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Precautionary measures against moist
1. Change the engine oil.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
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 plugs.
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 location, away from any ap-
pliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid
any location with a spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because humidity increases rust and
corrosion.
Ensure that all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank, in order to minimize the possibility
of fuel leakage.
Position the equipment so the engine is level. Tilting the machine can cause fuel or oil
leakage.
Cover the engine and exhaust system to prevent from dust. Notice that 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.
Preparing the machine after a long term storage
Check your engine as described in the maintenance chapter. If the fuel was drained during stor-
age 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.
Period of storage compared to last usage.
Less than 1-month
No special preparation is required.
1 to 2 months
Fill with fresh gasoline and add a gasoline conditioner.
2 months to 1 year
Fill with fresh gasoline and add a gasoline conditioner.
Drain fuel from carburetor.
Clean fuel sediment cup.
1 year or more
Drain fuel tank.
Drain fuel from the carburetor.
Clean fuel sediment cup.
Remove spark plug.
Put a tablespoon of engine oil into the spark plug cylinder. Turn the engine slowly with the
pull rope to distribute the oil.
Reinstall spark plug and change engine oil.
