18
WWW.BBTA.COM.AU
BBT-JD420
Storing Your Engine
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engines trouble free and looking good. The following
steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your engine’s function and appearance, and will make
the engine easier to start after storage.
Cleaning
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Clean all exterior
surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
• Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening.
Water in the air cleaner will soak the air filter, and water that passes through the air filter or muffler can
enter the cylinder, causing damage.
• Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least
half an hour before washing.
Petrol will oxidise and deteriorate in storage. Old petrol will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that
clog the fuel system. If the fuel in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburettor
and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that petrol can be left in your fuel tank and carburettor without causing functional problems
will vary with such factors as fuel blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially
or completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage/
temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration problems may occur within a few months, or even
less if the petrol was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
The Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a fuel stabilizer that is formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid
fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and carburettor.
Adding A Fuel Stabilizer To Extend Fuel Storage Life
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh petrol. If only
partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during
storage. If you keep a container of petrol for refuelling, be sure that it
contains only fresh petrol.
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes
to be sure that treated petrol has replaced the untreated petrol in the
carburettor.
3. Stop the engine, and move the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.
Draining The Fuel Tank And Carburettor
1. Place an approved fuel container below the carburettor, and use a
funnel to avoid spilling fuel.
2. Remove the carburettor drain bolt and sediment cup, then move the fuel valve lever to the ON position.
3. After all the fuel has drained into the container, reinstall the drain bolt and sediment cup. Tighten them
securely.
STORAGE
Fuel Valve Lever
Sediment
Cup
Drain
Bolt
Petrol is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel.
• Keep heat, sparks and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
