Craftsman 247.88855 owner manual OFF-SEASON Storage, Preparing Engine, Preparing Snow Thrower

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

If your snow thrower is left unused for 30 days or longer, it needs to be prepared for storage. Also, at the end of the snow season, you should follow the same set of instructions and store the snow thrower properly for the off-season. Proper storage ensures longer life of the snow thrower.

Preparing Engine

WARNING: Never store snow thrower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated areas, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer or gas appliance.

It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts of the engine such as the 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.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage for 30 days or longer. Follow these instructions to prepare your snow thrower for storage:

•Remove all gasoline from the carburetor and the fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming on these parts and causing possible malfunction of the engine.

Carburetor

Bowl

Drain

Figure 31

WARNING: Drain fuel into approved container outdoors, away from any open flame. Be certain engine is cool. Do not smoke.

Fuel left in engine during warm weather deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems.

•Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it stops due to lack of fuel.

•Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl drain, located below the carburetor cover. See Figure 31.

WARNING: Do not drain carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. Never use engine or carburetor cleaning products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) 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 mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach the carburetor. Do not drain carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

•Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce of engine oil through the spark plug hole into the cylinder. Place a rag over the hole. Crank the engine several times to distribute the oil. Replace spark plug.

Preparing Snow Thrower

•When storing the snow thrower in an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially any chains, springs, bearings and cables.

•Remove all dirt from exterior of engine and equipment.

•Follow lubrication recommendations on page 18.

•Store in a clean, dry area.

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