Snapper 10524 - Manual (Page 17)

Storage
15
AFTER EACH USE
Normal use of the snowthrower may result in a build-up
of packed snow in and around the starter cord housing
and around engine controls. Heat from the engine will
usually prevent the snow from freezing solid while the
unit is running, but after the engine is shut down, some
snow may continue melting from engine heat, and later
freeze around some moving parts as the unit cools.
After each period of use, follow these steps to prevent
freeze-up caused by ice formation in and around the
engine controls and external parts.
1. Before shutting off the engine, pull the starter rope
out 2 - 3 times, and allow it to rewind slowly. This will
help clear packed snow from the starter cord area.
Allow the engine to run for several minutes.
2. Stop the engine by moving the throttle lever (See
Figure 1) down, or by pulling out the engine key.
3. Brush snow and ice from the snowthrower. Be sure to
clear engine and snowthrower controls, discharge
chute, worm and chute rod gears, clutch cable areas,
and anywhere else snow has accumulated.
4. Always remove the engine key and store in a safe
place to prevent unauthorized use.
5. If the snowthrower is kept in a cold shelter, fill the fuel
tank to prevent condensation. Do not store near
sparks or flame.
Note: The Engine Owner’s Manual contains further infor-
mation on preventing ice formation and freeze-up.
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.
STORAGE
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety
Rules section, then perform the following steps:
• Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, and
remove the key.
• Perform engine maintenance and storage measures
listed in the engine owner’s manual. This includes
draining the fuel system, or adding stabilizer to the
fuel (do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed struc-
ture - see warning).
Before starting the unit after it has been stored:
• Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.
• Perform all recommended checks and procedures
found in the engine owner’s manual.
• Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes
before use.
WARNING
Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed,
poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can
travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace,
water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.