Storage & Transporting - MTD SX800 Owner's Manual

STORAGE & TRANSPORTING
7. STORAGE & TRANSPORTING
7.1 STORING YOUR ENGINE
7.1.1 Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine trouble free and looking good.
The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your engine's function and
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start after storage.
7.1.2 Cleaning
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Clean all
exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light
film of oil.
CAUTION:
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water into
the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the air filter, and water that
passes through the air filter or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool
for at least half an hour before washing.
7.1.3 Fuel
Fuel will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old fuel will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum
deposits that clog the fuel system. If the fuel in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may
need to have the carburettor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that fuel can be left in your fuel tank and carburettor without causing functional
problems will vary with such factors as fuel blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the
fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel
deterioration. Very warm storage/temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration
problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the fuel was not fresh when you filled
the fuel tank.
The Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a fuel stabiliser that is formulated for that purpose, or
you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and carburettor.
Adding a Fuel Stabiliser to Extended Fuel Storage Life
When adding a fuel stabiliser, fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. If only partially filled, air in the tank
will promote fuel deterioration during storage. If you keep a container of fuel for refuelling, be
sure that it contains only fresh fuel.
1. Add fuel stabiliser following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabiliser, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure that treated
fuel has replaced the untreated fuel in the carburettor.
3. Stop the engine.
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