Toro Recycler Lawn Mower Won't Start - Troubleshooting Carburetor and Ignition Coil Spark

[@BruceBoschek]

I like the fact that the auto-generated captions call it an "emotion tube."

[@jeffstone2585]

Excellent presentation. Just an FYI, you can buy a new carb online for about $13 - for those who don’t want to swap one out. I’m thinking a lot of machines could be saved with some diy and KZbin instruction. Otherwise it’s not cost effective to have a shop do it.

[@philliphall5198]

Carb number please These no readable number on mower

[@billthomas6296]

I have a Troy-Bilt Chpper Vac that I bought in 1994 and it is 29 years old now. Tried to start it for the first time in 23 years and gas is pouring from the carb. I just started to take it off and for some freak reason I came across a video of yours. After looking through some of your other videos I found this one and your mower here has the same carburetor as mine. After watching this I now feel like I can take mine apart and clean it and hopefully it will start. Anyway long story short, I want to thank you for your videos and look forward to watching more. Also I am retired and I am considering working on small engines for a hobby.

[@kerryclouse2685]

Llllllllllll I'll I'll ll I'll

[@tigerelectronics5966]

Came here to learn how to clean carbuator that is clogged, but stayed for the whole video :) I always enjoy your videos a lot, keep up the awesome work James!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@savipv8491]

@@jcondon1 u can clean coil and get sparks.

[@savipv8491]

@@jcondon1 where u got coil for $12?

[@savipv8491]

@@jcondon1 how u r turning to check spark....i see...u r not pulling cord...

[@savipv8491]

@@jcondon1 10:04 how u run it?...u cover it with finger?

[@bobcarry4820]

Close ups of your carb work are really helpful. Good work.

[@dcrickerson7611]

Nice work James, you brought it back from the dead. Nice close ups on the carb overhaul. Thanks for another great video.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@charlesbunting1790]

Iv seen that scenario a dozen times and didn't know th answer to it. You learn somethin every day. LOL

[@Rick_Retired]

Have same mower and now also the only repair video I'll ever need for it. Thanks!

[@das250250]

Good diagnostic analysis of what happened to the mower prior to fixing it

[@berardia4]

Nice job. My tip is of you clean out the carb, clean out the fuel tank also so you don't just run old gas into a clean carb.

[@JasonJayJJ1]

Yes, I agree. It's also good to clean out the fuel tank because grass clippings or other debris could be at the bottom of the fuel tank and re-clog the newly cleaned carburetor.

[@tolbaszy8067]

Great video, excellent camera work! I have the same machine, Craftsman flavor, paid the same price. I think my carb issue was due to tipping the mower on the carb side instead of dipstick side. I found the carb removal was easier by just unbolting the intake manifold. Thanks!

[@tripplesrule]

I wish you would have let me see that mower sling the grass for the whole yard. It really seems to run and cut great. Awesome Vid!!

[@mjg263]

BTW: Rust-Oleum “Regal Red” is the PERFECT match for both of your Toro mowers and it’s only 6 bucks a can at any hardware store (vs $12 or more for the factory stuff).

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@santirujiraviriyapinyo1081]

Thanks for the informations step by step . THANKS again.

[@432b86ed]

Though I wasn't sure why you didn't use your spark tester on the installed plug, I picked up many good tips/techniques from you here. thanks

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I'm back here again and just playing catch-up, just to be sure. My Sweetie wants a hand mower that she can start and since I don't want to pay through the snoot for a battery mower that has a limited run time, no matter what's advertised, one of the 1st hand freebie mowers I got is an old flathead Troy-bilt with electric start. That's what's on the docket. I got it running a few years ago but the kids have had it in storage all this time and I'm giving it the royal-ish treatment so it'll be reliable for her IF I get laid up again (good old Army). I'm waiting on a battery and charger and have wire brushed and painted the underside of the deck and oiled up all the cables. I'll probably check the grease in the gearbox just to see if. This was a good fix when I watched it the 1st time and the mower sure cuts fine. I had this one starting on the 2nd pull but no interest in the electric...........till now. So thanks again, watch out for the go-carts and BLESSINGS!

[@bricesullivan5]

Just fixed my 20 dollar 6.5 thanks alot man cable causing it to ground out easy fix

[@wayne6438]

Great video nice work thank for sharing very helpful

[@dogdue4588]

Bring that jet up one or two sizes, really runs well!

[@MrTarkus007]

your the man james like your vids alot seen your other vid on how you repaired 2 generators great!

[@oatnoid]

Man that had quite a few problems. You could have made four separate videos. Excellent!

[@dogdue4588]

Couple extra 1/8" holes in the exhaust, makes it run better...

[@akberkhanshab7387]

Great inf on how to fix the Toro lawn mover I would not have suspected ignition coil was bad. After replacing coil, it work like new lawn mover. Thanks

[@87GP400]

Thanks James for the good info !

[@jameslester3861]

I bought one of those about ten years ago and still use it. It has the “one pull” start feature which turned into 10 pulls but it was an easy fix, remove and clean the large jet in the bottom of the carburetor. Don’t let the mower set with gas in it for long periods of time(ethanol or non ethanol). Only repairs have been brake and drive cables and drive belt. All are easily done and there are videos on here to show how to do them.

[@kellydaniels8540]

Thanks for the tips. Digging into mine today.

[@lainemann1421]

Put some metal self tapping screws crisscross all the way around them from bald tires for traction 😎

[@wolfman007zz]

I would have assumed the carb was dirty, and removed/cleaned it when I had the shroud off to replace the coil. Wouldn’t have cost anything, and saved a BUNCH of time!

[@leecowell8165]

Wow this guy knows his stuff, I did notice a bit of shakiness in his hands though. I'm 80yo but I do not have any of that. I don't know if anything can be done with it but he's a LOT younger than I am. Well maybe he was just having a bad hair day. About 2k ohm on that coil, huh? I did not know that. Great presentation.

[@deangentles4966]

hi james good to see you saved another one mate,thats means you have two mowers now ,you can let your son used the old one then

[@mattyal9347]

I was hoping you would have measure the olms on the new magneto

[@williamBryan-k2e]

future reference, I would unbolt the intake manifold from the head - instead of unbotding the carb from the manifold ( while on the engine ). take the carb + manifold to the workbench and separate them there I would think that would be easier ( my opinion - as an old auto mechanic - not a small engine mechanic ).

[@jcondon1]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jayceasar2661]

excellent work friend! A+

[@chrisadrian5404]

Great video. If you flipped it, I hope you made a decent profit.

[@dennishimes4545]

Hi. I don't know if my comment will be seen since this is a 5 yr old video but it would be interesting to see at the end of the video a list of how much parts cost and how many man hours you spent on the project.

[@medievil2639]

You can only do these things if you fully understand the functionings of these machines. And he certainly does.

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

Those front drive transmission take a beating. I drill and put a grease fitting on corner of cover (back inside) fill with grease to prolong life lube the wheel gears check bearings at wheel adjusters. Those tecumseh engines last long time if oil changed once on a while.

[@stevemac8436]

Didn't disconnect the spark plug wire, rule #1, when in doubt, read rule #1 again. Safety first!

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Have u ever thought about going full time in small engine/Generator repair. I think u would do great at it far as making $$$

[@tntreviews3602]

hello i replaced the carb bowl nut jet on my toro mower it wont run but the bowl from a after market carb works but leaks gas but the bowl is deeper and the ring on top is different made

[@amywallaker2422]

Best video ever!

[@stevenstyles2363]

Nice work, thank you!!

[@Roy_Tellason]

I was waiting for you to show the ohms reading on the new coil... And, when you popped that carb bowl you commented on water in there but didn't say anything about all that debris that was sloshing around in there.

[@jimb4541]

I was doing a overhaul on my Toro lawn mower, new blade, oil, air filter, drive belt, etc. Had the blade off and finished with other stuff and tried starting without blade on. Mower didn't start. Checked spark, fuel, etc and Nothing! Put the blade on mower started on first pull. I'm assuming it added more resistance with the blade on. So don't waste your time trying to start your mower without the blade. Lol

[@jcondon1]

The flywheel on lawn mowers are undersized. The blade is required to add more weight to keep the momentum going.

[@dogdue4588]

KeyWay also! All it takes is just a dent, and throws the timing off.

[@09ironman1]

Very good video

[@lisaw2516]

Great information. Thanks James for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnhicks9529]

Check the timming crank on it to.. It's another plastic cam inside of it to most likely.,or could have sherd the flywheel keyway key.as Also known as split it into. The blade might be to be straighten out again. I'd just replace it myself if you've never done it.,or if it's to far gone to try that procedure on the blade.

[@kevinklassen8199]

Great

[@johnhicks9529]

Okay the it's possible to do that in A bench vise.& use A ballpin hammer to for better results.& outcome on the blade locking safety gaurdplate for the bottom through bolt for the crankshaft journal bolt hole.

[@rpeary5043]

I could visualize as I watched things unfold filthy carb lead to surge , lead to annoyance, lead to jam a longer idle screw to lock the throttle lead to stretched governor spring . Many don’t understand that governor thingamabob.

[@adolfopalma4131]

where do you get parts?

[@Bobby-ns7gn]

Great Job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnward1191]

That is a Tecumseh engine and they went out of business in 2003.

[@mikespain8655]

Goid job repairing this Toro. Parts cost $60 to $70 bucks, not including new front drive wheels (those are bald). Go to sell it for $125 or so, and there is $30 to $50 bucks profit (not including labor. Just making a cost point on buy/repair/sell. Not knocking you personally one bit.

[@billhenry7833]

He needs broken machines. Videos would be pretty boring otherwise and he would get no views. That is where he makes his money. Ship them in and ship them out every week. Gotta have something broken to film.

[@johnclarke6647]

The Dumb S. That owned it hit a big rock or something similar and that moved the blade adapter out of the slot on the blade holder.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Where did you get the spring and other hardware for Toro carburetor?

[@jenniferhermanson8969]

What a terrible … what? …. design? Who’s fubar is this, toro or Briggs? And btw, great video. You show everything perfectly and explain all the important stuff. Will be subscribing :)

[@elviraraff6809]

It ain't a Briggs

[@gtarules1]

8:44 - where do you put the drill to test that? Also name of spark tester?

[@beingsneaky]

There's the problem its a Tecumseh, ppl never look after engines, so those are more prone to needing regular carb cleanings.

[@lavina58]

Nice 😊🍀

[@juancruzmonticelli5577]

I have a lawn mower with the exact same carburetor and engine. Mine is a 2006 Lawnboy. How can I find the gaskets? They really need to be changed on mine. Thanks. Great video.

[@florianpop409]

Hello ! Where i can buy the drill stand from # 69 to # 89 ? Very good miniset ! Thank you !

[@rasmusrasmussen1249]

hey james god movie you making. can ai ask for link to that vire gageset you are using ? with best regard from denmark

[@microsoft4598]

Really good work, better than I do. James, I've just happened to install side disposal cover on my Toro Recycler and it took me a few min to do that because I've just squeeze the spring to position the metal bracket flat against the mower body and caught it with the first bolt from under the lawn mower body and than screw the second bolt. My mower may be newer as the holes in the bracket are threaded. And why do you always use a torque wrench while assembling? I mean to tighten correctly the cylinder head you need it but air filter bolts...?

[@jcondon1]

I have cracked a few plastic carburetor spacers and air boxes even with the torque wrench. I agree not needed for that, but more people give me a hard time if I don't use it.

[@artwoggon8907]

james were do you get the o rings in a bag of 25?

[@tonym6920]

I have a 10 year old Toro Recycler that smokes like a chimney, pretty sure it’s the head gasket.

[@frankdavidson9675]

its burning oil that makes the smoke its proble a broken or worn out piston ring if it runs out of oil it will ruin that eng beyond repair the piston will need to be taken out and checked if you do this add new rings

[@frankdavidson9675]

the head gasket is for compression no oil in that area except by the rings leaking

[@Sheeeeeeeeeeeeiiitt]

@@frankdavidson9675 would this result in a buildup of carbon sludge inside the head? Would this lead to Gummed up seat/ignition being off? I have various knocking and it appears to be intermittent at times depending on slope of yard. Engine running hot but no smoke. Thanks

[@David-yh5po]

How much in total did you spend to fix? Thanks for sharing this video with us.

[@hankparkette2679]

Does the linkage rod from the carb go to the top hole and spring rod to the bottom or visa versa??

[@elroyborchert6944]

Should of sanded rust off of coil and flywheel, the coil was likely fine.

[@tomherd4179]

What solution did you use in the ultrasonic cleaner. I have one but really never used it, but after seeing what yours did I may try next repair.

[@jcondon1]

I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty degreaser. It works pretty well and fairly safe for the carburetor and the ultrasonic. The only issue I have had is that the rubber gasket/o-rings sometimes shrink a little. I try to remove them before putting in the ultrasonic when possible.

[@tomherd4179]

@@jcondon1 Thank you, I will give it a try.

[@andybecker2693]

Never been a fan of Tecumseh engines on lawn mowers. The carbs are complete crap and hard to get off. I have a Briggs flathead Quantum on a Craftsman mower that I bought in 2004 that I’ve never done anything but change oil and filter every year. I always drain the gas and run it dry at the end of the season. These new overhead valve engines are “supposed to be better” but they never seem to last like the old ones.

[@jones3561]

What tool did you use to pull the emulsion tube out with. Thanks

[@jcondon1]

That was actually a torch tip cleaner.

[@jones3561]

@@jcondon1 I used to have one years ago will have to get another. Thanks

[@dogdue4588]

Coil

[@Rev-D1963]

Your videos are good, but it was the coil you replaced, not the magneto!!! :)

[@jcondon1]

Always thought that term was interchangeable. Did a quick Google search and there is a difference, but it seems like it is a magneto and not a coil. A magneto is an engine driven device consisting of a rotating magnet and field poles. It needs no battery, and generates current to spark a spark plug. A coil is a device used in an ignition system that is actually a trsnsformer that steps battery voltage up to approx. 30,000 volts. This voltage is used to fire the spark plugs.

[@Rev-D1963]

@@jcondon1 I agree brother. An ignition coil needs energy from an external power source, whereas a magneto creates a magnetic field by passing a magnet (or magnets) through a toroid, or flat iron piece wrapped in wire, usually magnet wire (hence the name). It's confusing. But, when you go to buy the part, they always seem to label it as an ignition coil! :) Thanks for the great vids.

[@dogdue4588]

Mine starts and runs for 10 seconds, won't throttle up, then dies.

[@v-g-z3689]

Honestly speaking, I would have swapped the engines and kept the Tecumseh for myself...

[@thepoopsoup]

Carriage bolt to mount drive cover threaded all the so so a stop nut can be installed directly underneath. Then another nut to stop from being loose on the deck.

[@Bobby-ns7gn]

Question ? Torque spec for coil and blade ???

[@jcondon1]

Usually 35 ft/lbs on the blade will do it. The owners manual will have the exact amount for your mower. The coil should just be snug enough to keep it still. Would guess less then 20 in/lbs. Those strip out real easy.

[@bushmaster2936]

@@jcondon1 Why did you continue to tighten the screws further after your torque wrench had already clicked? 8:22 - 8:28

[@ZatoichiBattousai]

What do I do if the Ignition Coil is replace and it is still not getting a spark?

[@frankdavidson9675]

the only thing left to keep it from sparking is the woodruff key tween crankshaft and fly wheel can not see this till you take big nut and washer on crankshaft the slots want be lined up take fly wheel off the shaft remove broken pieces insert new wood rufff key tighten nut very tight what this does is set the timming of the spark when - piston is in proper position --take broken woodruff key to hardware store that will insure the right size key they come in all sizes this is rare but it does happen thats why its overlooked some times

[@ZatoichiBattousai]

@@frankdavidson9675 Found out it was the circuit completion wire that you tighten when you hold down the bar before you pull the ignition rope.

[@frankdavidson9675]

@@ZatoichiBattousai learn somthing new every day never ran into that one what does that wire do to make it start

[@ZatoichiBattousai]

@@frankdavidson9675 It completes the circuit so you can start the engine. Since it is constantly under tension while in use it bends. Now it's warped I need to replace it, but will have to take it to a shop to get fixed. Don't have the tools and can't order the part to fix myself =(

[@frankdavidson9675]

@@ZatoichiBattousai thks for reply good to know

[@noeltideshifternoy2346]

Can you share the part Number of the coil? and where did buy it from?

[@jcondon1]

Noel Botardo I got it from Amazon. I believe this was the one Carbhub Ignition Coil for Tecumseh 34443 34443A 34443B 34443C 34443D Ignition Coil Solid State Module www.amazon.com/dp/B0787QHRLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_99G5EbRH5Y2TJ

[@jcondon1]

Only one left in stock. Will lookup the exact part number and send that as well.

[@noeltideshifternoy2346]

@@jcondon1 Thank you.

[@Trackhoe075]

To bad he left out so much of the process

[@vivianmoss6531]

Will start but won't run

[@captnnapalm]

Who is disliking this post? Can I you a refill on your hateraid?

[@AllenGuan93]

How would you remove the main jet from carburetor if the top part broke off (where you tighten)? the hexagon shape end that holds the bowl. the main jet suddenly just broke apart for some reason. I was thinking to replace the carburetor but want to hear your opinion before doing so. I see OEM is like 90 bucks but I see on amazon is like 19 bucks. What is your opinion on the amazon one too? www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PG9PGH3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1Y39CWH5FAKL7&psc=1

[@moises8795]

I still hate lawnmowers

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

I bought a Sears mower that looks exactly like the Toro you have. I ordered a new blade, front tires, drive belt and new cables. I’m waiting on the drive cable which is back ordered. I wonder if you have the model number so I can get the cable from Toro? Thanks!

[@jamesdiehl8690]

I had a mower that the coil was Rusty like that. I had to take it off, clean it and sand the posts it mounted to. Once I got them shiny, i put the coil back on and it fired up.

[@bllence7353]

Again, nice job explaining and diagnosing the problems! May I ask what solution you use in the ultrasound cleaner and how often do you need to change it, and or filter it? Thanks for the videos!

[@jcondon1]

Bll Ence I use the Harbor Freight heavy duty degreaser. I change it every time, but probably not necessary.

[@dogdue4588]

Wait gotta do da raindance around it first!

[@eddieryan7639]

Should of left it in the trash man way to much hassle

[@jimklyman9602]

Curious - you do so much detail on the carb rebuild, but I don't think I have seen you remove/change out the carb float needle valve gasket. I used to shoot these across the shop with a blast of compressed air. Had to remove these before a carb boil-out or they turned into a plastic mess with the old power solvents used. Always set the new gasket with a flat pin punch used to set the gasket.

[@jcondon1]

The harbor freight degreaser I use in the ultrasonic usually plays nice with rubber/plastic. Bit it does shrink then sometimes. I usually remove what Comes off with tearing and leave the rest.

[@benrobles752]

Those Tecumseh carburetors are a pain in the neck to remove.

[@carlosayala6754]

I just bought one just like yours come with no gas and little bit of oil, I did oil change, new carburetor, new spark plug, new ignition coil, new recoil started, new filter. Still won’t start. Hope you reply

[@beingsneaky]

You know what man?? just carry a can of carb cleaner in your vehicle. that way you can sprya in the carb of things you find and see if it sparks up.

[@frankdavidson9675]

they have product on the market for this hard staring its called starter fluid works when everthing else fails

[@dennishimes4545]

Also it would be interesting to see the price you place on your mowers once you repair them

[@jwfmechanical9864]

How do I contact you? I have many generators. I'm happy to accommodate shipping and repairs. I am a huge follower. Let me know if I should provide you with email or how you would like to go about it. Many thanks. JWF

[@budgillett9627]

I’m pretty new to your channel. I very much enjoy all aspects of your videos. Your visuals are superbly done and God has blest you with an extremely soothing voice which is very pleasant and easy to listen to. Also I REALLY appreciate you not adding annoying background music which IMO is just noise. Very well done! Thank you! Have a blest week.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@jamesdiehl8690]

People are warned about storing gas in the mower or a can all of the time. But, some gas stations are really bad about water in the gas and too much ethanol.

[@orange6092]

Great video!! Question....When you replace the cable for the self propel, do you ever repack the grease in the transmission. Seems like a good time to do it.

[@tntreviews3602]

why is my new carb like this new leaking gas out the fair cleaner side thanks