When you pull the cord of your Toro push mower, nothing happens, no sign of life from the engine. You’ve cleared the yard; you’ve got plans for this weekend. But no go: The thing won’t even turn over.
Time to solve a diagnostic riddle that is much larger then the mower. Don’t worry, it’s not usually some huge problem. Almost always it’s a straightforward mechanical misstep that keeps engine from finishing its startup sequence.
When your mower won’t start, most of its owners think it’s a serious engine problem. Blown head gasket? Seized pistons?
Before checking that gas cap? Turns out, small engines such as Toro’s on mowers is built to be reliable and simple. When they break, they do so predictably.
Simple Fixes For Toro Push Mower Starting Issues
Why Toro Mowers Fail to Start
Knowing their quirks will save you some time and worry, even if you can’t get it fixed yourself, you’ll at least know what the problem likely is. The most obvious cause are a bad spark plug. If it’s fouled, there will be no spark at all from ignition system.
Checking the Spark Plug
Just pull the plug out and see if the end has any built-up carbon (or maybe you have some oil on it). If so, clean it off with a brush. Otherwise, check its gap.
If it’s worn down, replace it. With a new plug, your engine should gets plenty of spark to fire up the fuel-air mix. Half the cases is solved with this inexpensive remedy.
Inspecting the Fuel System
Second, inspect the fuel system. Gasoline in the carburetor jets can gums them up when old gasoline thickens. This is especially true if you haven’t stabilized your fuel and stored it over the winter.
Empty out the old stale gas and fill with new ethanol free fuel. You might also need to replace the fuel filter, or even clean the carburetor. Fresh fuel flow easily and combines properly with air.
Stale fuel gums things up and won’t allow engine to run.
Replacing the Air Filter
Another typical problem is the air filter. When the filter becomes plugged up, it limit airflow and causes a very rich mixture that won’t burn.
Remove the air filter and inspect it. Is it wet? Is it dirty?
Replace it. Replacing it takes seconds and costs peanuts. Just like fuel, proper airflow are essential for making the engine run.
A clogged filter will choke engine and prevent it from turning over.
Verifying the Blade Brake Safety
One other thing: The blade brake system is something not to be overlooked. Many of the Toros have a safety where you cannot start with the blade engaged.
Be certain to pull on the cord while holding the handlebar safety feature down firm. What happens when the brake is not depressed all the way is that the switch turn off the spark. It is a safety feature, but it seems like a malfunction unless you understand how it works.
Press the brake all the way and close the circuit.
Fixing the Recoil Starter Assembly
Last but not least, what about the recoil starter assembly? Broken springs will make it feel loose, or the cord won’t even retract.
Again this takes more disassembling but can be fixed as well. Remove engine cover and replace the spring or starter cup. Not for the faint of heart mechanic.
Take it to your local shop who can have it done in no time. Don’t count on your mower being dead. It is just waiting for that perfect mixture of air, fuel and spark.
First check the obvious stuff. Change the plug. Siphon out the old gas.
Clean the filter. Kick the brake. Many times the answer is right in front of you and simple.
After those adjustments, give it another pull or two. More than likely it’ll start and run like new. It should of been easier to find but sometimes things is tricky.
You might recieve a problem that feels moddern. If you look at different than others, you will naturaly finds the issue. Dealing with furnitures can be uncomfortabley, but this is simple.
You could of just checked it sooner. Use actualy common sense and see if the plug is dirty or maybe has oil on it for an engine to work better.