Storage Precautions
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.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank, leave the fuel valve in
the CLOSED or OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
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 a plastic sheet as a dust cover.
A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the engine, promoting rust
and corrosion.
Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. 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 BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS
section of this manual (see page 4).
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 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. If the fuel tank is equipped with a fuel valve, move the fuel valve
lever to the CLOSED or OFF position.
12
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
ENGINE WILL NOT START
Possible Cause
Battery discharged.
Fuse burnt out.
Fuel valve CLOSED or OFF
(If equipped).
Choke OPEN.
Engine switch OFF.
Out of fuel.
Stale fuel; engine stored without
treating or draining gasoline, or
refueled with stale gasoline.
Spark plugs faulty, fouled, or
improperly gapped.
Spark plugs wet with fuel
(flooded engine).
Fuel filter restricted, carburetor
malfunction, ignition malfunction,
valves stuck, etc.
ENGINE LACKS POWER
Possible Cause
Filter element(s) restricted.
Stale fuel; engine stored without
treating or draining gasoline, or
refueled with stale gasoline.
Fuel filter restricted, carburetor
malfunction, ignition malfunction,
valves stuck, etc.
ENGLISH
Correction
Recharge battery.
Replace fuse.
Move lever to OPEN or ON
position.
Move lever to CLOSED position
unless the engine is warm.
Turn engine switch to ON position.
Refuel (p. 7).
Drain fuel tank and carburetor
(p. 11). Refuel with fresh gasoline
(p. 7).
Gap, or replace spark plugs (p. 10).
Dry and reinstall spark plugs
(p. 10). Start engine with throttle
lever in FAST position (p. 5).
Take engine to your servicing
dealer, or refer to shop manual.
Correction
Clean or replace filter element(s)
(p. 9).
Drain fuel tank and carburetor
(p. 11). Refuel with fresh gasoline
(p. 7).
Take engine to your servicing
dealer, or refer to shop manual.