Storing machine, Storing safety, Storage, preparing machine for – Scotts S1642 User Manual
Page 61: Running engine dry of fuel, Add fuel and stabilizer mixture to tank, Preparing engine

Storing Machine - 57
STORING MACHINE
Storing Machine
Storing Safely
Preparing Machine for Storage
1. Repair any worn or damaged parts. Replace parts if 
necessary. Tighten loose hardware.
2. Clean under the deck.
3. Paint scratched or chipped metal surfaces to prevent 
rust.
4. Wash the machine and apply wax to metal and plastic 
surfaces. (See SERVICE-MISCELLANEOUS section for 
care of plastic and metal surfaces.)
5. Run machine for five minutes to dry belts and pulleys.
6. Apply light coat of engine oil to pivot and wear points to 
prevent rust.
7. Lubricate grease points.
8. Make sure tires are properly inflated.
Preparing Engine For Storage
NOTE: Properly preparing your tractor engine for 
storage will make it easier to start the following 
season. Engine storage procedure should be used if 
vehicle is not used for longer than 60 days.
There are two satisfactory methods of preparing the engine 
for storage: running the engine completely dry of fuel, or 
filling the fuel tank with a mixture of fresh fuel and fuel 
stabilizer.
Running engine dry of fuel:
NOTE: Try to anticipate the last time the tractor will be 
used for the season so very little fuel is left in the fuel 
tank.
1. Park tractor in a well-ventilated area.
2. Engage park brake and disengage PTO.
3. Turn on engine and allow to run until it runs out of fuel.
4. Turn key to OFF position.
5. Continue with Preparing Engine.
Add fuel and stabilizer mixture to tank:
1. Park tractor in a well-ventilated area.
2. Mix fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer in separate container. 
Follow stabilizer instructions for mixing.
NOTE: Filling the fuel tank reduces the amount of air in 
the fuel tank and helps reduce deterioration of fuel.
3. Fill fuel tank with stabilized fuel.
4. Run engine for a few minutes to allow fuel mixture to 
circulate through carburetor.
5. Continue with Preparing Engine.
Preparing Engine
1. Change engine oil and filter while engine is warm.
2. Service air filter if necessary.
3. Clean debris from engine air intake screen.
4. Remove spark plugs. Put 30 mL (1 oz.) of clean engine 
oil in cylinders.
5. Install spark plugs, but DO NOT connect spark plug 
wires.
6. Crank the engine for approximately five seconds to allow 
oil to be distributed.
c
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes
can cause sickness or death.
- If it is necessary to run an engine in an
enclosed area, use an exhaust pipe extension 
to remove the fumes.
- Always try to work in a well ventilated area.
- DO NOT store vehicle with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an 
open flame or spark.
- Allow engine to cool before storing in an
enclosure.
- Remove the battery and store it in a cool dry
place where it will not freeze, and where 
children cannot reach it.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Be sure fuel is fresh 
when adding fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers are 
ineffective when added to fuels that are more than 
30 days old.
