Storage; Starting After Long Term Storage - Ferris F800X Series Dealer Service Manual

Storage

Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less)
Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some fuel, 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 never store 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:
• Keep the unit in an area away from where children
may come into contact with it. If there's any chance of
unauthorized use, remove the ignition key.
• If the unit can't be stored on a reasonable level surface,
chock the wheels.
• Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.
• If the temperature is expected to drop below 35° F (2°
C), refer to Long Term Storage.
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. Use an antifreeze tester to check the cooling system's
level of protection. Read the instructions on the
antifreeze container for the appropriate ratio of water to
antifreeze for your geographical area.
3. Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows:
a. Remove mower deck from the unit.
b. Clean underside of mower deck.
c. Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or light coat of
oil to prevent rusting.
4. Clean external surfaces and engine.
5. Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner's manual.
6. Clean any dirt or grass from cylinder head cooling fins,
engine housing and air cleaner element.
7. Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with plastic
or other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt
and insects.
8. Completely grease and oil unit as outlined in the
Lubrication section.
9. Clean up 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.
10. Drain fuel system completely or add a fuel stabilizer
to the fuel system. If you have chosen 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 fuel fumes. Remember, fuel fumes can travel to
distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of
explosion and fire.
Regular Maintenance
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns
or death.
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the engine or fuel tank,
in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
enclosures. Fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark
or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes
dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.
• Handle fuel carefully. It is highly flammable and careless
use could return in serious fire damage to your person
or property.
• Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away
from open flame or sparks.
NOTE: Fuel, if permitted to stand unused for extended
periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits
which can adversely affect the fuel pump and injector tubes
and cause engine malfunction. To avoid this condition, add
a fuel 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

Before starting the unit after it has been stored for a long
period of time, perform the following steps.
1. Remove any 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 fuel. See engine manual for
recommendations.
5. See engine owner's manual and follow all instructions for
preparing engine after storage.
6. Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if necessary.
If any condensation has developed during storage, drain
crankcase oil and refill.
7. Inflate tires to proper pressure. Check fluid 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.
Diesel Fuel Recommendations
Fuel companies provide fuel tailored to meet the existing
weather conditions. These fuels change at the start of the
predominant season according to regional weather trends.
Winter fuels are tailored to give ease of starting for cold
weather. Summer fuel may be somewhat heavier than winter
fuel resulting in slightly better fuel economy and power.
Spring and fall fuel is an average blend between winter and
summer blend.
For these reasons an effort should be made to purchase
fuels in such quantities that they are not carried over into
the next season. Using the wrong blend of fuel can cause
problems with the engine.
Refer to the engine manufacturer's manual for specific fuel
recommendations.
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