Off-Season Storage - MTD 3AA & 3CA Operator's Manual

7
Off-Season
Storage
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.
Drain fuel into an 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.
Do not drain carburetor if
using fuel stabilizer. Never
use engine or carburetor
cleaning products in the
fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
If the snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or
longer, or if it is 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
NOTE: Refer to the engine manual for more detailed
information on preparing the snow thrower engine for
storage.
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.
NOTE: 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.
CAUTION: 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 before storage for 30 days or longer. Follow
these instructions to prepare your snow thrower for
storage:
WARNING: Drain fuel into an 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.
1. Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it
stops due to lack of fuel.
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™ or ULTRA-
FRESH™) 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.
2. 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.
NOTE: Refer to the engine manual for more information
on preparing the snow thrower engine for storage.
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.
• Store equipment in a clean, dry area.
14