Storage

AFTER EACH USE

Normal use of the snowthrower may result in a build-up of packed snow in and around the starter cord housing and around engine controls. Heat from the engine will usually prevent the snow from freezing solid while the unit is running, but after the engine is shut down, some snow may continue melting from engine heat, and later freeze around some moving parts as the unit cools.

After each period of use, follow these steps to prevent freeze-up caused by ice formation in and around the engine controls and external parts.

1.Before shutting off the engine, pull the starter rope out 2 - 3 times, and allow it to rewind slowly. This will help clear packed snow from the starter cord area. Allow the engine to run for several minutes.

2.Stop the engine by moving the throttle lever (See Figure 1) down, or by pulling out the engine key.

3.Brush snow and ice from the snowthrower. Be sure to clear engine and snowthrower controls, discharge chute, worm and chute rod gears, clutch cable areas, and anywhere else snow has accumulated.

4.Always remove the engine key and store in a safe place to prevent unauthorized use.

5.If the snowthrower is kept in a cold shelter, fill the fuel tank to prevent condensation. Do not store near sparks or flame.

Note: The Engine Owner's Manual contains further infor- mation on preventing ice formation and freeze-up.

WARNING

Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.

Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and careless use could result in serious fire damage to your person or property.

Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from open flame or sparks.

STORAGE

WARNING

Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed, poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace, water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.

Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.

Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules section, then perform the following steps:

•Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, and remove the key.

•Perform engine maintenance and storage measures listed in the engine owner's manual. This includes draining the fuel system, or adding stabilizer to the fuel (do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed struc- ture - see warning).

Before starting the unit after it has been stored:

•Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.

•Perform all recommended checks and procedures found in the engine owner's manual.

•Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes before use.