Toro recycler issue

nova87

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Mower running rough -- when started stops for several times before finally will keep running. Also seems like running too slow -- how do I adjust this? Also -- the battery even when well charged will not start mower.

Thanks
 

Rivets

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Can you post the model numbers for either the engine and/or unit. I think you may have a Super Recycler with the Briggs engine and if I'm right it should be a simple fix.
 

nova87

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Can you post the model numbers for either the engine and/or unit. I think you may have a Super Recycler with the Briggs engine and if I'm right it should be a simple fix.

Model number is 20332 Toro personal pace mower
Thanks
 

Rivets

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It should have a Briggs engine on it. If you brought it into the shop I would be removing the carb and giving it a good cleaning. After cleaning I would replace the float needle and seat and then reinstall the carb. 99% of the time it solves the problem. I think the part number is 398188. This procedure might help if you decide to go that route.

Needle and seat replacement

Remove the carb, and then remove the float bowl. Check the float bowl jet (which is the bowl screw) and make sure the jets both horizontal and vertical are clean and open. Tip the carb upside down and remove the float pin and float with needle attached. Look in the float needle passage and you should see the red float seat at the bottom of the passage. This is where a #5 crotchet hook would come in handy as you need to remove this seat. If you have no hook, but compressed air, you can blow through the fuel inlet and try to pop the seat out. Put your thumb over the passage to prevent the seat from flying who knows where. No air or hook try bending a stiff paper clip to dig the seat out.

I would either give the carb a good 24 hour soaking or have it ultrasonically cleaned at this time.

With the seat out clean the passage way with carb cleaner. Now you must find a drill bit slightly smaller than the passage way, to be used to press in the new seat. Apply a very, very small amount of a very light lube to the new seat. 3-1 oil or lighter, to help seat it better. Carefully insert the new seat in the passage way with the rings on the seat down toward the carb body. Slowly and carefully force the seat down with the back end of the drill bit. Once it is seated, check to see that it did not flip and the rings are up. *Next check to make sure that the float does not have any liquid in it. *If it does, replace. *If everything looks correct, attach the new needle to the float and install with the float pin centered. It everything is correct, the float should seat level to the carb body, when looking at it upside down. If everything looks good reattach the float bowl, making sure that both the bowl gasket and the nut gasket seal properly. Reinstall on the engine and test unit. Remember to have patience and take your time. Good luck, but I don't think you'll need it.

PS: *On the side of some Tecumseh carbs you will find a plastic cover. *Under this cover will be an idle jet. *Remove it and check to see that the jet is open both horizontally and vertically. *You should be able to push the old float needle wire through the vertical opening.
 

nova87

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Am going to add a bit more to my previous thread as issue continues. Mower will start OK if warm day(70s or above) but if below that, then starts and stops after a few seconds -- the colder it is the more times it continues to stop --- as engine warms up then runs just fine. It seems to need a choke but that is control that to my knowledge is not available. Toro recycler Mower type and model mentioned in previous thread. Suggestions greatly appreciated -- if carburetor cleaning is main option -- does anyone know of a uTube video on this?
 

Mike88se

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I don't have the rep that Rivets has (and I don't deserve it :biggrin:) but I agree with his call. I've fixed several Toro Recyclers w/ the Briggs or the Tecumseh with running problems. It was always the carb. And it was always an easy fix. There are youtube vids on both engine I think. Punch in some good search words on google and they should come up. It is real easy tho.
 
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