TRANSPORTING AND STORING
After washing the mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.
Start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine.
While the engine is running, hold an operator presence lever and operate the
blade control lever to expel water from the blade pulleys, spindles, and other
mower deck areas. Allow the blades to spin for several minutes to ensure that no
water remains.
Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
After the mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint and coat other
areas with a light film or oil. Do not apply oil to the pulleys, brake drums, or to the
blade brake drum. Lubricate the throttle cable core with a silicone spray lubricant.
Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard
starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in
your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and
other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor without
causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline blend, your
storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially or completely filled.
The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage
temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration problems may occur
within a few months, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when. you filled the
fuel tank.
Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from neglected
storage preparation are not covered under warranty.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is formulated
for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel
tank and carburetor.
Adding a Gasoline Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life
When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only
partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage. If you
keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh
gasoline.
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following manufacturer’s instructions.
2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be
sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the
carburetor.
3. Stop the engine, and turn the fuel valve to the
OFF
position.
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