Prepareyourlawnmowerforstorageattheendofthe seasonorIftheunitwillnotbeusedfor30daysor

more. Store the mower in a clean, dry area.

Mower

Clean underside of the mower following instructionsin the Maintenance section of this manual.

Inspect and replace/sharpen blade, if required.

Refer tothe Maintenance section of this manual for blade care instructions.

Lubricate mower following the lubricationchart on page 14 of this manual.

You can fold your mower'shandle for convenient storage as shown in Figure 20. Followthe steps below to fold the handle.

Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.

Loosen the two hand knobs on the sides of the

handle, and let the upper handle fold down to the rear.

Move the hairpinclips to the outer hole in the weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Spread the sides of the lower handle, and push it forward and down.

Upper Handle

Lower

Handle

/

Figure 20

NOTE: When folding the handle for storage or

transportation,be careful not to bend or kink the cable.

Engine

IMPORTANT: It is importantto prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor,fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

Drainfuelsystem& carburetor

container outdoors away from open flame, WARNING: Drain fuel into approved

Be sure engine is cool. Do not smoke.

Drain the fuel tank.

Start the engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

Drain carburetor by removing bowl drain screw which is located below the carburetor. See Figure 21.

BowlreD__lncarburet°r

Figure 21

Note: Do not drain carburetor ff using fuel stabilizer.

carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank

WARNING: Never use engine or or permanent damage may occur.

Use fresh fuel next season.

Use fuel stabilizer

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage,

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 drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. Drain all the oil from the crankcase (This should be done after the engine has been operated and is still warm) and refill the crankcase with fresh oil.

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Craftsman 247.388240 owner manual Engine, Mower