Storage
To prepare the mower for off-season storage, perform
the recommended maintenance procedures. Refer to
Maintenance.
Store the mower in a cool, clean, dry place. Cover the
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 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 mower.
1. Run the 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.
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 mower housing. Refer to Cleaning under
the 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 mower housing.
4. Check the condition of the blade. Refer to
Maintaining the Cutting Blade.
5. Service the air filter; refer to Servicing the Air Filter.
6. Lubricate the pivot arms; refer to Lubricating the
Pivot Arms.
7. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
8. 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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