46
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 Servicing the Brake, page 34.
4. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner, page 27.
5. Grease the machine; refer to Greasing and Lubrication,
page 30.
6. Change the crankcase oil; refer to Servicing the Engine
Oil, page 28.
7. Check the tire pressure; refer to Tire Pressure, page 32.
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 Draining the Fuel Tank, page 33, 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 Servicing the Spark Plug Service, page 29. 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
f il
k
i
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.
8.
Shift lever plate out of
adjustment.
7.
Contact Authorized Service
Dealer.
8.
Adjust shift lever plate to
match shift lever neutral
position.