Toro mower won't start

16 years ago

We have a Toro SR4 model 20056, about 5-6 yrs old, B & S engine. Two or so years ago the engine was rebuilt - lets just say I learned a hard lesson about small engine maintenance. Prior to that it had started after priming a couple of times and ran well. Since then we have had a terrible time starting it. We have taken great care of it since learning that rather expensive lesson, and in fact actually took it back to the dealer for a tuneup this spring so that it would be ready for the season. We have taken it back once since then because it still started VERY hard, and they did say they found some dirt in the carb. We check the oil and filter prior to every mowing and use very fresh gas, and check to make sure the spark plug is seated. It takes up to a dozen primes and very hard pulls to get it going. Any ideas before we go back to the dealer yet again?

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Comments (4)

roadbike
16 years ago
Does it run well once started and is it easier to start once warmed up??
baymee
16 years ago
When you say "very hard pulls", it indicates a problem. If there was gas or oil in your cylinder, your plug would foul, so I don't think that. If the flywheel brake wasn't fully disengaging, I might look at that. Have you hit anything with the blade that might have partially sheered the key? This would cause hard starting and erratic running. Finally, remove the air filter and push the primer while looking into the carb body. Do you see any gas squirting up from the bowl? If not, replace the primer bulb or the gasket behind the air filter housing.
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mnbobbi
Original Author
16 years ago
Yes, the mower runs well after it starts. One time it stalled when the grass was rather long and it got bogged down, but it started right away again, quite easily.
Thanks baymee, those are great suggestions on things to check. We haven't hit anything, so I don't think that's the problem, but will look at the other things you mentioned.
Thanks for the replies and I'll let you know the results.
roadbike
16 years ago
If it runs well once it sarts and starts easily when warm then I would look carefully at the primer bulb. If you have to push a dozen or more times and pull many times to get it running then it may not be moving much gas.