Cleaning; Storage; Terminals - Craftsman 917.252711 Owner's Manual

Immediately prepare yourtractor f orstorage attheendof
'heseason or ifthetractorWillnotbeusedfor30daysor
more.
CAUTION: N ever e torethe traetorwith
gasoline in the tank insidea building
wherefumesmayreachanopenflame
or spark° A_lowthe engineto coo_
beforestoring in arryenclosureo
TRACTOR
Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When
mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thor-.
ougNy, remove all di_, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry area.
Clean entire tractor (See "CLEANING" in the Customer
Responsibilities section of this manuai)°
Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re_
placement instructions in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
o Lubricale as shown in the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual.
Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely
fastened. Inspect moving parts fordamage, breakage
and wear. Replace if necessary..
o Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand
lightty before painting.
BATTERY
o Fully charge the battery for storage.
o After a period of time in storage, batten/may require
recharging.
• To help prevent corrosion and power leakage during
long periods of storage, battery cables should be
disconnected and battery" cleaned thoroughly (see "TO
CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in the Cus-
tomer Responsibilities section of this manual).
o After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come in contact with batlery
terrnina]s.
o Be sure battery drain tube is securely atI:ached.
If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
E
ENGMNE
FUEL SYSTEM
_aPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM
DEPOSITS FROM FORMING tN ESSENTIAL FUEL
SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL. FILTER
FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO,
EXPERW!NCE 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 fuef lines and
carburetor are empty.
o, Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the
fuel tank or permanent damage rnay occur.
Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formation of fuet gum deposits during stor*
age. Add stabilizer to gasoline in _uel tank or storage
container. Always fotiow 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 carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGmNE OML
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine
eii. (See "ENGINE" in the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual).
CYLINDERS
Remove spark plug(s).
Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into
cylinder(s).
Turn ignition key to "START" position for a few seconds
to distribute oil.
Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
o Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
o Replace your gasoline can if your can starts 1o rust
Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems
o Jf 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 condensalion to form and
will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TRACTORWHiLEENGINE
AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.