Craftsman 28924 Operation Manual - Page 27

Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. _WARNING: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1. Clean entire tractor in the Maintenance (See "CLEANING" section of this manual). 2. Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt replacement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). 3. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual. 4. Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary. 5. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting. BATTERY • Fully charge the battery for storage. • After a period of time in storage, battery may require recharging. • To help prevent corrosion and power leak- age during long periods of storage, battery cables should be disconnected and bat- tery cleaned thoroughly (see "TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in the Maintenance section of this manual). • After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place cables where they cannot come in contact with battery terminals. • If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, ortank during storage. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. • Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. • Use fresh fuel next season. NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable a!ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always followthe mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allowthe stabilizer to reach the carburetor. tank and carburetor ENGINE OIL Do not empty the gas if using fuel stabilizer. Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual). CYLINDER(S) 1, Remove spark plug(s). 2. Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into cylinder(s). 3. Turn ignition key to "START" position for a few seconds to distribute oil, 4. Replace with new spark plug(s). OTHER • Do not store gasoline from one season to another. • Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems. • If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover itto give protection from dust and dirt. • Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your tractor to rust. IMPORTANT: Never cover tractor while engine and exhaust areas are still warm. 27