storing outdoors

Shutting off an engine with the spark allows it to wind down, pulling gas vapor into the cylinders as the govenor opens the throttle plate wide open in the last couple revolutions of the crank. Had a couple tractors lightly set up after a couple years of idlenss in the past when shut down with the spark. Never had an issue with the starve to shut off method.

If you're really concerned though, it seems like you should be able to find indoor storage somewhere for relatively cheap. An H isn't that big, and there's a lot of places that offer winter storage for RV's, Boats, etc.

If you leave it covered, someday in Jan., after you've had fluctating temperatures as I know you must get on the east coast, uncover the tractor, take a look at all the moisture under that tarp. Don't be surprised if you have rain forest conditions under the tarp. I'm expecting that in RI you quite regularly have temperature fluctuation from 0 degrees F to 50 degrees F., several times in a matter of days. Probably the worst thing you can do is cover the tractor, in that climate.

My friend, let the RI showers wash the tractor, and let the RI sunshine dry it out. I'd leave it full of gas, these continental guys are quite comfortable with temps below freezing all winter. Believe me, I've lived by the ocean, and I live in the heart of the continant.

One more thing - the battery. I"m sure it"s best to store indoors and charge once in a while, but is it hard to repolarize the generator when I reinstall it? Is it even necessary?

Thanks again. My family stored tons of tractors outside and no probs, but this one is sort of special to me.

50 - 50 antifreeze in engine is fine. It'll mix with any water left in the block and prevent freezing down to about -30 or lower.

Put a container or tin can over the exhaust stack, then tie it down so it can't get blown off.

Either fill the gas tank to the filler neck, or better yet drain it completely for winter storage. Temporarily pull the drain plug from the carburetor and remove the sediment bulb to drain any water that might be in 'em.

Cover the seat and transmission with a poly tarp or HEAVY plastic tied down well. (Helps keep water out of the tranny and it saves the seat.)

Inflate the tires (30# front and 12# rear) to minimize flat spotting come spring

Remove the battery, charge it overnight then store it in a dry place.