15
Fuel
NOTICE
Depending on the region where you operate your equipment, fuel
formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration
and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause damage
to the carburetor and/or fuel system. Please check with your servicing
dealer for local storage recommendations.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will
cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel
system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you
may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components,
serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and
carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such
factors as gasoline 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 gasoline
was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
To prevent fuel related problems:
1. Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When adding gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel
deterioration during storage.
2. After adding gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for
10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the fuel system.
3. Stop the engine and
turn the fuel valve to the
OFF position.
4. Start the engine and
continue to run the
engine until it stops from
the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl.
Running time should be
less than 3 minutes.
The
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from neglected storage preparation.
Engine Oil
Change the engine oil (page 12).
Engine Cylinder
1. Remove the spark plug (page 13).
2. Pour 1 - 2 teaspoons (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the
cylinder to keep it from rusting.
3. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the
cylinder.
4. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, then return the
starter grip gently. This will close the valves so moisture cannot
enter the engine cylinder.
Handlebar Folding
Remove the grass bag (HRR) if installed. You can place it on top of
the engine, with the bag opening to the front.
.
1. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs
1
.
2. Press and hold the blade control lever
2
.
3. Swing the handlebar forward
3
.
Prevent the cables from getting pinched or kinked.
When unfolding the handlebar, be sure to tighten the adjust knobs
to secure the handlebar in the mowing position.
PLACING IN STORAGE
Since your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and
carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor
ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater,
or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric
motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that
promotes rust and corrosion.
Make sure the fuel valve is in the OFF position to reduce the
possibility of fuel leakage.
Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface. Tilting can cause
fuel or oil leakage.
The handlebar can be folded for compact storage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the mower to keep
out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some
materials. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A nonporous
cover will trap moisture around the mower, promoting rust and
corrosion.
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
Check your mower as described in
BEFORE OPERATION
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the
engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
FUEL
VALVE
OFF
Summary of Contents for 00X31-VL0-U540
Page 22: ...NOTES...
