Storage (Over 30 Days) - Craftsman 536.270211 Owner's Manual

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
STORAGE (over 30 days)
At the end of each year, prepare the unit for storage as follows
GENERALINSPECTION
1. 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.
2 Make sure all nuts, bolts and screws are tight, inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear Replace if necessary.
MOWER HOUSING
1. Clean the mower housing See "How To Clean The Mower
Housing".
LUBRICATE THE UNIT
See the =Where To Lubricate" instructions in the Customer
Responsibilities section.
THE ENGINE
1. Clean 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 Check the spark plug. See the instructions, "How To Check The
Spark Plug".
prevent engine problems with the fuel system, empty the fuel
system before storage of 30 days or longer.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (like STA-BtL) is an acceptable
alternative in reducing the formaUon of fuel gum in the fuel tank
and the gasoline storage container. Always follow the mix ratio
located on the container of stabilizer. Ru n 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:
1. Startthe engine.
2. Run the engine until the fuel tank and the carburetor are out of
fuei and the engine stops.
3 Do not leave fueiin the fueltankor the carburetor The fueican
damage the function of the fuel system. Some models have a
fuel drain (Figure 41) Hold a ctoth under the fuel drain Push
the fuel drain until the carburetor is empty.
4. After storage, make sure you use fresh fuel.
/
Fuel Drain
Figure 41
THE FUELSYSTEM
,_ 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 gasohol 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
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 cool, dry place
NOTE: After a tong time in storage, charge the battery.
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