MTD 3AA & 3CA - Manual (Page 14)

14
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.
• Store equipment in a clean, dry area.
Preparing Engine
NOTE: Refer to the engine manual for more detailed
information on preparing the snow thrower engine for
storage.
Short-Term Storage
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 short-term
storage (15-30 days). To prevent this, treat the fuel
system using a fuel stabalizer.
Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL™ or ULTRA-FRESH™)
is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation
of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to
gasoline 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.
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.
CAUTION: 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.
Long-Term Storage
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage for 30 days or longer.
WARNING: Fuel left in engine during warm
weather deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
1. Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it
stops due to lack of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel
from the engine.
WARNING: Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaning products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
2. Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce
of engine oil through the spark plug hole into the
cylinder. Cover spark plug hole with a rag and crank
the engine several times to distribute the oil. Replace
spark plug.
7
Off-Season
Storage
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.
Fuel left in engine during
warm weather deteriorates
and will cause serious
starting problems.
Never use engine or carbu-
retor cleaning products in
the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
WARNING
If the snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or longer, or if it is the end of the snow season when the last pos-
sibility of snow is gone, the equipment needs to be stored properly. Follow storage instructions below to ensure top
performance from the snow thrower for many more years.