Off-Season Storage - Craftsman C459-36426 Operator's Manual

Preparing The Engine
Failure to use a fuel stabilizing additive such as STA-BIL® or completely
run the engine until it's out of fuel before off-season storage may result
in damage to your engine's carburetor. Subsequent damage would not be
covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Gasoline that will be stored longer than 30 days needs to be pre-treated upon
purchase with fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL® to prevent gum and varnish from
forming in the engines fuel and intake system. Improper fuel storage can result in
hard starting, no starting, stalling and poor performance. If the gasoline in your
engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other
fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
• Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
• Change oil.
• Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine oil into cylinder.
Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil.
• Clean debris from around engine, under finger guard, and under, around and
behind muffler. Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may
rust with a light film of oil.
• Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

Never store lawn mower 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.
CAUTION
WARNING
Preparing The Lawn Mower
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the Service &
Maiintenance Section.
• Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
• Refer to PREPARING THE ENGINE for correct engine storage instructions.
• Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance that
operates with a flame or pilot light, such as a furnace, water heater, or
clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor, or
where power tools are operated.
• If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that
promotes rust and corrosion.
Removing From Storage
• Check engine oil before starting engine. See the Operation section of this
manual.
• If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh
gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, make certain
it contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time,
causing hard starting.
• If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine
will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
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