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5. STORAGE/ TRANSPORTING
5.1 STORING YOUR ENGINE
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine trouble free and
looking good.
The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your engine’s
function and appearance and will make the engine easier to start after storage.
5.1.1 Cleaning
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before
cleaning. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other
areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force
water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the
air filter, and water that passes through the air filter or muffler can enter the
cylinder, causing damage.
Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has been running,
allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing.
5.1.2 Fuel
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard
starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your
engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other
fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor without
causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline blend, your
storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The
air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm
storage/temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration problems
may occur within a few months, or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when you
filled the fuel tank.
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