MTD 390 Series Operator's Manual page 14

Off-Season Storage
When the tiller won't be used for an extended period, prepare it
for storage as follows:
1. Clean the tiller and engine.
2. Do routine tiller lubrication and check for loose parts and
hardware.
3. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions
provided in the engine manual packed with this manual.
WARNING!
tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where
fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
4. If storing the tiller for 30 days or more:
a. To prevent gum deposits from forming inside
the engine's carburetor and causing possible
malfunction of the engine, the fuel system must be
either completely emptied, or the gasoline must be
treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration.
WARNING!
and will cause serious starting problems.
b. Using a fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL® for storage
between 30 and 90 days:
• Read the product manufacturer's instructions
and recommendations.
• Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct
amount of stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of the fuel system.
• Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the
engine for 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel
into the carburetor.
c. Emptying the fuel system for storage of more than
90 days:
• Prior to putting the tiller in storage, monitor
fuel consumption with the goal of running
the fuel tank empty.
• Run the engine until it begins to stall. Use the
choke to keep the engine running until all fuel
in the carburetor has been exhausted.
• Referring to the engine manual, drain the fuel
from the carburetor bowl.
4. Store the tiller in a clean, dry area.
5. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in an
enclosed area where gas fumes could reach an open flame
or spark, or where ignition sources are present (space
heaters, hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.).
14 S 6— M
ection aintenance
Never store the tiller with fuel in the
Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates
& a
djuStMentS