QuestionHi John,
First let me say I have read several of your posts and have learned quite a bit! You sound like a nice guy and a great source of info :)
I have an MTD Gold Series snowblower - 4 cycle single stage Model # 31am2n1b704 (I think it's 5 1/2 hp). It's 14 months old but I use it to clear about 5 houses of snow with every falling (this week alone I've been snowblowing most of the day for 3 days!).
Today I may have made an awful mistake. I'll try to keep this shorter because I DESPERATELY need your help! I replaced the scraper blade today and, for probably 20 minutes I had the blower on it's side (I know that's not good - now). I started it and it sounded fine, auger engaged, etc. but that little bit of natural self-propelling motion wasn't there. I shut it off & all I could think at the moment was to check the scraper to see if it was "holding things up." So again, snow blower on it's side probably another 15 minutes. When I set it back up, the recoil could only be pulled about 1/3rd of the way out AND I noticed a significant amount of oil leaking out. There was no starting it - with the recoil problem and the oil leak. I haven't contacted MTD or a service dealer yet because I wanted to see if this was some silly oversight on my part (wishful thinking?). I seriously need this snow blower and I'm really disheartened ... it's just 14 months old & I'm hoping this isn't the curtain call for it. Can you please please help me John? I really appreciate any words of wisdom you can lend me!
AnswerHello Lisa:
>>Remove the Spark Plug and Turn the Engine. **Watch Out!! You Might get Sprayed with Oil that is Trapped on Top of the Piston in the Compression Chamber.
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Oil Leached into the Compression Chamber when you had the Unit Tilted. Never Tilt a Unit with a 4 Cycle Engine Unless you Tilt it so the Spark Plug of the Engine is Pointed Up. This will Prevent the Problem you Described from Occurring. If the Unit has to be Tilted Other than with the Spark Plug in the Up Poasition, then Drain the Engines Crankcase Oil before Tilting the Unit.
You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.buymtdonline.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_YardMan_10101_19502_-... and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD) and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
