MTD 300 Series Operator's Manual page 16

Preparing TheEngine
WARNING!
Never store the snow thrower with fuel
in the 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:
1.
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.
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.
2.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL
TM
or ULTRA-FRESH
TM)
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.
PreparingTheSnowThrower
1. 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.
2. Remove all dirt from exterior of engine and equipment.
3. Follow lubrication recommendations in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
4. Store equipment in a clean, dry area.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the auger control and drive
control with a light engine oil once a season, see Fig. 6-2.
Figure 6-2
2. Lubricate the auger idler bracket with a light engine oil
once a season. See Fig. 6-2.
AugerShaft
At least once a season, remove the shear pins from the auger
shaft. Spray lubricant inside the shaft and around the spacers
and the flange bearings found at either end of the shaft.
See Fig. 6-3.
f
J
Figure 6-3
Wheels
At least once a season, remove both wheels. Clean and coat the
axles with a multipurpose automotive grease before reinstalling
wheels.
SECTION 6-- MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS