Storage
To prepare the lawn mower for off-season
storage, perform the recommended maintenance
procedures. Refer to Maintenance.
Store the lawn mower in a cool, clean, dry place.
Cover the lawn mower to keep it clean and
protected.
Preparing the Fuel System
Gasoline can vaporize if you store it over
long periods of time and explode if it comes
into contact with an open flame.
•
Do not store gasoline over long periods
of time.
•
Do not store the lawn mower with
gasoline in the fuel tank or the carburetor
in an enclosure with an open flame. (For
example, a furnace or a water heater pilot
light.)
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing
it in any enclosure.
Empty the fuel tank when mowing the last time
before storing the lawn mower.
1. Run the lawn mower until the engine stops
from running out of fuel.
2. Prime the engine and start it again.
3. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When
you can no longer start the engine, it is
sufficiently dry.
Preparing the Engine
1. While the engine is still warm, change the oil
from the crankcase. Refer to Changing the
Engine Oil.
2. Remove the spark plug (Figure 14).
3. Using an oil can, add about one tablespoon
of oil to the crankcase through the spark plug
hole.
4. Slowly rotate the engine several times, using
the starter rope, to distribute the oil.
5. Install the spark plug but do not connect the
wire to the spark plug.
General Information
1. Clean the lawn mower housing. Refer to Clean
under the Lawn Mower Housing.
2. Clean any dirt and chaff from the cylinder,
cylinder head fins, and blower housing.
3. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from
the external parts of the engine, the shrouding,
and the top of the lawn mower housing.
4. Check the condition of the blade. Refer to
Maintaining the Cutting Blade.
5. Clean the blade brake clutch shield; refer to
Cleaning the Blade Brake Clutch Shield.
6. Service the air filter; refer to Servicing the Air
Filter.
7. Lubricate the pivot arms; refer to Lubricating
the Pivot Arms.
8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
9. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces
with paint available from an Authorized
Service Dealer.
Removing the Lawn Mower
from Storage
1. Check and tighten all fasteners.
2. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine
rapidly using the starter to blow excess oil from
the cylinder.
3. Clean the spark plug or replace it if it is
cracked, broken, or if the electrodes are worn.
4. Install the spark plug and torque it to 17 ft-lb
(23 N
⋅
m).
5. Perform any needed maintenance procedures;
refer to Maintenance.
6. Fill the fuel in the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
7. Check the engine oil level.
8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
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