Storage
Store the mower in a cool, clean, dry place.
Preparing the Mower for
Storage
Gasoline vapors can explode.
• Do not store gasoline more than 30 days.
• Do not store the mower in an enclosure near
an open flame.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing it.
1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer
to the fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.
2. Dispose of any unused fuel properly. Recycle it
according to local codes, or use it in your automobile.
Note: Old fuel in the fuel tank is the leading cause
of hard starting. Do not store fuel without stabilizer
more than 30 days, and do not store stabilized fuel
more than 90 days.
3. Run the mower until the engine stops from running
out of fuel.
4. Start the engine again.
5. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you can
no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
6. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
7. Remove the spark plug, add 1 oz. (30 ml) of oil
through the spark plug hole, and pull the starter rope
slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the
cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the
off-season.
8. Loosely install the spark plug.
9. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
Folding the Handle
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
damage the cables, causing an unsafe operating
condition.
• Do not damage the cables when folding or
unfolding the handle.
• If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized
Service Dealer.
1. Remove the ignition key (electric-start models only).
2. Loosen the handle knobs until you can move the
upper handle freely.
3. Fold the upper handle forward as shown in Figure 33.
Important: Route the cables to the outside of
the handle knobs as you fold the handle.
4. To unfold the handle, reverse the steps above.
Removing the Mower from
Storage
1. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine rapidly
by pulling the recoil start handle to blow the excess
oil from the cylinder.
2. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque
wrench to 15 ft-lb (20 N-m).
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
17
Figure 33