Craftsman 944.602951 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
STORAGE
ENGINE
Immediately prepare yourtractorfor storageatthe end ofthe
season or ifthe tractor will notbe used for 30 days or more.
I_11_ AUTION: Neverstorethetreotorwith I
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing inany enclosure.
TRACTOR
Remove mower from tractorforwinterstorage. When mower
is to be stored for a pedod of time, clean it thoroughly,
remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry
area.
Clean entiretractor (See =CLEANING" inthe Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual).
Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re-
placement instructionsinthe 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
lightlybefore painting.
BATTERY
Fully charge the battery for storage.
After a period of time in storage, battery may require
recharging.
To belp preventcorrosionand power leakage dudnglong
periods of storage, battery cables should be diScon-
nected and batterycleaned thoroughly(see TO CLEAN
BATrERY ANDTERMINALS" inthe Customer Respen-
sibilities section of this manual).
After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come in contact with battery
terminals.
If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM
DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUELSYSTEM
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 untilthe fuel lines and
carburetorare empty.
Never useengine or carburetor cleaner products inthe
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
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the sarburetor. Do
notdrain the gas tank and carburetor ifusingfuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil(withenginewarm) and replace withcleanengine oil.
(See "ENGIN E" intheCustomer Responsibilitiessection of
this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
Remove spark plug(s).
Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into
cylinder(s).
Tum ignitionkeyto =STAR'I" positionfora 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 willcause problems.
Ifpossible,store your tractorindoorsandcover ittogive
protection from dust and dirt.
Cover yourtractor with a suitable protectivecover that
does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic
cannot breathe which allows condensationto form and
will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE
AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
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