Sears Craftsman 917.257720 - Manual (Page 26)

STORAGE
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of
the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or
more. ■
A
CAUTION: Never store the tractor with
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
TRACTOR '
Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When
mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thor­
oughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry area.
• Clean entire tractor (See “CLEANING” in the Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual).
• Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re­
placement instructions inthe Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
• Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely
fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage
and wear. Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand
lightly before painting.
BATTERY
• Fully charge the battery for storage.
• After a period of time in storage, battery may require
recharging.
• To help prevent corrosion and power leakage during
long periods of storage, battery cables should be
disconnected and battery cleanedthoroughly (see “TO
CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS” in the Cus­
tomer Responsibilities section of this manual).
• After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come in contact with battery
terminals.
• Be sure battery drain tube is securely attached.
• If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM
DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL
SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS 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.
• Drain the fuel tank.
• Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during stor­
age. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage
container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizerto allow the stabilizerto reach the carburetor. Do
not drain the gas tankand carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine
oil. (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
Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust.
Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.
If 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 condensation to form and
will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE
AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
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