Off-Season Storage - Craftsman 247.88790 Owner's Manual

If the snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or
longer, or if it is the end of the snow season when the
last possibility of snow is gone, the equipment needs to
be stored properly. Follow storage instructions below to
ensure top performance from the snow thrower for
many more years.
Preparing Engine
WARNING:
Never store snow thrower 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.
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.
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
CAUTION:
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:
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.
1. Remove all gasoline from the carburetor and the
fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming on
these parts and harming the engine.
2. Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it
stops due to lack of fuel.
3. Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl drain,
located below the carburetor cover. See Figure 25.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

20
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.
Carburetor
Bowl
Drain
Figure 25
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) 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.
4. 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.
Preparing Snow Thrower
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 on page 13.
4. Store equipment in a clean, dry area.