Off-Season Storage; Preparing The Engine - Craftsman T1000 Operator's Manual

Preparing The Engine

IMPORTANT: Fuel left in the fuel tank during warm weather deteriorates and
will cause serious starting problems.
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.
1. If using a fuel stabilizer:
a. Read the product manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
b. Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct amount of stabilizer for the
capacity of the fuel system.
c. Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the engine for 2-3 minutes to
get stabilized fuel into the carburetor.
2. If emptying the fuel system:
a. Do not drain fuel when the engine is hot. Allow the engine adequate
time to cool. Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors, away from
open flame.
b. Drain any large volume of fuel from the tank by disconnecting the
fuel line from the in-line fuel filter near the engine. See the complete
instructions for Draining The Fuel later in this section.
WARNING
Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain
conditions. Drain gasoline before storing the equipment for extended
periods. Drain fuel only into an approved container outdoors, away from
an open flame. Allow engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel. Store gasoline in an
approved container in safe location.
c. Reconnect the fuel line and run the engine until it starts to falter, then
use the choke to keep the engine running until all fuel in the carburetor
has been exhausted.
d. Disconnect the fuel line and drain any remaining gasoline from the
system.
WARNING
Gasoline is a toxic substance. Dispose of gasoline properly. Contact your
local authorities for approved disposal methods.
3. Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce of engine oil through the spark
plug hole into the cylinder. Crank the engine several times to distribute the
oil. Replace the spark plug.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

WARNING
Never store lawn tractor 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.
Draining The Fuel
1. Locate the fuel filter, which is located on the left side of the engine, and may
be attached to the engine with a tie strap.
2. Cut the tie strap, if present, then pinch the in-line clamp on the fuel filter
with a pair of pliers, slide the clamp up the fuel line.
3. Pull the fuel line free from the filter and place the open end of the line into
an approved container to drain the fuel.
Preparing The lawn tractor
1. Clean and lubricate tractor thoroughly as described in the lubrication
instructions.
2. Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
3. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials,
such as fertilizer.
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