TRANSPORTING AND STORING
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is
important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated
storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a
furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-
producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust
and corrosion.
Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank, leave the fuel valve in the
OFF
position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
Park the mower on a level surface. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the mower to keep out dust. A
hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials. Do not use
sheet plastic as a dust cover. A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the
mower, promoting rust and corrosion.
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE Check your mower as described in the Before Mowing chapter of this manual
(we 17).
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline.
If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh
gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine may
smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
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