6. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE
35
E
Fuel
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard
starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in
your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor
and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor
without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline
blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially or
completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel
deterioration. Very warm storage temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration.
Fuel deterioration problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the
gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
The warranty does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance
problems resulting from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by
draining the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding fuel stabilizer:
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only
partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage. If
you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only
fresh gasoline.
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be
sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the
carburetor.
3. Stop the engine, and leave the throttle lever in the STOP position. Turn the
fuel valve to the OFF position.
