
EN - 16
Adding a Fuel Stabilizer to Extend
Fuel Storage Life
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank
with fresh gasoline. If only partially filled, air in
the tank will promote fuel deterioration during
storage. If you keep a container of gasoline
for refueling, be sure that it contains only
fresh gasoline.
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the
manufacturer's instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the
engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be
sure that treated gasoline has replaced
the untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
3. Stop the engine, and move the fuel valve
to the OFF position.
Draining the Fuel Tank and
Carburetor
1. Place an approved gasoline container
below the carburetor, and use a funnel
to avoid spilling fuel.
2. Remove the carburetor drain bolt and
sealing washer, and then move the fuel
valve lever to the ON position.
3. After all the fuel has drain into the
container, reinstall the drain bolt and
sealing washer. Tighten them securely.
Storage Precautions
1. Change the engine oil.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Pour a tablespoon (5 – 10 cc) of clean
engine oil into the cylinder.
4. Pull the starter rope several times to
distribute the oil in the cylinder.
5. Reinstall the spark plug.
6. Pull the starter rope slowly until
resistance is felt. This will close the
valves so moisture cannot enter the
engine cylinder. Return the starter rope
gently.
If your engine will be stored with
gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor,
it is important to reduce the hazard of
gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-
ventilated storage area away from any
appliance that operates with a flame,
such as a furnace, water heater, or
clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a
spark-producing electric motor, or where
power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high
humidity, because that promotes rust
and corrosion.
Unless all fuel has been drained from
the fuel tank, leave the fuel valve lever, if
equipped, in the OFF position to reduce
the possibility of fuel leakage.
Position the equipment so the engine is
level. Tilting can cause fuel or oil
leakage.
7. With the engine and exhaust system
cool, cover the engine to keep out dust.
A hot engine and exhaust system can
ignite or melt some materials. Do not
use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A
nonporous cover will trap moisture
around the engine, promoting rust and
corrosion.
If equipped with a battery for an electric
starter, recharge the battery once a
month while the engine is in storage.
This will help to extend the service life of
the battery.
Removal from Storage
Check your engine as described in the
chapter OPERATION.
If the fuel was drained during storage
preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If
you keep a container of gasoline for refueling,
be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time,
causing hard starting.
If the cylinders were coated with oil during
storage preparation, the engine may smoke
briefly at startup. This is normal.
Transporting
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool
for at least 15 minutes before loading the
engine-powered equipment on the transport
vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system
can burn you and can ignite some materials.
Keep the engine level when transporting to
reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. Move
the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.
Carburetor
Float Bowl
Sealing Washer
Drain Bolt