Craftsman 917.274031 owner manual Engine, Cylinders, Fuel System

Immediately	prepare	your tractor for		stor-	blended	fuels (called	gasohol		or	using
age at the end of the season or if the				trac-	ethanol	or methanol)	can	attract		moisture
for will not be used for 30 days			or more			to separation		and	formation		of
_CAUTION:	Never	store the	tractor		acids during storage. Acidic gas					can dam-
with gasoline	in the tank inside		a building		age the fuel system		of an engine			while	in
where fumes may reach an open flame					storage.

or spark.

Allow

the engine to cool

before

•

Empty the fuel

tank

by starting

the

en-

storing

in any enclosure.

gine

and

letting

it run

until the

fuel

lines

TRACTOR

and carburetor

are

empty.

•

Never use engine or carburetor

cleaner

Remove

mower from tractor for winter

products in the fuel tank or permanent

storage.

When

mower is to be stored for a

damage

may occur.

period

of time,

clean it thoroughly,

remove

•

Use

fresh fuel

next

season.

all dirt,

grease,

leaves, etc. Store in a

NOTE:

Fuel

stabilizer

is an acceptable

clean,

dry area.

alternative

in minimizing

the formation

of

1. Clean entire tractor (See "CLEANING"

fuel gum deposits during storage. Add

in the Maintenance section of this

stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or stor-

manual).

age container.

Always

follow the mix

ratio

2.Inspect and replace belts, if necessary found on stabilizer container. Run engine

(See belt replacement instructions in		at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer
the	Service and Adjustments section of
		to allow	the stabilizer to reach the car-
this	manual).	buretor. Do not empty the gas tank and
3. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance
		carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
section of this manual.
		ENGINE	OIL

4.Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace

are securely fastened. Inspect moving with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in

	parts for damage, breakage and wear.			the Maintenance section of this manual).
	Replace if necessary.
				CYLINDER(S)
5. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
				1.		Remove spark plug(s).
	surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
				2.		Pour one ounce of oil through spark
BATTERY
						plug hole(s)	into cylinder(s).
•	Fully charge	the battery for storage.		3.		Turn ignition key to "START" position
• After a period of time in storage, battery						for a few seconds to distribute oil.
				4.		Replace with new spark plug(s).
	may require	recharging.
•	To help prevent corrosion		and power	OTHER
	leakage during long periods of storage,			• Do not store gasoline from one season
	battery cables should be disconnected
					to another.
	and battery cleaned thoroughly (see "TO
				•	Replace your gasoline can if your can
	CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in
					starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
	the Maintenance section of this manual).
					gasoline will cause problems.
•	After cleaning, leave cables discon-
				•	If possible, store your tractor indoors
	nected and place cables where they
					and cover it to give protection from dust
	cannot come in contact with battery
					and dirt.
	terminals.
				• Cover your tractor with a suitable pro-
•	If battery is removed from		tractor for
					tective cover that does not retain mois-
	storage, do not store battery directly on
					ture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
	concrete or damp surfaces.
					breathe which allows condensation to
ENGINE
					form and will cause your tractor to rust.
FUEL SYSTEM				IMPORTANT:			Never cover tractor while
IMPORTANT:		It is important	to prevent	engine and exhaust areas are still warm.

gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, alcohol

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