Craftsman 247.37683 - Manual (Page 21)

OFF-SEASON STORAG
A
warning
Never store lawn mower 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.
I
PREPARING THE ENGINE
Fuel in tank can become stale when equipment is stored over 30 days.
Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits to form in fuel system or on
essential carburetor parts.
To Prevent Fuel-Related Problems:
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel
deterioration during storage. If you keep a container of gasoline
for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
2. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors tor
10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
4. Continue to run the engine until it stops from the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl. Running time should be less than 3 minutes.
IMPORTANT: If fuel stabilizer is not used, you need to drain gasoline
from equipment prior to storage. Run engine until it stops from a lack
of fuel.
Perform the following before long-term storage of equipment:
1
.
2
.
3.
4.
5.
6
.
While engine is still warm, change oil.
Remove spark plug and pour approximately 1/2 oz. (15 ml) of
new engine oil into spark plug cavity which puts oil into cylinder.
Replace spark plug securely.
Pull starter rope slowly. This turns the engine’s crankshaft and
distributes oil through the engine.
Add fuel stabilizer or drain fuel from engine.
Clean dirt and debris from top and all areas around engine.
Store in a clean, dry area.
PREPARING THE LAWN MOWER
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrica­
tion instructions.
• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
• Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent
rusting.
• Refer to PREPARING THE ENGINE for correct engine storage
instructions.
• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive
materials, such as fertilizer.
When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or
metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment.
Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and
all moving parts of your lawn mower before storage.
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