MTD S260 - Manual (Page 12)

12
7
Off-Season
Storage
Never store snow
thrower with fuel
in tank indoors or
in poorly ventilated
areas, where fuel
fumes may reach an
open flame, spark
or pilot light as on a
furnace, water heater,
clothes dryer or gas
appliance.
Drain fuel into an
approved container
outdoors, away from
any open flame. Be
certain engine is
cool. Do not smoke.
Fuel left in engine
during warm weather
deteriorates and
will cause serious
starting problems.
Do not drain
carburetor if using
fuel stabilizer.
Never use engine or
carburetor cleaning
products in the fuel
tank or permanent
damage may occur.
WARNING
Observe the following, when preparing your snow
thrower for off-season storage:
• Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors, away
from any open flame. Allow engine to cool. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition prior to draining fuel. Fuel left in engine
during warm weather deteriorates and will cause
serious starting problems.
• If unit is to be stored over 30 days, prepare for
storage as instructed in the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
• Run engine until fuel tank is empty and engine stops
due to lack of fuel.
• Remove gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank to
prevent gum deposits from forming on these parts
and causing possible malfunction of engine.
• Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl drain,
located below the carburetor cover.
• Fuel stabilizers, such as STA-BIL®, are an accept-
able alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage. Do not drain carburetor
if using a fuel stabilizer.
• Wipe equipment with an oiled rag to prevent rust.
• Remove spark plug and pour one ounce of engine
oil through spark plug hole into cylinder. Cover spark
plug hole with rag. Crank engine several times to
distribute oil. Replace spark plug.
• Follow the lubrication recommendations found in the
Maintenance Section.
• Always store the snow thrower in a clean, dry area.