Engine Fuel System - Craftsman 917.377981 Owner's Manual

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for
storage at the end of the season or if the unit
will not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a period
of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt,
grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area
• Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEAN-
ING" in the Maintenance section of this
manual).
• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins
are securely fastened. Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear.
Replace if necessary
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
HANDLE
You can ford your lawn mower handle for
storage
• Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
handle toward each other untilthe lower
handle clears the handle bracket, then
move handle forward.
• Loosen upper handle mounting bolts
enough to allow upper handle to be folded
back.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for
storage or transportation, be sure to fold the
handle as shown or you any damage the
control cables.
• When setting up your handle from the
storage position, the lower handle will
automatically lock into the mowing position.
Squeeze to fold
_b L°wer
e
Handle
racket
Hairpin
cotter
Upper
Operator presence contr_ bar handle
Fold foward _ ,,;, _
for storage _ ..._ ,/_
"?_i: "';-\_ 1_;/7 ) Fold
Lower __ Mowing
handle position
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It is importantto prevent gum
deposits from forming in essential fuel system
parts such as carburetor, f 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. Acidicgas
can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.
• Drain the fuel tank
• Start the engine and let it run untilthe 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
alternative 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 drain the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
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