Craftsman 247.885500 - Manual (Page 18)

OFF-SEASON STORAGE
If your snow thrower is left unused for 30 days or
longer, It needs to be prepared for storage. Also, at
the end of the snow season, you should follow the
same set of instructions and store the snow thrower
properly for the off-season. Proper storage ensures
longer life of the snow thrower.
Preparing Engine
A
WARNING; Never store snow thrower with
fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated
areas, where fuel fumes may reach an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace,
water heater, clothes dryer or gas
appliance.
It is important to prevent gum deposits from
forming in essential fuel system parts of the
engine such as the carburetor, fuel filter,
fuel hose or tank during storage.
Also experience 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.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be
empf/edbefore storage for 30 days or longer. Follow
these instructions to prepare your snow thrower for
storage:
•
Remove all gasoline from the carburetor and the
fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming
on these parts and causing possible malfunction
of the engine.
A
WARNING: Drain fuel into approved
container outdoors, away from any open
flame. Be certain engine is cool. Do not
smoke.
Fuel left in engine during warm weather
deteriorates and will cause serious starting
problems.
Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it
stops due to lack of fuel.
Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl
drain, located below the carburetor cover. See
Figure 29.
A WARNING: Do not drain carburetor if using
fuel stabilizer. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaning products in the fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) is an
acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabiiizer to
gasoiine in fuel tank or storage container. Always
follow mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run
engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to
allow it to reach the carburetor. Do not drain
carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
•
Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce
of engine oil through the spark plug hole into the
cylinder. Crank the engine several times to
distribute the oil. Replace spark plug.
Preparing Snow Thrower
• When storing the snow thrower in an
unventilated or metal storage shed, care should
be taken to rustproof the equipment. Using a
light oil or silicone, coat the equipment,
especially any chains, springs, bearings and
cables.
• Remove all dirt from exterior of engine and
equipment.
• Follow lubrication recommendations on
page 17.
• Store in a clean, dry area.
Figure 29
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