Weed Eater 96024000100 Owner's Manual

24

Immediately prepare your riding mower for 

storage at the end of the season or if the 

riding mower will not be used for 30 days 

or  more.

WARNING:  Never store the riding mower 

with gasoline in the tank inside a building 

where fumes may reach an open flame or 

spark.  Allow the engine to cool before storing 

in any enclosure.

Remove deck from mower for winter stor-

age.  When mower is to be stored for a 

period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove 

all dirt, grease, leaves, etc.  Store in a clean, 

dry area.

1.  Clean entire riding mower (See “CLEAN-

ING” in the Maintenance section of this 

manual).

2.  Inspect and replace belt, if necessary 

(See belt replacement instructions in the 

Service and Adjustments section of this 

manual).

3.  Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance 

section of this manual.

4.  Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws 

are securely fastened.  Inspect moving 

parts for damage, breakage and wear.  

Replace if necessary.

5. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint 

surfaces; sand lightly before painting.

•  Fully charge the battery for storage.

•  If battery is removed from riding mower

for storage, do not store battery directly 

on concrete or damp surfaces.

FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT:  It is important to prevent 

gum deposits from forming in essential fuel  

system parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, 

or tank during storage. Also,  alcohol blended 

fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or 

methanol) can attract moisture which leads 

to separation and formation of acids during 

storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel 

system of an engine while in storage.

•  Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine

and letting it run until the fuel lines and 

carburetor are empty.

•  Never use engine or carburetor cleaner

products in the fuel tank or permanent 

damage may occur.

•  Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE:  Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al-

ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel 

gum deposits during storage.  Add stabilizer 

to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.  

Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer 

container.  Run engine at least 10 minutes 

after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to 

reach the carburetor.  Do not empty the gas 

tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace 

with clean engine oil. (See “ENGINE” in the

Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER(S)
1.  Remove spark plug(s).

2.  Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug 

hole(s) into cylinder(s).

3.  Turn ignition key to “START” position for

a few seconds to distribute oil.

4.  Replace with new spark plug(s).

•  Do not store gasoline from one season to

another.

•  Replace your gasoline can if your can starts

to rust.  Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline 

will cause problems.

•  If possible, store your riding mower indoors

and cover it to give protection from dust 

and dirt.

•  Cover your riding mower with a suitable

protective cover that does not  retain mois-

ture.  Do not use plastic.  Plastic cannot 

breathe which allows condensation to form 

and will cause your riding mower to rust.

IMPORTANT:   Never cover riding mower 

while engine  and exhaust areas are still 

warm.