Craftsman 917.20402 Operator's Manual

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Immediately prepareyour tractorfor storageat the end of the season or if the tractor willnot be used for 30 days or more.,_WARNING: Never store the tractorwithgasoline in the tank inside a building wherefumes may reach an open flame or spark.Allow the engine to cool before storing inany enclosure.TRACTORRemove mower from tractor for winterstor-age. When mower isto bestored foraperiodof time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt,grease, leaves, etc. Store inaclean, dryarea,1, Clean entiretractor (See"CLEANING" inthe Maintenance section of this manual).2. Inspect and replace belts, if necessary(See belt replacement instructions in theService and Adjustments section of thismanual).3. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenancesection of this manual.4. Ensure that all nuts, bolts and screwsare securely fastened, inspect movingparts for damage, breakage and wear.Replace if necessary.5. Touch up all rusted or chipped paintsurfaces; sand lightly before painting.BATTERY• Fully charge the battery for storage.• After a period of time in storage, batterymay require recharging.• To help prevent corrosion and powerleakage during long periods of storage,battery cables should be disconnectedand battery cleaned thoroughly (see "TOCLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" inthe Maintenance section of this manual),- After cleaning, leave cablesdisconnectedand place cables where they cannot comein contact with battery terminals.• If battery is removed from tractor forstorage, do not store battery directlyonconcrete or damp surfaces.• If unit is equipped with battery indicator/charging plug, an optional charging unitmay be purchased and connected to theunit to charge the battery duringlong termstorage. Inspect and clean the batteryterminals as needed prior to long termstorage with charger connected.ENGINEFUEL SYSTEMIMPORTANT: It is important to preventgum deposits from forming in essential fuelsystem parts such as carburetor, fuel hose,or tankduring storage. Also, alcohol blendedfuels (called gasohol or using ethanol ormethanol) can attract moisture which leadsto separation and formation of acids duringstorage. Acidic gas can damage the fuelsystem of an engine while in storage.• Empty the fuel tank by Starting the engineand letting it run until the fuel lines andcarburetor are empty.• Never use engine or carburetor cleanerproducts in the fuel tank or permanentdamage may occur.Use fresh fuel next season,NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al-ternative in minimizing the formation of fuelgum deposits during storage. Add stabilizerto gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.Always foUowthe mix ratio found on stabilizercontainer. Run engine at least 10 minutesafteradding stabilizer to aUowthestabilizer toreach the carburetor. Do not empty the gastank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer,ENGINE OILDrain oil (with engine warm) and replacewith clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in theMaintenance section of this manual).CYLINDER(S)1. Remove spark plug(s).2. Pour one ounce (29.5 mL) of oil throughspark plug hole(s) into cylinder(s).3. Distribute oil by setting parking brake,disengaging attachmentclutch and usingthe SmartSwitch Ignition (SSI)to attempta start, The oil will be distributed duringthe approximate 5 second start*up at-tempt.4. Replace with new spark plug(s).OTHER- Do not store gasoline from one season toanother.• Replaceyour gasoline can ifyour can startsto rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasolinewill cause problems.• If possible, store your tractor indoors andcoveritto give protection from dust and dirt.- Cover your tractor with a suitable protec*rive cover that does not retain moisture.Do notuse plastic. Plastic cannot breathewhich allows condensation toform andwillcause your tractor to rust.IMPORTANT: Never cover tractor whileengine and exhaust areas are still warm,33