Storing Machine - 57
STORING MACHINE
Storing Machine
Storing Safely
Preparing Machine for Storage
1. Repair any worn or damaged parts. Replace parts if
necessary. Tighten loose hardware.
2. Clean under the deck.
3. Paint scratched or chipped metal surfaces to prevent
rust.
4. Wash the machine and apply wax to metal and plastic
surfaces. (See SERVICE-MISCELLANEOUS section for
care of plastic and metal surfaces.)
5. Run machine for five minutes to dry belts and pulleys.
6. Apply light coat of engine oil to pivot and wear points to
prevent rust.
7. Lubricate grease points.
8. Make sure tires are properly inflated.
Preparing Engine For Storage
NOTE: Properly preparing your tractor engine for
storage will make it easier to start the following
season. Engine storage procedure should be used if
vehicle is not used for longer than 60 days.
There are two satisfactory methods of preparing the engine
for storage: running the engine completely dry of fuel, or
filling the fuel tank with a mixture of fresh fuel and fuel
stabilizer.
Running engine dry of fuel:
NOTE: Try to anticipate the last time the tractor will be
used for the season so very little fuel is left in the fuel
tank.
1. Park tractor in a well-ventilated area.
2. Engage park brake and disengage PTO.
3. Turn on engine and allow to run until it runs out of fuel.
4. Turn key to OFF position.
5. Continue with Preparing Engine.
Add fuel and stabilizer mixture to tank:
1. Park tractor in a well-ventilated area.
2. Mix fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer in separate container.
Follow stabilizer instructions for mixing.
NOTE: Filling the fuel tank reduces the amount of air in
the fuel tank and helps reduce deterioration of fuel.
3. Fill fuel tank with stabilized fuel.
4. Run engine for a few minutes to allow fuel mixture to
circulate through carburetor.
5. Continue with Preparing Engine.
Preparing Engine
1. Change engine oil and filter while engine is warm.
2. Service air filter if necessary.
3. Clean debris from engine air intake screen.
4. Remove spark plugs. Put 30 mL (1 oz.) of clean engine
oil in cylinders.
5. Install spark plugs, but DO NOT connect spark plug
wires.
6. Crank the engine for approximately five seconds to allow
oil to be distributed.
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CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes
can cause sickness or death.
- If it is necessary to run an engine in an
enclosed area, use an exhaust pipe extension
to remove the fumes.
- Always try to work in a well ventilated area.
- DO NOT store vehicle with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark.
- Allow engine to cool before storing in an
enclosure.
- Remove the battery and store it in a cool dry
place where it will not freeze, and where
children cannot reach it.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Be sure fuel is fresh
when adding fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers are
ineffective when added to fuels that are more than
30 days old.