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HomeRepair HelpToro Mower RepairToro Lawn mower starts then stalls Repair
Toro Lawn mower starts then stalls
If your Toro lawn mower starts then stalls, the problem is usually in the fuel system, not the whole engine. The most common cause is a clogged carburetor caused by old gas left in the mower, which can make a Toro lawn mower starts then dies, runs then shuts off, or only runs for a few seconds. Start by checking the carburetor and cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning does not fix it, rebuild it with a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor. Next, check the fuel cap vent. A blocked fuel cap can create vapor lock, cutting off fuel flow and causing the mower to start and then stop. Try loosening the cap slightly to see if the engine keeps running. Old or bad gasoline can also gum up the carburetor and lead to the same stalling symptom, so draining stale fuel is often part of the repair. If the fuel system checks out, inspect the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or damage, and test it with a spark plug tester. Enter your Toro model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your mower.
01 - Toro Lawn Mower Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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02 - Toro Lawn Mower Carburetor Repair Kit
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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03 - Toro Lawn Mower Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed by the engine, the level in the fuel tank lowers. To make up for this, the fuel cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the tank. If the fuel cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the tank and a vacuum or “vapor lock” will occur. This stops the flow of fuel to the carburetor causing the engine to stall. To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the cap and then starting the engine. If loosening the fuel cap allows the engine to stay running it is likely clogged and will need to be replaced.
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04 - Old or Bad Gasoline
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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05 - Toro Lawn Mower Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Toro lawn mower start then stall after a few seconds?
Can a bad fuel cap make my Toro lawn mower run then shut off?
My Toro lawn mower has spark but only runs briefly. Should I still check the spark plug?
What should I check first if my Toro lawn mower starts then dies after sitting all winter?
How do I find the right carburetor, fuel cap, or spark plug for my Toro lawn mower?
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