40:1 fuel to oil or 50:1 fuel to oil), you may cause damage to the engine.

How do I start my 2-cycle product?

Starting most 2-cycle engines is simple if you follow the procedures outlined in the operator's manual. In general: 1. If there is an on/off switch, move it to the on position.
2. If the unit has a primer bulb, fully depress and release the primer bulb 5 to 7 times.
3. Move the choke to the FULL position.
4. Hold or lock the throttle in the on position.
5. Set the unit on the ground.
6. Make short, brisk pulls on the starter rope until the engine attempts to start (typically between 1-5 pulls). Your unit will not run in the choke position.
7. Move the choke to PARTIAL and continue pulling the starter rope until the engine starts (3 pulls maximum). If this fails, start over from the beginning.
8. After allowing 10 seconds for the engine to warm up, move the choke to RUN and release or unlock the throttle. 9. If the unit dies, start over from step number
10. Once the unit warms up, you should be able to stop and restart the unit with the choke in the off position.
NOTE: On the four stroke units, do not squeeze the throttle during the starting procedures.

Why won't my gas product start?

1. Check to make sure the on/off switch is in the on position.

2. If you smell gas, the engine may be flooded.

3. Old fuel left in the gas tank over a long period of inactivity (more than 60 days) may cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all. First, dispose of old gas at a facility in your area that accepts such material. Then refill the tank with fresh fuel mix and try to restart. Even if you get old fuel mix to work, it becomes acidic after time and won't offer good lubrication.

4. If fuel was stored in the unit over the winter, you may need a carburetor rebuild kit. Areas such as the inlet screen and the metering needle may become gummed up or glazed from the fuel mixture. A cleaning of the carburetor, and possibly a rebuild, are the only cures for this situation. Visit a servicing dealer for a full assessment.

5. If you are pulling more than five times in the FULL CHOKE position you will be flooding the unit. Move the choke lever to PARTIAL after hearing the initial sputter in FULL CHOKE. If it is flooded, just pull 10 to 15 times in the RUN setting until the unit fires.

6. If you can't get the engine to turn-over you may have a spark, ignition or compression problem. Try changing the spark plug or taking your unit to a servicing dealer for assistance.

How do I start my 4-cycle product?

1. Check the oil level in the crankcase. Fill the fuel tank and put the ignition switch in the "RUN" ( | ) position.
2. Fully depress and release the primer bulb 5 to 7 times.
3. Place the choke lever in the full "CHOKE" position.
4. With the unit on the ground, pull the starter rope quickly until the engine sounds like it wants to run (no more than 5 pulls)
5. Place the choke lever in the "PARTIAL" position. Pull the starter rope quickly until the engine starts (no more than 5 pulls)
6. If the engine does not start, repeat steps 2 to 5.
7. Run the engine for 30 seconds, with the throttle lever fully squeezed to warm up. Place the choke lever in the "RUN" position.
8. NOTE: in colder weather, run the engine for 2 to 3 minutes to warm up.
9. To stop the engine, put the ignition switch in the "STOP" ( 0 ) position.
10. NOTE: when storing the unit, place the unit flat on the floor instead of hanging it by the guard or the cutting head.