Use and Care Guide

16
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Off-Season Storage
Preparing the engine
Engines stored over 30 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and
gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline
in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor,
and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
1. Remove all fuel from the tank by running the engine until it stops.
2. Change the engine oil.
3. Remove the spark plug and pour approximately 1 oz. (30 ml) of clean engine
oil into the cylinder. Pull the recoil starter several times to distribute the oil,
and reinstall the spark plug.
4. Clean the exterior of the engine by discarding dirt and debris from the
following areas:
CAUTION
Do not spray the engine with water to clean it because the water could
contaminate the fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment
can also force water into the muffler opening. Water that passes through
the muffler can enter the cylinder and cause damage.
Cooling Fins
Air Intake Screen or Recoil Starter/Flywheel Guard Areas
Spark Plug Connection
Levers
Linkage Area
Guards
Carburetor
Engine Head
5. Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance
that operates with a flame or pilot light, such as a furnace, water heater or
clothes dryer. Avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor, or where
power tools are operated.
WARNING
Never store snow blower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated
areas, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on
a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer or gas appliance.
6. If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity.
7. Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting the engine can cause fuel or oil
leakage.
Preparing Snow Blower
If the snow blower will not be used for 30 days or longer, follow the instructions
below.
1. Store the equipment in a clean, dry area.
2. Wipe down the snow blower with a rag and remove any dirt or debris.
3. If storing the snow blower in an unventilated area, rustproof the metal parts
of the machine with a light oil or silicone coating.