Exmark METRO 21 MPKA21 - Manual (Page 35)

Storage
Storage
Preparing the Fuel System
To prepare the lawn mower for off season storage,
perform the recommended maintenance procedures.
Store the lawn mower in a cool, clean, dry place.
Cover the lawn mower to keep it clean and protected.
WARNING
Gasoline can vaporize if you store it over long
periods of time. Gasoline vapors can explode
if they come into contact with an open flame.
• Do Not store gasoline over long periods
of time.
• Do Not store the lawn mower with
gasoline in the fuel tank or the carburetor
in an enclosure with an open flame. (For
example, a furnace or a water heater pilot
light.)
• Allow the engine to cool before storing
it in any enclosure.
Empty the fuel tank when mowing the last time
before storing the lawn mower.
1. Run the lawn mower until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
2. Prime the engine and start it again.
3. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you
can no longer start the engine it is sufficiently dry.
Preparing the Engine
1. While the engine is still warm, change the oil from
the crankcase. Refer to Changing the Engine
Oil section in Maintenance.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Using an oil can, add about one tablespoon of oil
to the crankcase through the spark plug hole.
4. Slowly rotate the engine several times, using the
starter rope, to distribute the oil.
5. Install the spark plug but Do Not connect the
wire to the spark plug.
General Storage Information
1. Clean the lawn mower housing. Refer to
Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower
Housing section in Cleaning.
2. Clean any dirt and chaff from the cylinder,
cylinder head fins, and blower housing.
3. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the engine, the shrouding, and
the top of the lawn mower housing.
4. Clean the BBC shield. Refer to Cleaning the
Blade Brake Clutch Shield section in Cleaning.
5. Check the condition of the blade. Refer
to Maintaining the Blade section in the
Maintenance.
6. Service the air filter. Refer to Servicing the Air
Filter in Maintenance.
7. Lubricate the pivot arms. Refer to Lubricating
the Pivot Arms section in Maintenance.
8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
9. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces with
paint available from an Authorized Service Dealer.
Removing the Lawn Mower
from Storage
1. Check and tighten all fasteners.
2. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine rapidly
by pulling the starter rope to blow excess oil from
the cylinder.
3. Clean the spark plug or replace it if it is cracked,
broken, or if the electrodes are worn.
4. Install the spark plug and torque it to 17 ft-lb (23
N-m).
5. Perform any needed maintenance procedures.
6. Fill the fuel in the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
7. Check the engine oil level.
8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
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