Storage - Craftsman 944.604212 Owner's Manual

STORAGE
ENGINE
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end
of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days
or more.
A
WARNING: Never store the tractor with
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. AIIowthe enginetocool before
storing in any enclosure.
TRACTOR
Remove mower frem tractor for winter storage. When mower
is to be stored fora period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove
all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
• Clean entire tractor (See "CLEANING" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual).
• Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re-
placement instructions in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, belts and screws 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.
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 pedods of storage, battery cables should be dis-
connected and battery cleaned thoroughly (see "TO
CLEAN BAI-rERY AND TERMINALS" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual).
• After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come in contact with battery
terminals.
• If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANTTO PREVENTGUM 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 A'13-RACTMOISTUREWHICH
LEADSTO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OFAClDS DU RING
STORAGE. ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM
OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE.
• Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run
until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• 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 acceptable altemative in mini-
mizing 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 empty
the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean en-
gine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of
this manual).
CYUNDER(S)
• Remove spark plug(s).
• Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into
cyJinder(s).
• Tum igaifion key to"START" position for a few seconds
to distribute oil.
• Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust.
Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover it to
give protection from dust and dirt.
• Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover that
does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic
cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and
will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVERTRACTORWHILE ENGINE AND
EXHAUST AREASARE STILL WARM.
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