Storage; Fuel System; Cylinders; Terminals - Craftsman 917.259566 Owner's Manual

STORAGE
ENGINE
Immediately prepare your tractorfor storageat the end of
the season or if the tractorwill not be used for 30 days or
more.
CAUTION: Never store the tractor with
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
TRACTOR
Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When
mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thor-
oughly, remove an dirt, grease, leaves, etc, Store in a
clean, dry area.
,.. CleanenUretractor(See=CLEANING"intheCustomer
Responsibilities sectionof this manual).
• Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re-
placement instructionsin the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities
sectionof this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely
fastened. Inspectmoving partsfor damage, breakage
and wear. Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand
lightlybefore painting.
BA'n'ERY
Fully charge the battery for storage.
After a pedod of time in storage, battery may require
recharging.
To help prevent corrosion and power leakage dudng
long periods of storage, battery cables should be
disconnected and batterycleaned thoroughly (see"TO
CLEAN BATI'ERY AND TERMINALS" in the Cus-
tomer Responsibilities section of this manual). "
After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come in contactwith battery
terminals.
• Be sure battery drain tube is securely attached.
• If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directlyon concrete or damp surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM
DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL
SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER,
FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO,
EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED
FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR 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.
• Drain the fuel tank.
• Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetorcleaner products inthe
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizingthe formation of fuel gum depositsduringstor-
age. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage
container. Always follow the mix ratiofound on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizerto aflowthe stabilizerto reachthe carburetor. Do
not drainthe gastank and carburetorifusingfuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace withclean engine
oil. (See =ENGINE" in the Customer Responsibilities
sectionof this manual).
CYLINDERS
• Remove spark plug(s).
Pour one ounce of oilthrough spark plug hole(s) into
cylinder(s).
• Turn ignitionkeyto"START" position fora few seconds
to distdbuteoIL
• Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
• Do not store gasolinefrom one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust.
Rust and/or dirt in your gasolinewill cause problems.
• If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover it to
give protectionfrom dust and dirt.
Cover yourtractorwitha suitableprotectivecoverthat
does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic
cannotbreathewhichallowscondensationtoform and
will cause your tractorto rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE
AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
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