STORAGE/TRANSPORTING
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7. STORAGE/ TRANSPORTING
STORING YOUR ENGINE
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine trouble free and looking
good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your engine
’
s
function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start after storage.
Cleaning
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning.
Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may
rust with a light film of oil.
l
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water into the
air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the air filter,
and water that passes through the air filter or muffler can enter the cylinder,
causing damage.
l
Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has been
running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing.
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 engine 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 Distributor
’
s Limited 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 fuel stabilizer that is formulated for that
purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and
carburetor.
