Tecumseh Engine 181 1272 14 Operators Manual

							181-1272-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 9
III. Primer Bulb and Choke
In Temperatures above 40°F (5°C):
Follow instructions in Section A.I. See I. Primer Bulb Only 
instructions on page 7. See Table 3 on page 7.
In Temperatures below 40°F (5°C):
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is 
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move engine throttle control to “CHOKE” or “START” 
position, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figures 15, 16 and 17. 
3. When starting a cold engine, press primer bulb firmly 3 
times, allowing primer bulb to return completely to orig-
inal position between pushes. See Figure 18. 
 NOTES
Be sure to cover vent hole when pressing primer bulb. 
See Figure 18. 
Cooler temperatures may require pushing primer bulb firmly 
5 times.
DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine after a short 
shutdown. Doing so will flood the engine and may result in 
equipment malfunction.
4. Operate equipment control to release engine brake or 
clutch, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figure 15.
 NOTE
DO NOT operate an electric starter for more than 5 seconds 
each attempt.
5. Push starter button or turn ignition switch key to start 
engine.
6. When engine starts:
a. Release starter button or ignition switch key. 
b. Move engine throttle control to “FAST” position. 
See Figures 15, 16 and 17.
c. Next, move engine throttle control to desired speed 
in “RUN” range.
 NOTES
If engine starts but falters when engine throttle control is 
moved to “FAST” position:
a. Move engine throttle control back to “CHOKE” 
position. See Figures 15, 16 and 17.
b. Next, move engine throttle control to “FAST” 
position. See Figures 15, 16 and 17.
If engine dies after engine throttle control is moved to 
“FAST” position, repeat steps 2 thru 6 to restart engine.Figure 15. Typical Engine Controls
Figure 16. Typical Engine Symbols
Figure 17. Start/Choke Control Positions
Figure 18. Pressing Primer Bulb
1. Electric Start Switch
2. Engine Throttle Control
3. Equipment Control13 2
STOP
STOP SLOW RUN FAST CHOKE PRIMER
1. “SLOW” Position
2. “RUN” Range
3. “FAST” Position
4. “CHOKE” Position
4
3
2
1
1. Primer Bulb
2. Vent Hole
1
2 
						

							Page 10Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-1272-14 7. If engine fires but does NOT continue to run, move 
engine throttle control to “FAST” position and start 
engine. 
8. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts in the “FAST” 
position, move engine throttle control to “CHOKE” posi-
tion and start engine.
9. If engine does NOT start after following steps 1 thru 8, 
contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. 
DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in 
any other way. 
B. Engine Sections with Recoil Starters
Only one of the following three sections will apply to your 
engine. See Table 4.
I. Primer Bulb Only
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is 
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move engine throttle control to “FAST” position, if 
present (see equipment manufacturer’s instructions). 
See Figures 19, 20 and 21.Table 4. Engine Sections with Recoil Starters
If your engine has:Go to:
Primer Bulb Only Section B.I
Choke Only Section B.II
Primer Bulb and Choke Section B.III
Figure 19. Typical Engine Controls
Figure 20. Typical Engine Symbols
Figure 21. Start/Choke Control Positions
1. Starter Cord Handle
2. Engine Throttle Control
3. Equipment Control123
STOP
STOP SLOW RUN FAST CHOKE PRIMER
1. “SLOW” Position
2. “RUN” Range
3. “FAST” Position
4. “CHOKE” Position
4
3
2
1 
						

							181-1272-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 11 3. When starting a cold engine, push primer bulb firmly 3 
times, allowing primer bulb to return completely to orig-
inal position between pushes. See Figure 22.
 NOTES
Be sure to cover vent hole when pressing primer bulb. 
See Figure 22. 
Cooler temperatures may require pushing primer bulb firmly 
5 times.
DO NOT use choke or primer to restart a warm engine after 
a short shutdown. Doing so will flood the engine and may 
result in equipment malfunction.
4. Operate equipment control to release engine brake or 
clutch, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figure 19 on page 10. Afterward, 
continue reading instructions below.
When pulling starter rope, the rope 
can unexpectedly jerk back toward 
engine causing serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully 
follow these instructions:
5. Grasp starter cord handle. See Figure 19 on page 10. 
Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
a. Pull rope out slowly until you feel drag.
b. Without allowing the rope to retract, continue   
pulling rope with one rapid full arm stroke.
c. Return rope slowly to original position.
 NOTE
Following the instructions listed in the steps above avoids 
potential damage to the recoil mechanism.
6. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts repeat steps 2 
thru 5 and try again. 
7. If engine does NOT start after following steps 1 thru 6, 
contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. 
DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in 
any other way. 
II. Choke Only
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is 
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move engine throttle control to “CHOKE” or “START” 
position, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figures 19, 20 and 21 on page 10. 
Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
 NOTE
If restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown, move 
engine throttle control to “FAST” position instead of 
“CHOKE” or “START” position. See Figures 19, 20 and 21 
on page 10. Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
3. Operate equipment control to release engine brake or 
clutch, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figure 19 on page 10. Afterward, 
continue reading instructions.When pulling starter rope, the rope 
can unexpectedly jerk back toward 
engine causing serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully 
follow these instructions:
4. Grasp starter cord handle. See Figure 19 on page 10. 
Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
a. Pull rope out slowly until you feel drag.
b. Without allowing the rope to retract, continue   
pulling rope with one rapid full arm stroke.
c. Return rope slowly to original position.
 NOTE
Following the instructions listed in the steps above avoids 
potential damage to the recoil mechanism.
5. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts repeat steps 2 
thru 4 and try again. 
6. When engine starts:
a. Move engine throttle control to “FAST” position.
b. Next, move engine throttle control to desired speed 
in “RUN” range.
 NOTES
If engine starts but falters when engine throttle control is 
moved to “FAST” position:
a. Move engine throttle control back to “CHOKE” 
position. See Figures 19, 20 and 21 on page 10. 
Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
b. Next, move engine throttle control to “FAST” 
position.
If engine dies after engine throttle control is moved to 
“FAST” position, repeat steps 2 thru 6 to restart engine.
7. If engine fires but does NOT continue to run, move 
engine throttle control to “FAST” position and start 
engine. 
8. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts in the “FAST” 
position, move engine throttle control to “CHOKE” posi-
tion and start engine.
9. If engine does NOT start after following steps 1 thru 8, 
contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. 
DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in 
any other way.
!WARNINGFigure 22. Pressing Primer Bulb
1. Primer Bulb
2. Vent Hole
1
2
!WARNING 
						

							Page 12Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-1272-14
III. Primer Bulb and Choke 
In Temperatures above 40°F (5°C):
Follow instructions in Section B.I. See I. Primer Bulb Only 
instructions on page 10. See Table 4 on page 10.
In Temperatures below 40°F (5°C):
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure engine is 
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
2. Move engine throttle control to “CHOKE” or “START” 
position, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figures 23, 24 and 25.
3. When starting a cold engine, push primer bulb firmly 3 
times, allowing primer bulb to return completely to orig-
inal position between pushes. See Figure 22 on page 
11. Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
 NOTES
Be sure to cover vent hole when pressing primer bulb. 
See Figure 22 on page 11. Afterward, continue reading 
instructions below.
Cooler temperatures may require pushing primer bulb firmly 
5 times.
DO NOT use choke or primer to restart a warm engine after 
a short shutdown. Doing so will flood the engine and may 
result in equipment malfunction
4. Operate equipment control to release engine brake or 
clutch, if present (see equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions). See Figure 23.
When pulling starter rope, the rope 
can unexpectedly jerk back toward 
engine causing serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully 
follow these instructions:
5. Grasp starter cord handle. See Figure 23.
a. Pull rope out slowly until you feel drag.
b. Without allowing the rope to retract, continue pulling 
rope with one rapid full arm stroke.
c. Return rope slowly to original position.
 NOTE
Following the instructions listed in the steps above avoids 
potential damage to the recoil mechanism.
6. When engine starts:
a. Move engine throttle control to “FAST” position.
b. Next, move engine throttle control to desired speed 
in “RUN” range.
 NOTES
If engine starts but falters when engine throttle control is 
moved to “FAST” position:
a. Move engine throttle control back to “CHOKE” 
position. See Figures 23, 24 and 25.
b. Next, move engine throttle control to “FAST” 
position. See Figures 23, 24 and 25.
If engine dies after engine throttle control is moved to “FAST” 
position, repeat steps 2 thru 6 to restart engine.
7.If engine fires but does NOT continue to run, move engine 
throttle control
 to “FAST” position and start engine. 
8. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts in the “FAST” 
position, move engine throttle control to “CHOKE” posi-
tion and start engine. See Figures 23, 24 and 25.
9. If engine does NOT start after following steps 1 thru 8, 
contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. 
DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine in 
any other way. 
!WARNINGFigure 23. Typical Engine Controls
Figure 24. Typical Engine Symbols
Figure 25. Start/Choke Control Positions
1. Starter Cord Handle
2. Engine Throttle Control
3. Equipment Control123
STOP
STOP SLOW RUN FAST CHOKE PRIMER
1. “SLOW” Position
2. “RUN” Range
3. “FAST” Position
4. “CHOKE” Position
4
3
2
1 
						

							181-1272-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 13
VI. Stopping Your Engine and 
Short-Term Storage
Stop engine according to equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions.
To avoid unsupervised operation of 
an engine, especially by children, 
NEVER leave it unattended when it is running. Always turn 
off the engine after use and remove ignition key, if 
provided.
NEVER store the engine with fuel in 
the fuel tank inside a building with 
potential sources of ignition such as hot water and space 
heaters, clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.
VII. Maintenance
An adult should perform maintenance 
on this engine. Only allow children to 
perform maintenance if an adult has determined they are 
experienced and capable of such operation.
To prevent accidental starting when 
working on equipment, always:
• Carefully disconnect spark plug wire and keep it 
away from spark plug. See Figures 26 and 27. See 
G. Avoid Accidental Starts instructions on page 2. 
Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
• Keep the disconnected spark plug wire 
securely away from metal parts where arcing 
could occur. 
• Carefully attach the spark plug wire to the 
grounding post, if provided. 
• Disconnect battery at negative terminal first, if 
engine is equipped with an electric starter.
• Turn off all engine switches.
• Remove ignition key, if provided.
A. Checking and Changing Oil
To avoid engine damage, it is important to:
• Check oil level before each use and every 5 
operating hours when engine is warm. See A. 
Checking Oil Level instructions on page 5. 
Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
• Change oil after first 2 operating hours and every 25 
operating hours thereafter; more often if operated in 
extremely dusty or dirty conditions. Engine should 
still be warm but NOT hot from recent use.
1. Carefully disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away 
from spark plug. See Figures 26 and 27. See G. Avoid 
Accidental Starts instructions on page 2. Afterward, 
continue reading instructions below.
• Keep the disconnected spark plug wire 
securely away from metal parts where arcing 
could occur. 
• Carefully attach the spark plug wire to the 
grounding post, if provided. 
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNINGFigure 26. Disconnecting/Connecting Spark Plug
Figure 27. Typical Spark Plug Connection 
						

							Page 14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-1272-14 2. Be sure fuel fill cap is on and tightened securely.
3. Be sure you find the correct drain plug location, if 
present (see equipment manufacturer’s instructions). 
See Figure 30.
4. Clean area around oil drain plug. See Figure 30.
5. Place approved recyclable oil container under oil drain 
plug, tipping engine to position the oil drain plug at the 
lowest point on the engine (see equipment manufac-
turer’s instructions). See Figure 30.
6. Remove oil drain plug and drain oil into an approved 
recyclable oil container. 
 NOTE
Used oil must be disposed of at a proper collection center.
7. Install oil drain plug and tighten securely. 
See Figure 30.
8. Clean area around oil drain plug. 
9. Remove oil fill cap dipstick. See Figure 31.
10. Fill with recommended oil. See III. Oil and Fuel Speci-
fications instructions on page 4. See Table 1 on page 
4. Afterward, continue reading instructions below.
 NOTES
DO NOT overfill oil filler. Doing so may result in oil carry-
over to the air cleaner and equipment malfunction or 
damage.
DO NOT allow oil level to fall below the “ADD” mark on 
dipstick. Doing so may result in equipment malfunction or 
damage.
Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for 
Tecumseh Oil.
11. Wipe away any spilled oil.
12. Install oil fill cap dipstick. Tighten securely.  
See Figure 31.
13. Carefully disconnect spark plug wire from grounding 
post, if provided. See Figure 28. See G. Avoid Acci-
dental Starts instructions on page 2. Afterward, con-
tinue reading instructions below.
14. Carefully re-connect spark plug wire to spark plug. 
See Figure 29.
 NOTES
The oil filter if so equipped, should be changed every 100 
operating hours or at least once a year. 
The filter should be changed more often if the engine is 
operated in extremely dusty or dirty conditions.
Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for a 
Tecumseh Oil Filter.
Figure 28. Disconnecting/Connecting Spark Plug
Figure 29. Typical Spark Connection
Figure 30. Oil Drain Plug Location
Figure 31. Oil Fill Cap Dipstick 
						

							181-1272-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 15
B. Removing Debris from Engine
Before each use, remove the air cleaner cover. Discard 
grass clippings, dirt and debris from the following areas: 
• Levers and Linkage
• Cooling Fins
• Air Intake Screen 
• Air Inlet
• Guards
Removing debris will insure adequate cooling, correct 
engine speed and reduce the risk of fire. See Figure 32. 
C. Spark Plug
Check spark plug yearly or every 100 operating hours.
1. Clean area around spark plug.
2. Remove and inspect spark plug.
3. Replace spark plug if porcelain is cracked or if elec-
trodes are:
•Pitted
• Burned
• Fouled with Deposits
4. Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set 
gap to—.030 in. (0.76mm) if necessary. See Figure 33.
5. Install spark plug and tighten securely.
 NOTE
A resistor spark plug must be used for replacement. Contact 
your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for a 
Tecumseh Resistor Spark Plug.Figure 32. Debris Removal Locations
Figure 33. Resistor Spark Plug
1. Cooling Fins
2. Air Intake Screen
3. Levers and Linkage
4. Spark Plug Connection12
3
1
3
4
2
1. .030 in. (0.76mm) Gap
2. Electrodes
3. Porcelain1 2
3 
						

							Page 16Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-1272-14
D. Cleaning/Replacing Air Cleaner
Your engine has an air cleaner which helps prevent 
premature engine wear and failure. NEVER run engine 
without complete air cleaner installed on engine. Your air 
cleaner periodically needs to be cleaned or replaced. 
Follow instructions listed below.
 NOTES
ALWAYS inspect filter(s) for discoloration or dirt 
accumulation. If either is present, see I. Servicing Paper 
Filter instructions below. Afterward, continue reading 
instructions below.
Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for a 
Tecumseh Air Cleaner.
I. Servicing Paper Filter
Paper filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once 
a year or every 100 operating hours; more often if used in 
extremely dusty conditions. Replacement filters are 
available at an Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. 
Follow the instructions next to the drawing of your air 
cleaner to remove and replace it. 
 NOTE
DO NOT clean or put oil on a paper filter.
II. Removal and Installation-Air Cleaner
1. Turn cover to left (counterclockwise) to remove. 
See Figure 34.
2. Remove paper filter from flange.
3. Discard paper filter.
4. Clean cover and flange thoroughly.
5. Insert new paper filter onto flange. See Figure 35.
6. Make sure flat side of air cleaner cover is facing engine 
housing. See Figure 36.
7. Line up tabs on cover with slots on flange. 
See Figure 37.
8. Push cover firmly against flange and turn to right 
(clockwise) until cover locks securely in place; Again, 
cover flat must be facing engine housing for proper 
operation. 
9. Secure cover and be sure it is in position.Figure 34. Air Cleaner Assembly
Figure 35. Paper Filter
Figure 36. Flat Side of Air Cleaner Cover
Figure 37. Tab Alignment
1. Paper Filter
2. Slots
3. Flange
4. Tabs
5. Cover1 22
43
5
Front ViewCover Flat Side 
Faces Engine 
						

							181-1272-14Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-CooledPage 17
E. Carburetor
If you think your carburetor needs adjusting, see your 
nearest Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. Engine 
performance should NOT be affected at altitudes up to 
7,000 feet (2,134 meters). For operation at higher 
elevations, contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing 
Dealer.
F. Engine Speed
To avoid serious injury or death, DO 
NOT modify engine in any way. 
Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway 
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. NEVER 
tamper with factory setting of engine governor.
Running the engine faster than the speed set at the factory 
can be dangerous and will VOID THE ENGINE 
WARRANTY.
G. Engine Stopping Mechanism
Some engines are equipped with a 
federally-mandated mechanism 
which stops the engine and mower blade. To avoid serious 
injury or death as a result of contact with the mower blade, 
DO NOT interfere with or bypass this mechanism. Parts of 
the mechanism may be subject to wear and must be 
checked once a year by an Authorized Tecumseh 
Servicing Dealer. In the event the mechanism fails for any 
reason, you must NOT use the engine until corrected by an 
Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer.
H. Adjustments
DO NOT make any engine adjustments. Factory settings 
are satisfactory for most conditions. If adjustments are 
needed, contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing 
Dealer.
VIII. Transporting Your Engine
NEVER transport this engine inside 
another vehicle or in any enclosed 
space if there is any gasoline in the tank. Fuel vapor or 
spilled fuel may ignite.
If there is fuel in the fuel tank, close 
the fuel shut off valve, if equipped, 
and transport the engine upright in an open vehicle, such 
as an open trailer or open bed of a pickup truck.
If you DO NOT have an open vehicle and have to transport 
the engine upright in a closed vehicle, follow these steps 
for emptying the fuel tank before transporting:
1. Empty fuel tank by using a commercially available 
suction device designed for use with gasoline. 
DO NOT pour fuel from engine or 
siphon fuel by mouth.
2. Drain fuel into an approved red GASOLINE container, 
being careful to avoid spilling.
3. Run the engine until remaining fuel is consumed.
NEVER leave the engine 
unattended when it is running and 
NEVER run engine in enclosed areas.
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING 
						

							Page 18Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled181-1272-14
IX. Storing Your Engine
A. Short-Term/Seasonal Storage
I. Clean Engine
Before servicing the engine remove the air cleaner cover 
and/or blower housing. Discard grass clippings, dirt and 
debris from the following areas: 
• Cooling Fins
• Air Intake Screen 
• Levers 
• Linkage 
• Guards
• Carburetor
•Head
Removing debris will insure adequate cooling, correct 
engine speed and reduce the risk of fire.
II. Fuel Storage
NEVER store engine with fuel in fuel 
tank inside a building with potential 
sources of ignition such as hot water and space heaters, 
clothes dryers, electric motors, etc. Failure to do so may 
result in an explosion and result in death or serious injury.
 NOTES
If engine fuel stored in the gas tank and/or an approved gas 
container is to be unused without gasoline stabilizer for 
more than 15-30 days, prepare it for short-term/seasonal 
storage. See IV. Fuel Treatment instructions.
If engine fuel is to be stored for more than one season, 
without gasoline stabilizer, it will gradually deteriorate. Also, 
if it is stored in the engine’s gas tank without gasoline 
stabilizer it is likely that your carburetor will have gum 
deposits, a clogged fuel system and will void your warranty. 
Prepare the fuel for extended storage. See B. Extended 
Storage instructions. Afterward, continue reading 
instructions below.
If you operate the engine during all 4 seasons, it is NOT 
necessary to lubricate the cylinder bore. 
III. Fuel System
To avoid stale gas and carburetor problems, treat the fuel 
system in the following method below: 
 NOTES
Tecumseh recommends using ULTRA-FRESH™ or Fuel 
Saver Plus Gasoline Stabilizer plus Fuel System Cleaner as 
an acceptable method of minimizing formation of fuel gum 
deposits during storage. This product is available from your 
Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer.
Always follow mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Failure 
to do so may result in equipment damage.
It is NOT necessary to empty stabilized gas from fuel tank. 
IV. Fuel Treatment
1. Add fuel stabilizer according to manufacturer’s 
instructions.
2. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer 
to allow it to reach carburetor.
NEVER store the engine with fuel in 
the fuel tank inside a building with 
potential sources of ignition such as hot water and space 
heaters, clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.
 NOTE
Instead of using a fuel preservative/stabilizer, you can 
empty the fuel tank as described under I. Draining Fuel 
instructions. See B. Extended Storage instructions.
B. Extended Storage
I. Draining Fuel
 NOTES
Clean debris from engine before emptying fuel from fuel 
tank. See I. Clean Engine instructions. Afterward, continue 
reading instructions below.
If you have prepared your fuel for short-term storage it is 
NOT necessary to empty fuel that contains stabilizer from 
your fuel tank. See A. Short-Term/Seasonal Storage 
instructions.
To avoid severe injury or death, 
DO NOT pour fuel from engine or 
siphon fuel by mouth.
1. To prevent serious injury from fuel fires, empty fuel tank 
by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel. DO 
NOT attempt to pour fuel from engine.
2. Run the engine while waiting until the remaining fuel is 
consumed. 
NEVER leave the engine 
unattended when it is running and 
NEVER run engine in enclosed areas.
3. Begin servicing the cylinder bore. See II. Oil Cylinder 
Bore instructions on page 19.
!WARNING!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING
!WARNING