24
STORAGE
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT
: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS
FROM FORMING IN ES SEN TIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH
AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FIL TER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK
DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT
ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING
ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOIS TURE WHICH
LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FOR MA TION OF ACIDS DURING
STOR AGE. ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM
OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE.
•
Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run
until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE:
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during stor age.
Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container.
Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to
allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not empty
the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine
oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this
man ual.)
CYLINDER(S)
• Remove spark plug(s).
• Pour one ounce (
29.5 mL)
of oil through spark plug
hole(s) into cylinder(s).
•
Turn ignition key to “START” position for a few seconds
to distribute oil.
• Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust.
Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover it to
give protection from dust and dirt.
•
Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover that
does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic
cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and
will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT
: NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE EN GINE
AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end
of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days
or more.
WARNING: Never store the trac tor with
gas o line in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any en clo sure.
TRACTOR
Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower
is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thor oughly, remove
all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
• Clean entire tractor. (See “CLEANING” in the
Main te nance section of this manual.)
• Inspect and replace belts, if necessary. (See belt
re place ment instructions in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.)
•
Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this
man ual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely
fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage
and wear. Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand
lightly before painting.
BATTERY
• Fully charge the battery for storage.
• After a period of time in storage, battery may require
recharging.
• To help prevent corrosion and power leakage during
long periods of storage, battery cables should be
dis con nect ed and battery cleaned thoroughly. (See
“TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS” in the
Maintenance sec tion of this manual.)
• After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come in contact with battery
terminals.
• If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
• If unit is equipped with battery indicator/charging
plug, an optional charging unit may be purchased and
connected to the unit to charge the battery during long
term storage. Inspect and clean the battery terminals
as needed prior to long term storage with charger
connected.
