Off-Season Storage - Craftsman C459.62103-2 Operator's Manual

WARNING
Never leave engine unattended while it is running.
PREPARING THE ENGINE
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a
gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90 days need to be drained
of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or
on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in your engine deterio-
rates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other
fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
1. Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from
lack of fuel.
2. Change the oil. See Change Engine Oil in SERVICE AND
MAINTENANCE section.
3. Remove spark plug and pour about a 1⁄2 ounce of engine oil into
the cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank it slowly to distribute
oil.
4. Clean debris from around the engine and the muffler. Touch up
any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light
film of oil.
5. Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any ap-
pliance 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.
6. If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because
that promotes rust and corrosion.
7. Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil
leakage.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

WARNING
Never store tiller 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.
PREPARING THE TILLER
When the tiller won't be used for an extended period, prepare it for
storage as follows:
1. Clean the tiller and engine.
2. Follow the lubrication recommendations and check for loose parts
and hardware.
3. Store the tiller in a clean, dry area.
4. 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.).
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
1. See the Operation section of this manual for instructions on
adding oil and gasoline.
2. 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.
3. If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
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