Poulan HD14542B User Manual - Page 23

STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the sason or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. jah CAUTION: 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. • Clean entire tractor (See "CLEANING" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual). • Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt replacement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). • Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual. • Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary. • 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 leakage during long periods of storage, battery cables should be disconnected and battery cleaned thoroughly (see "TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in the Customer Responsibilities 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 FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT 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. • Drain the fuel tank. • Start the engine and let 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 alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual). CYLINDER(S) • Remove spark plug(s). • Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into cylinder(s). • Turn ignition key to "START" position fora few seconds to distribute oil. • Replace with new spark plug(s). OTHER • Do not store gasoline from one season to another. • Replace your gasoline can it your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems. • If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover it to 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. SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-in or camber, contact your nearest authorized service center/department. TRANSAXLE SHIFTER LINKAGE AND ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 23A and 23B) The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in the neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: • Make sure transaxle is in neutral (N). • Loosen two locknuts on tie rod. • Turn center rod until gearshift lever falls into neutral lock gate on fender console. • Tighten locknuts securely. TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS (See Fig. 24) • Block up axle securely. • Remove axlecover,retainingring andwashers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. • On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. • Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. • Replace axle cover. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. WASHERS RETAINING RING GEARSHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL LOCK GATE AXLE COVER SQUARE KEY (REAR WHEEL ONLY) FIG. 24 FIG. 23A LOCKNUTS CENTER ROD TIE ROD 0 0 • 0 ffo TRANSAXLE 0 0 0 0 FIG. 23B