My Intek has similar warm hard start problems. Cold start is fine. If I stop and restart immediately, no problem. It is when I stop for about 5 minutes and try to restart it has issues - and priming does not always fix it. It acts like a vapor lock. If I wait a bit longer - say 10-15 minutes it typically fires right up.

Previously starting was not an issue, but I did get some sputter on a warm restart for a few minutes (again - maybe some vapor in the fuel line???).

I will probably check the spark plug - these Inteks foul a plug pretty easy. I also plan to do some carb cleaning later this summer to see if it helps - or I might hit it with a heavy dose of SeaFoam to see if that helps.

Jim

UPDATE from 07/27/2009

Carb cleaning found no issues. I replaced the plug (gapped to spec). I switched to Seafoam as my stabilizer. Ran a heavy dose for 1 full gallon can - that seemed to help the most.

I am still experiencing some hard "hot" starts - but not as bad as last season. We have had a wet, cool summer in Iowa and my Toro 20038 just tears through it. I see my neighboors struggling to get their lawns mowed. It is fun to watch - too bad you cannot get an Intek engined Super Recycler anymore.

Jim

Gapped to .020?