6. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE
37
E
PLACING IN STORAGE
If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is
important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-
ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame,
such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a
spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes
rust and corrosion.
Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank, turn the fuel valve to the
OFF position to close the fuel valve and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface. Tilting can cause fuel or oil
leakage.
The handlebar can be folded for compact storage (page 32).
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the mower to keep out dust.
A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials. Do not
use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A nonporous cover will trap moisture around
the mower, promoting rust and corrosion.
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
Check your mower as described in the PRE-OPERATION CHECKS chapter
of this manual.
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh
gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it
contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time,
causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will
smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
