Washing The Machine; Cleaning And Storage - Toro 70184 Operator's Manual

Warning
A broken or missing washout fitting could expose
you and others to thrown objects or blade contact.
Contact with blade or thrown debris contact will
cause injury or death.
Replace broken or missing washout fitting
immediately, before using mower again.
Plug any hole(s) in mower with bolts and
locknuts.
Never put your hands or feet under the mower
or through openings in the mower.

Washing the Machine

1. Stop the engine and remove the ignition key. Wait
10–15 minutes for the engine to cool down.
2. Wash the machine with mild detergent and water.
Important
Do not use a pressure washer to wash the
machine. Pressure washing may damage the electrical
system or wash away necessary grease at friction points.
Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the control
panel, lights, engine, and battery.
3. Start the engine to dry it off.

Cleaning and Storage

1. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition key.
2. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire machine, especially the
engine. Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the
engine cylinder head fins and blower housing.
Important
You can wash the machine with mild
detergent and water. Do not use a pressure washer to
wash the machine. Pressure washing may damage the
electrical system or wash away necessary grease at friction
points. Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the
control panel, lights, engine, and battery.
3. Check the brake; refer to Checking the Parking Brake,
page 25.
4. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner, page 23.
5. Change the crankcase oil; refer to Servicing the Engine
Oil, page 20.
6. Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire
Pressure, page 25.
7. For storage over 30 days, prepare the traction unit as
follows:
A. Add a petroleum based stabilizer/conditioner to fuel
in the tank. Follow the mixing instructions from the
stabilizer manufacturer (1 oz. per gallon). Do not
use an alcohol based stabilizer (ethanol or
methanol).
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective
when mixed with fresh gasoline and used at all times.
B. Run the engine to distribute conditioned fuel
through the fuel system (5 minutes).
C. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and drain the fuel
tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank, page 26.
D. Restart the engine and run it until it stops.
E. Choke or prime the engine.
F. Start and run the engine until it will not start again.
Use the primer, if equipped on the machine, several
times to ensure that no fuel remains in the primer
system.
G. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per local codes.
Important
Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
8. Remove the spark plug(s) and check its condition; refer
to Servicing the Spark Plug, page 25. With the spark
plug(s) removed from the engine, pour two tablespoons
of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Use the electric
starter to crank the engine and distribute the oil inside
the cylinder. Install the spark plug(s); refer to Spark
Plug, page 25. Do not install the wire on the spark
plug(s).
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Clean the battery
and battery terminals. Check the electrolyte level and
charge it fully; refer to Servicing the Battery, page 21.
Leave the negative battery cable disconnected from the
battery during storage.
Important The battery must be fully charged to prevent
it from freezing and being damaged at temperatures below
32 F (0 C). A fully charged battery can be stored one
winter season without recharging.
10. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is worn or damaged.
11. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is
available from your Authorized Service Dealer.
12. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage area.
Remove the ignition and KeyChoice keys from the
mower and keep them in a memorable place. Cover the
machine to protect it and keep it clean.
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