MTD L-Style Snow Blower User Manual


 
18
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.
WARNING
Drain fuel into an
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.
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.
Preparing Engine
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.
NOTE: It is important to prevent gum deposits from form-
ing in essential fuel system parts of the engine such as
the carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose or tank during storage.
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.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage for 30 days or longer. Follow
these instructions to prepare your snow thrower for
storage:
WARNING: Drain fuel into an ap-
proved 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.
Do not drain
carburetor if
using fuel stabilizer.
Never use engine or
carburetor cleaning
products in the fuel
tank or permanent
damage may occur.
1. Remove all gasoline from the carburetor and the fuel
tank to prevent gum deposits from forming on these
parts and harming the engine.
2. Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it stops
due to lack of fuel.
3. Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl drain,
located below the carburetor cover (refer to the
Tecumseh engine manual for more detailed instruc-
tion).
WARNING: Do not drain carbure-
tor 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 accept-
able 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. Do not
drain carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
4. 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.
NOTE: Refer to the Tecumseh engine manual for more
information on preparing the snow thrower engine for
storage.
Preparing Snow Thrower
1. 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.
2. Remove all dirt from exterior of engine and equipment.
3. Follow lubrication recommendations on page 12.
4. Store equipment in a clean, dry area.