H2 -STORAGE

STORAGE PREPARATION

Proper storage preparation is essential to keep your trimmer trouble

free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and

corrosion from impairing your trimmer's function and appearance, and

will make the engine easier to start when you use the trimmer again.

Cleaning

Wash the trimmer, including the area around the trimmer head.

Wash the engine by hand and be careful to prevent water from

entering the air cleaner.

NOTICE

Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water

into the air cleaner. Water in the air cleaner will soak the filter and can

enter the carburetor or engine, causing damage.

Water on a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has been

running, allow it to cool for at least 1/2 hour before washing.

If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the

trimmer, be careful to avoid getting water into controls and cable, or

anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening.

Before washing the trimmer head area, disconnect the spark plug cap

from the spark plug.

After washing the trimmer, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.

Start the engine outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal

operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the

engine.

Stop the engine and allow it to cool.

After the trimmer is clean and dry, coat areas that may rust with a light

film of oil. Lubricate the control cable cores with a silicone spray

lubricant

Fuel

NOTICE

Depending on the region where you operate your equipment, fuel

formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration

and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause damage

to the carburetor and/or fuel system. Please check with your servicing

dealer for local storage recommendations.

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 trimmer 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.

The DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY does not cover fuel

system damage or engine performance problems resulting from

neglected storage preparation.

You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is

formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration

problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor.

Adding Fuel Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life

When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If

only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during

storage. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that

it contains only fresh gasoline.

Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.

After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes

to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in

the carburetor.

Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor

Disconnect the spark plug cap. Make sure the ignition switch is in the

STOP (O) position.

Drain the fuel from the fuel tank into a suitable container. Press the

primer bulb a few times to draw any remaining fuel out of the

carburetor, then drain this fuel from the tank.

WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.

You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.

• Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flames

away.

• Handle fuel only outdoors.

• WIpe up spills immediately.

Carburetor & Air Cleaner

Clean the air filter and move the choke lever to the

CLOSED position.

Blade

If a blade is installed, put the blade cover on the blade.

Engine Cylinder

Remove the spark plug. Pour a 1/4 tablespoon

(1 ~ 3 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope

several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark

plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, then return the

starter grip gently. This closes the valves so moisture cannot enter.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS

If your trimmer 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.

With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the trimmer to keep

out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some

materials. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A non-porous

cover will trap moisture, promoting rust and corrosion.

REMOVAL FROM STORAGE

Check your trimmer as described in the BEFORE OPERATION

section of this manual.

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 that it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and

deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.

If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the

engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.