Storage - Craftsman 917.377541 Owner's Manual

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for
storage at the end of the season or if the unit
will not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a period
of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt,
grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
o Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING"
in the Maintenance section of this manual).
o Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
o Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins
are securely fastened. Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear.
Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting,
HANDLE
You can fold your lawn mower handle for
storage.
• Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
handle toward each other until the lower
handle clears the handle bracket, then
move handle forward.
° Loosen upper handle mounting bolts
enough to allow upper handle to be folded
back.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for
storage or transportation, be sure to fold the
handle as shown or you any damage the
control cables.
• When setting up your handle from the
storage position, the lower handle will
automatically lock into the mowing position.
Lower
handle
Squeeze to fold
Handle
bracket
Hairpin
cotter
Operator presence control bar
\
,F°ridstfo°raWga:d /_
Lower _
handle
Upper
7 handle
Fold
backward
_ Mowing
position
ENGINE
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.
o Drain the fuel tank.
o Start the engine and let it run until the fuet
lines and carburetor are empty.
o Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
° Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an accept-
able alternative in minimizing the
formation of fuel gum deposits during
storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in
fuel tank or storage container. Always
follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10
minutes after adding stabilizer to allow
the stabilizer to reach the carburetor.
Do not drain the gas tank and carbure-
tor if using fuel stabilizer.
15