Troy-Bilt 208cc FLEX Operator's Manual page 25

Off-Season Storage
CAUTION:
Failure to use a fuel stabilizing additive
or completely run the engine until it's out of fuel
before off-season storage may result in damage to
your engine's carburetor. Subsequent damage will
not be covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to
be treated with a gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90
days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum
from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If
the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may
need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components,
serviced or replaced.
1. Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops
from lack of fuel.
WARNING!
Never leave engine unattended while
it is running.
2. Change the oil. See Changing the Oil earlier in this section.
3. Remove the spark plug and pour approximately a 1⁄2-ounce
of engine oil into the cylinder. Replace spark plug and
crank it slowly to distribute oil.
4. Clean debris from around the engine and the muffler.
Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that
may rust with a light film of oil.
5. Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such
as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any
area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power
tools are operated.
6. If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity.
High humidity promotes rust and corrosion.
7. Keep the engine level when stored. Tilting can cause fuel or
oil leakage.
Storing the FLEX™ Power Base and/or Attachment
WARNING!
Storing or loading this machine onto
the separately available storage rack requires a
second person to help lift the machine. The FLEX™
Power Base is a "Team Lift" item, and requires
assistance lifting and loading.
Note: During storage it may be convenient to place the
handle into the 'stowed' position. Refer to the Set-Up &
Assembly section for instructions on Placing the Handle in
the Stowed Position.
Prepare the separately available FLEX™ Storage Rack, or location
where the FLEX™ Power Base will be stored.
• Although the FLEX™ Power Base is compact, the machine
in itself is heavy. To reduce the risk of injury, please have
competent help available whenever you have to lift this unit.
• To reduce the risk of back injury, hold the machine close to
your body when lifting. Bend your knees so that you can lift
with your legs, and not your back. Lift by using the several
convenient areas of the external frame.
Transporting the FLEX™ Power Base
WARNING!
Loading this unit into a vehicle for
transporting requires a second person to help lift
the machine.
WARNING!
The FLEX™ Power Base should be
disconnected from any FLEX™ attachment prior to
attempting to lift, or load any of these components.
Failure to do so could cause injury or damage to
your equipment.
WARNING!
NEVER transport this engine inside of
another vehicle or in any enclosed space if there is
any gasoline in the tank. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel
may ignite.
WARNING
! If there is fuel in the fuel tank,
transport the engine upright in an open vehicle,
such as an open trailer or open bed of a pickup
truck.
If you DO NOT have an open vehicle and have to transport
the engine upright in a closed vehicle, follow these steps for
emptying the fuel tank before transporting:
1. Empty fuel tank by using a commercially available suction
device designed for use with gasoline.
WARNING!
DO NOT pour fuel from the engine or
siphon fuel by mouth.
2. Drain fuel into an approved red gasoline container, being
careful to avoid spilling.
3. Run the engine until remaining fuel is consumed.
WARNING!
NEVER leave the engine unattended
when it is running and NEVER run the engine in an
enclosed area.
Note: During transporting of the FLEX™ Power Base it may
be convenient and/or necessary to place the handle into the
'stowed' position. Refer to the Set-Up & Assembly section for
instructions on Placing the Handle in the Stowed Position.
• Prepare the location in the vehicle where the FLEX™ Power
Base will be loaded into.
• Although the FLEX™ Base is compact, the unit in itself is
heavy. To reduce the risk of injury, please have capable
help available whenever you have to lift this unit. The
FLEX™ Power Base is a "Team Lift" item, and requires
assistance lifting and loading.
• To reduce the risk of back injury, hold the power base close
to your body when lifting. Bend your knees so that you can
lift with your legs, and not your back. Lift by using any of
the acceptable areas of the external frame.
• Lift the power base into the vehicle and secure it in a
level position with ropes, tie down straps, etc. so that the
equipment cannot move during transportation.
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