Craftsman 944.361390 Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 16 / 16

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 minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. 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 engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in
the Maintenance section of this manual).

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 Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

3. Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and

pins are securely 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

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 handle will
automatically lock into the mowing
position.

Lower handle

Handle

bracket

Hairpin cotter

Squeeze to fold

Mounting pin

Mowing
position

Fold

backward

Operator presence
control bar

Fold
forward
for
storage

Upper handle

Lower
handle

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 protec-

tive 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
building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.

Does not start

1. Dirty air filter.

1. Clean/replace air filter.

2. Out of fuel.

2. Fill fuel tank.

3. Stale fuel.

3. Drain tank and refill with

fresh, clean fuel.

4. Water in fuel.

4. Drain fuel tank and

carburetor and refill tank
with fresh gasoline.

5. Spark plug wire is