Poulan Pro 404378, Operator'S Manual

24

STORAGE

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 fl ame 
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 Mainte-

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 sec tion 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 

re charg ing.

•     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 Mainte-
nance section 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.

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 mini-

mizing 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 en-
gine oil.  (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of 
this man ual).

CYLINDER(S)

•      Remove spark plug(s).
•      Pour one ounce 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.