Bolens 18M warranty Fuel Filter Service, Removing From Storage, Clean Engine

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Maintaining

Your

Engine

WARNING

Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.

Fuel Filter Service

The fuel filter cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year or every 100 operating hours; more often if run with old gasoline.

1.Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel.

2.Remove c-clamp from fuel line and remove fuel line from tank outlet. See Fig. 10-5.

3.Pull out old fuel filter from tank outlet. Replace when dirty or damaged.

4.Grasp new fuel filter from shouldered end and insert it completely to the shoulder into the tank outlet. See Fig. 10-5 inset.

5.Replace fuel line and c-clamp.

Storage

Engines stored over 30 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.

1.Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel.

2.Change oil. See Oil Change on page 18.

3.Remove spark plug and pour about 15 ml of engine oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil.

4.Clean grass and debris from around engine, under finger guard, and under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.

5.Store in a clean,dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, 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.

6.If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.

7.Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.

Removing From Storage

IMPORTANT

Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.

Figure 10-5

Clean Engine

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove grass and dirt build-up from engine. Clean finger guard and around muffler. Clean with a brush or compressed air.

IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.

WARNING: Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.

1.Check your engine as described in the Pre-Operation Check section of this manual on page 16.

2.If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.

3.If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.

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