14
Drying
1. After washing the lawn mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.
2. With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors,
engage the blade control lever, and let the engine run until it
reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water
remaining on the engine.
3. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
4. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged
paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
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.
The Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 19) does not cover fuel
system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation.
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 all the fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding a Fuel Stabilizer
When adding a fuel stabilizer (page 18), 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 fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for
10 minutes to be sure that the treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
3. Turn the engine OFF and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank
1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF. Remove the carburetor drain bolt
with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl
into an approved container.
If you only need to drain the carburetor, skip to step 3.
2. To drain the fuel tank, turn
the fuel valve ON (page 6).
This will allow fuel in the
fuel tank to drain out
through the carburetor
bowl.
3. After the fuel is completely
drained, reinstall the drain
bolt.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil
(page 11).
Engine Cylinder
1. Remove the spark plug (page 12).
2. Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder
to keep it from rusting.
3. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the
cylinder.
4. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, then return the
starter grip gently. This will close the valves so moisture cannot
enter the engine cylinder.
Handlebar Folding
The handlebar can be folded for storage or transport by loosening the
handlebar locking knobs.
1. Remove the grass bag
(HRR) if installed. You
can place it on top of the
engine, with the bag
opening to the front.
Loosen the handlebar
locking knobs. Press each
side of the lower
handlebar outward, then
swing the handlebar
upward. Prevent the
cables from getting
pinched or kinked.
When unfolding the handlebar, be sure to tighten the locking knobs
to secure the handlebar in the mowing position.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
DRAIN BOLT
LOCKING KNOB (2)