Extended Storage Tips
When storing your equipment for more than a month, there are proper steps to take to ensure the equipment will be ready for use when it is brought out of storage. Not following these steps can cause unnecessary damage and unwanted expenses. Taking the time to follow these steps can save you from the headache of both.
1. To get the equipment ready for storage, clean it first. The air filter and the cylinder fins can be cleaned by gently brushing them with an old toothbrush.
On your chain saw, remove the sprocket cover and brush away all the wood chips and sawdust.
On a trimmer, clean the inside of the deflector to remove built-up grass. Remove the cutting line head on your trimmer, disassemble it and clean out all the debris (see your Instruction manual).
On an edger, clean out any dirt that has accumulated in the cutting guard.
On your hedge trimmer, clean the cutting blades and spray them with a lubricant like STIHL Penetrating Oil.
2. Remove and examine the spark plug for excessive carbon buildup and adjust the electrode gap to its specification. See instruction manual. You may want to replace it once a year. Carefully reinstall the spark plug, making sure not to cross thread it or tighten too tightly, damaging the threads or breaking the plug. Carefully reconnect the ignition lead.
3. Check the spark arresting screen. It is a small screen at the muffler exhaust that is usually fastened with a screw or clip. Carbon can build up on the screen. The screen must be cleaned or replaced with a new one.
4. Standard pump gasoline quickly deteriorates and should not be kept over 30 days in any season. If you need to dispose of fuel mix, please do so in a proper and responsible manner. Remember that all STIHL products use the same 50:1 fuel mix, so the fuel you used for your trimmer will work in your blower or chain saw, while your trimmer is in storage. It is important to realize that you shouldn't use the fuel you bought in the fall for next spring.
5. Empty the fuel tank. After the tank is empty, if it has a primer bulb, pump the bulb until dry, then replace the cap and start the engine. Otherwise, just start the engine. Run it at idle until the engine stops. It is important that the engine is run only at idle speed, so there will be lubrication in the system. Do not operate the throttle or "rev" the engine. Just let it idle until it stops. On a chain saw, engage the chain brake.
6. Put it away in a dry and, if possible, dust- and frost-free place. Some equipment can easily be hung on a wall, so you can save space. Store it out of the reach of children.
Yard & Garden Dealer Success Guide • Volume 25 (June 25, 2012)
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