14
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.
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. 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 mini-
mizing 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 carburetor. Do not drain
the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean en-
gine oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of
this manual).
CYLINDER
1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole
into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.
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 unit indoors and cover it to give
protection from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit 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 unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER MOWER WHILE ENGINE AND
EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower
with gasoline in the tank inside a build-
ing where fumes may reach an open
fl ame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
STORAGE
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end
of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean
it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in
a clean, dry area.
1. Clean entire lawn mower (See “CLEANING” in the
Maintenance section of this manual).
2. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
3. Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins are se-
curely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage,
breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.
4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand
lightly before painting.
HANDLE (See Figs. 16 and 17)
You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage.
1. Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower handle toward
each other until the lower handle clears the handle
bracket, then move handle forward.
2. Loosen upper handle mounting bolts enough to allow
upper handle to be folded back.
IMPORTANT: WHEN FOLDING THE HANDLE FOR STORAGE
OR TRANSPORTATION, BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS
SHOWN OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE CONTROL CABLES.
• When setting up your handle from the storage position, the
lower han dle will automatically lock into mow ing position.
FIG. 17
MOWING
POSITION
FOLD
BACKWARD
OPERATOR PRES ENCE
CONTROL BAR
FOLD
FORWARD
FOR
STORAGE
LOWER
HANDLE
UPPER HANDLE
SQUEEZE
TO ADJUST
FIG. 16
LOWER HANDLE