STORAGE

Immediately prepare your tractorfor storage atthe end ofthe season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more.

gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame

or spark. Allow the engine to cool

I_11_AUTION: Neverstorethetreotorwith I

before storing in any enclosure.

TRACTOR

Remove mower from tractorfor winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a pedod of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

Clean entire tractor (See =CLEANING" in the Customer

Responsibilities section of this manual).

Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re- placement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual.

Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.

Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightlybefore painting.

BATTERY

Fully charge the battery for storage.

After a period of time in storage, battery may require recharging.

To belp preventcorrosionand power leakage dudng long periods of storage, battery cables should be diScon- nected and battery cleaned thoroughly (see TO CLEAN

BATrERY ANDTERMINALS" inthe Customer Respen- sibilities section of this manual).

After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place

cables where they cannot come in contact with battery terminals.

If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO 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.

Drain the fuel tank.

Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetorare empty.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during stor- age. 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 sarburetor. Do

not drain the gas tank and carburetor ifusing fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil(with engine warm) and replace withclean engine oil. (See "ENGIN E" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

CYLINDER(S)

Remove spark plug(s).

Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into cylinder(s).

Tum ignition key to =STAR'I"positionfor a few seconds to distribute oil.

Replace with new spark plug(s).

OTHER

Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust.

Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.

If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover itto give protection from dust and dirt.

Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover that

does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your tractor to rust.

IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.

24

Page 24
Image 24
Craftsman 944.602951 owner manual Fuel System, Engine OIL, Cylinders