TEMPORARY STORAGE (30 DAYS OR LESS)
Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used for human or animal habitation.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit temporarily or in between uses:
•Keep in an area away from where children may come into contact with it. If there’s any chance of unauthorized use, remove the spark plug (s) and put in a safe place. Be sure the spark plug opening is protected from foreign objects with a suitable cover.
•If the unit can’t be stored on a reasonable level surface, chock the wheels.
•Clean all debris from the unit.
NOTE: If storing your unit between winter snow removal jobs in a cold area, we suggest that you fill the fuel tank at the completion of each job to prevent water condensation in the fuel tank. Wait for engine to cool before filling tank.
LONG TERM STORAGE (LONGER THAN 30 DAYS)
Before you store your unit for the
1.Drain crankcase oil and refill with a grade of oil that will be required when unit is used again.
2.Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or light coat of oil to prevent rusting.
3.Clean external surfaces and engine.
4.Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner’s manual.
5.Clean any dirt from the engine housing.
6.Cover air intake and exhaust outlet tightly with plastic or other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt and insects.
7.Completely grease and oil as outlined in the Normal Care section.
8.If equipped, be sure the battery is filled to the proper level with water and is fully charged. Battery life will be increased if it is removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully charged about once a month. If battery is left in, disconnect the negative cable.
Storage
WARNING
Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and careless use could result in serious fire damage to your person or property.
Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from open flame or sparks.
10.Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabilizer to the fuel system. If you have chosen to use a fuel sta- bilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow all safety instructions and storage precautions in this man- ual to prevent the possibility of fire from the ignition of gasoline fumes. Remember, gasoline fumes can travel to distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of explosion and fire.
NOTE: Gasoline, if permitted to stand unused for extended periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits which can adversely affect the engine carburetor and cause engine malfunction. To avoid this condition, add a gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank or drain all fuel from the system before placing unit in storage.
STARTING AFTER
LONG TERM STORAGE
Before starting the unit after it has been stored for a long period of time, perform the following steps.
1.Remove any blocks from under the unit.
2.Install the battery if it was removed.
3.Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.
4.Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine manual for recommendations.
5.See engine owner’s manual and follow all instructions for preparing engine after storage.
6.Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if necessary.
7.Inflate tires to proper pressure.
8.Start the engine and let it run slowly. DO NOT run at high speed immediately after starting. Be sure to run engine only outdoors or in well ventilated area.
19
