Craftsman 917.288600 Operator's Manual page 30

Immediatelyprepareyourtractorfor storage
at the end of the season or if the tractor will
_/be usedfor 30 days or more.
ARNING: Never store the tractor with
gasoline in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
TRACTOR
When tractor is to be stored for a period
of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt,
grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
1. Clean entiretractor (See"CLEANING"in
the Maintenance section of this manual).
2. Inspectand replacebelts, if necessary(See
belt replacementinstructionsintheService
and Adjustments section of this manual).
3. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
4. Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws
are securely fastened. Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear.
Replace if necessary.
5. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
BATTERY
• Fully charge the battery for storage.
• After a period of time in storage, battery
may require recharging.
• To help prevent corrosion and power
leakage during long periods of storage,
battery cables should be disconnected
and battery cleaned thoroughly (see "TO
CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in
the Maintenance section of this manual).
• After cleaning, leave cables disconnected
and place cables where they cannot
come in contact with battery terminals.
• If battery is removed from tractor for
storage, do not store battery directly on
concrete or damp surfaces.
ENGINE
FUELSYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum
deposits from forming in essential fuel sys-
tem parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, or
tank during storage. Also, 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.
• Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine
and letting it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al-
ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer
to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes
after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to
reach the carburetor. Do not empty the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the
Maintenance section of this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
1. Remove spark plug(s).
2. Pour one ounce of oil through spark
plug hole(s) into cylinder(s).
3. Turn ignition key to start position for a
few seconds to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your tractor indoors and
cover itto give protection from dust and dirt.
• Cover your tractor with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe
which allows condensation to form and
will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover tractor while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
30