Storage; Starting After Long Term Storage - Snapper 500Z Series Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

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Storage
TemporaryStorage (38 DaysOr Less)
Remember,the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so
never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel
vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also
toxic if inhaled, so neverstore the unit in any structure used
for human or animal habitation.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit
temporarily or in between uses:
,, Keepthe unit in an area away from where children may
come into contact with it. If there's any chance of
unauthorized use, remove the spark plug (s) and put in a
safe place. Be sure the spark plug opening is protected
from foreign objects with a suitable cover.
,, If the unit can't be stored on a reasonable level surface.
chockthe wheels.
,, Cleanall grass and dirt from the mower.
Long Term Storage (Longer Than 30 Days)
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules
section, then perform the following steps:
1. Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with a
grade of oil that will be required when unit is used again.
2. Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows:
a. Removemower deck from the unit.
b. Cleanundersideof mower deck.
c. Coatall bare metal surfaceswith paint or light coat of
oil to prevent rusting.
3. Cleanexternal surfaces and engine.
4. Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner's
manual.
5. Cleanany dirt or grass from cylinder head cooling fins.
engine housing and air cleaner element.
6. Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with plastic
or other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt
and insects.
7. Completely grease and oil unit as outlined in the Normal
Caresection.
8. Cleanup unit and apply paint or rust preventative to any
areas where paint is chipped or damaged.
9. Be sure the battery is filled to the proper level with water
and is fully charged. Battery life will be increased if it is
removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully charged
about once a month. If battery is left in unit, disconnect
the negative cable.
AWARNING
Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or fuel
tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly
ventilated enclosures. Gasolinefumes may reach an
open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace,
water heater, clothesdryer, etc.) and causean
explosion.
Handle gasoline carefully. D is highly flammable and
carelessuse could result in seriousfire damage to
your person or property.
Drain fuel into an approved containeroutdoorsaway
fram open flame or sparks.
10. Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabilizer
to the fuel system. If you havechosen to use a fuel
stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow all
safety instructions and storage precautions in this
manual to prevent the possibility of fire from the ignition
of gasoline fumes. Remember,gasoline fumes can travel
to distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of
explosion and fire.
NOTE.Gasoline, if permitted to stand unused for extended
periods (30 days or more), may developgummy deposits
which can adversely affect the engine carburetor and cause
engine malfunction. Toavoid this condition, add a gasoline
stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the engine a few minutes,
or drain all fuel from the unit before placing it in storage.
Starting After Long Term Storage
Beforestartingthe unit afterit hasbeenstoredfor a long
periodof time, performthe followingsteps.
1. Removeany blocks from under the unit.
2. Install the battery if it was removed.
3. Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.
4. Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine
manual for recommendations.
5. See engine owner's manual and follow all instructions
for preparing engine after storage.
6. Checkcrankcase oil level and add proper oil if
necessary.If any condensation has developedduring
storage, drain crankcase oil and refill.
7. Inflate tires to proper pressure. Checkfluid levels.
8. Start the engine and let it run slowly. DO NOT run at
high speed immediately after starting. Be sure to run
engine only outdoors or in well ventilated area.
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