Craftsman 247.886640 - Manual (Page 19)

OFF-SEASON STORAGE
If the snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or
longer, or at the end of the snow season when the last
possibility of snow is gone, the equipment needs to be
stored properly. Follow storage instructions below to
ensure top performance from the snow thrower for
many more years.
Preparing Engine
WARNING: 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.
It is important to prevent gum deposits from
forming in essential fuel system parts of the
engine such as the carburetor, fuel filter, fuel
hose or tank during storage.
Also experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol
or methanol) 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.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied beiore storage for 30 days
or longer. Follow these instructions to prepare
your snow thrower for storage:
Remove all gasoline from the carburetor and the
fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming on
these parts and harming the engine.
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WARNING: Drain fuel into 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.
Run the engine until the fuel tank Is empty and It
stops due to lack of fuel.
Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl drain,
located below the carburetor cover. See Figure 29.
WARNING: Do not drain carburetor if using
fuel stabilizer. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaning products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
NOTE; Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) is an
acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to
gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow
mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at
least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to
reach the carburetor. Do not drain carburetor if using
fuel stabilizer.
• Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce of
engine oil through the spark plug hole into the
cylinder. Cover spark plug hole with a rag and crank
the engine several times to distribute the oil.
Replace spark plug.
Preparing Snow Thrower
• When storing the snow thrower in an unventilated
or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone,
coat the equipment, especially any chains, springs,
bearings and cables.
• Remove all dirt from exterior of engine and
equipment.
• Follow lubrication recommendations on page 14.
• Store in a clean, dry area.
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