42
Cleaning and Storage
1. Disengage the power take off (PTO), set the parking
brake, and turn the ignition key to off. Remove the
key.
2. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire machine, especially the
engine. Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the
engine’s cylinder head fins and blower housing.
Important
You can wash the machine with mild
detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine.
Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the shift
lever plate, and engine.
3. Check the brake; refer to Brake Service, page 29.
4. Service the air cleaner; refer to Air Cleaner Service,
page 25.
5. Grease the machine; refer to Greasing and Lubrication,
page 28.
6. Change the crankcase oil; refer to Engine Oil Service,
page 26.
7. Check the tire pressure; refer to Tire Pressure, page 29.
8. For long-term storage (more than 90 days) add
stabilizer/conditioner additive to fuel in the tank.
A. Run engine to distribute conditioned fuel through
the fuel system (5 minutes).
B. Stop engine, allow to cool and drain the fuel tank;
refer to Fuel Tank, page 31, or operate engine until
it stops.
C. Restart engine and run until it stops. Repeat, on
Choke until engine will not restart.
D. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per local
codes.
Note: Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline over 90
days.
9. Remove the spark plug(s) and check its condition;
refer to Spark Plug Service, page 27. With the spark
plug(s) removed from the engine, pour two
tablespoons of engine oil into the spark plug hole.
Now use the starter to crank the engine and distribute
the oil inside the cylinder. Install the spark plug(s). Do
not install the wire on the spark plug(s).
10. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is damaged or defective.
11. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is
available from your Authorized Service Dealer.
12. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage
area. Remove the key from the ignition switch and
keep it in a memorable place. Cover the machine to
protect it and keep it clean.
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine will not start, starts hard, or
1.
Fuel tank is empty.
1.
Fill fuel tank with gasoline.
g
,
,
fails to keep running.
2.
Choke is not ON.
2.
Move throttle lever to choke
position.
3.
Air cleaner is dirty.
3.
Clean or replace air cleaner
element.
4.
Spark plug wire is loose or
disconnected.
4.
Install wire on spark plug.
5.
Spark plug is pitted, fouled, or
gap is incorrect.
5.
Install new, correctly gapped
spark plug.
6.
Dirt in fuel filter.
6.
Replace fuel filter.
7.
Dirt, water, or stale fuel is in
fuel system.
7.
Contact Authorized Service
Dealer.
