Problem Starting Toro Lawnmower
#1
05-03-14, 05:45 PM
Problem Starting Toro Lawnmower
Five years ago I bought a new Toro lawnmower and have been using it ever since. Last time was 4 days ago and it started first pull, with no problem.
Now when I pull the cord to start it, I have to really PULL. It's so hard that the engine doesn't turn over fast enough to start. I've pulled maybe 10 times and then I ran out of steam.
What might the problem be?
Now when I pull the cord to start it, I have to really PULL. It's so hard that the engine doesn't turn over fast enough to start. I've pulled maybe 10 times and then I ran out of steam.
What might the problem be?
#4
05-03-14, 08:11 PM
Hi, yes, it is a self-propelled mower, model #20066 with a pressed steel base. I took another look at it, researched the internet and tomorrow I'll take a close look at the starter mechanism (manual start) and cord.
As I recall, last year it seemed to require more strength to pull the starter cord than I had remembered. Today after about the 4th pull it became pretty hard, and an hour later I could NOT pull the cord at all.
Thank you for your replies.
As I recall, last year it seemed to require more strength to pull the starter cord than I had remembered. Today after about the 4th pull it became pretty hard, and an hour later I could NOT pull the cord at all.
Thank you for your replies.
#5
05-04-14, 10:16 AM
Okay. I disassembled the outer part of the engine. The recoil starter is free and works nicely. Both of the white plastic centrifugal doo-dads are free. I put a socket on the engine crank bolt (coming out the top of the mower) and was able to turn it in both directions without much effort. I could tell when the piston came to the top of the compression cycle. I reassembled the mower and tried to start it. Again, it took all of my strength to pull the cord and the mower did not start. In the process I found a bolt was left over. I'm attaching a rough sketch of the bolt. It's about 2 inches long, has a chrome finish, and most of its length consists of a collar with only about 3/8 inch of smaller thread at the end. I've no idea where it goes but it most go somewhere. At this point I'm suspecting the engine? I don't know how much effort it takes to turn the crankshaft manually but I don't suspect anything wrong at this point. I checked the oil level and it is right up there. Ideas?
#7
05-04-14, 10:43 AM
Member
Check the flywheel brake release mechanism and cable. The flywheel brake may not be releasing. The cable is connected to the handle you squeeze to push bar to operate mower.
Your bolt drawing resembles a pivot bolt for the flywheel brake band.
RR
Your bolt drawing resembles a pivot bolt for the flywheel brake band.
RR
#8
05-04-14, 10:55 AM
Here's a photo of the "Flange Bolt":
I don't even recall removing it...
The suggestion about the brake sounds interesting and I'm off to have a looksee.
I don't even recall removing it...
The suggestion about the brake sounds interesting and I'm off to have a looksee.
#10
05-04-14, 02:06 PM
Problem resolved! Cockpit error!!
It turned out to be a cockpit error. For the first time in five mowing seasons I wasn't squeezing the brake release bar. Thanks to Rough Rooster for mentioning "brake", and to AJ-Allen for the flange bolt location.
It appears that the next job is to replace the belt.
I'm on the Western Slope.
It turned out to be a cockpit error. For the first time in five mowing seasons I wasn't squeezing the brake release bar. Thanks to Rough Rooster for mentioning "brake", and to AJ-Allen for the flange bolt location.
It appears that the next job is to replace the belt.
I'm on the Western Slope.
#11
05-22-14, 09:42 AM
Hard starting hot Toro 20334
My son has a Toro recycler with the L-Head Brigs and Stratton on it. It starts right up when cold, but will not start when hot. I cleaned the carb with no improvement. Just last night I replaced the coil and am still experiencing the small problem. I took the air cleaner cover off and the choke butterfly was open, removed the fuel line at the tank and had good flow. It started right up (hot) with a whiff of starting fluid. Any suggestions on what to do next?
#12
05-22-14, 09:52 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Tilt the mower carb side up a little to start it when warm. It's a design flaw. The choke holds open as long as the engine is warm and only closes when the engine is cold. EPA restrictions have these engines running so lean already that they have a hard time re-starting without a little choke. Tipping it lets some fuel from the bowl enter the throat so you can restart it. I know of no repair for the problem.
#14
05-27-14, 07:12 AM
Cheese,
Just wanted to follow up on your suggestion, tilted the hot mower slightly and it fired right up, I would have never figured this out on my own. Thanks for your knowledge and expertise!
Just wanted to follow up on your suggestion, tilted the hot mower slightly and it fired right up, I would have never figured this out on my own. Thanks for your knowledge and expertise!
