Craftsman 502.251220 Owner's Manual page 32

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
STORAGE (over 30 days)
At the end of each year, prepare the unit for storage as follows,
GENERALINSPECTION
7,.
Inspect the belts., if the belts are damaged or worn, replace with
replacement belts from the factory See the belt replacement
instructions in the Service And Adjustment section
Make sure all nuts, bolts and screws are tighL Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary
prevent engine problems with the fuel system, empty the fuel
system before storage of 30 days or longer:,
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (like STA-BIL) is an acceptable
alternative in reducing the formation of fuel gum in thefuel tan k
and the gasoline storage container° Always follow the mix ratio
located on the container of stabilizer. Run the engine at least 10
minutes after' adding the stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to
reach the carburetor. Do not drain the fuel tank and carburetor
if stabilizer is used,
if you do not use a stabilizer, do the following:
MOWER HOUSING
1 Clean the mower housing See "How To Clean Tile Mower
Housing'L
LUBRICATE THE UNIT
t Start the engine
2. Run the engine until the fuel tank and the carburetor are out of
fuei and the engine stops°
3o Do not leave fuel in the fuel tank or the carburetor. The fuel can
damage the function of the fuet system.. Some models have a
fuet drain (Figure 40). Hold a cloth under the fuel drain. Push
the fuel drain until the carburetor is empty
See the "Where To Lubricate" instructions in the Customer
Responsibilities section
4.. After storage, make sure you use fresh fuel..
THE ENGINE
1.. Ctean the dirt and grass from the engine.
2. Change the oil. See the instructions, "How To Change The Oil"
3 Check the air screen.. See the instructions, "How To Clean The
Cooling System"
4. Checkthesparkpiug Seetheinstructions,"HowToCheckThe
Spark Plug"
THE FUEL SYSTEM
WARNING: Do not drain the gasoline inside a build-
ing or near a fire. Do not smoke because the fumes
from the fuel can cause an explosion.
CAUTION: During storage, it is important to prevent deposits
from occurring in fuel system parts like the carburetor, fuel
filter, fuel line and the fuel tank° Alcohol gasoline mixtures
(called gasohot or using ethanol or methanol) attract moisture
causing acid deposits during storage. While the unit is in
storage, the acids in the fuel can damage the fuel system. To
Fuei Drain
Figure 40
THE BATTERY
1. Remove the battery.
2 Clean the battery terminals of any deposits
3 Charge the battery. See the instructions on "How To Check And
Charge The Battery".,
4. Store the battery in a coo!, dry place
NOTE: After a long time in storage, charge the battery.
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