STORAGE
Immediately prepare your mower for storage at the end of the season or if the mower will not be used for 30 days or more.
WARNING
Never store the mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any en- closure.
MOWER
When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
•Clean entire mower (See "CLEANING" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
•Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt replacement 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 lightly before painting.
BATTERY
•Fully charge the battery for storage.
•After a period of time in storage, battery may require recharging.
•To help prevent corrosion and power leakage during long periods of storage, battery cables should be disconnected and battery cleaned thoroughly (see "TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in the Customer Responsibilities 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 mower for storage, do not store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOS- ITS 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 METHA- NOL) 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 carburetor are 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 alterna- tive in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gaso- line 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 carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carbu- retor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
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