How to Troubleshoot a Toro Lawnmower

Troubleshoot your Toro lawnmower to get it running again.

When properly maintained, your Toro lawnmower will help keep your lawn manicured for many years. However, infrequent use or lack of general maintenance can cause minor problems to arise with your mower. If you're having trouble getting your Toro lawnmower running smoothly, it is fairly easy to troubleshoot so you can identify and fix the problem.

Instructions

1. Make sure there is fuel in the fuel tank. This can be a simple thing to overlook. If there is gasoline in the tank and your mower won't start, the gasoline may have gone bad. This can happen to fuel stored in high temperatures or fuel stored for longer than a month. Refill your Toro lawnmower with fresh gasoline and pump the fuel primer a couple of times to prime the engine.

2. Check the air filter. If it is dirty, you should replace it with a new one. A dirty air filter can prevent your Toro from starting. Remove the air filter unit cover, the air filter and flange. Wipe the cover and flange with a clean cloth to remove any debris. Insert the new air filter into the cover. Align the tabs on the cover with the flange slots and rotate counter-clockwise to secure the air filter unit back to the lawnmower. Refer to your user manual for more information about changing the air filter. Toro recommends replacing your mower's air filter once per year.

3. Check the spark plug. A damaged or dirty spark plug can prevent your lawnmower from starting. Use a 5/8-inch spark plug socket and a ratchet. If it is damaged, replace it. Use the same model spark plug as the one you are replacing. Use a torque wrench or hand tighten the new spark plug firmly into place. Toro recommends replacing spark plugs each year, or after 200 hours of running time.

4. Use the dipstick to check the level of oil in the tank. If needed, add more oil. If the oil is old or dirty, drain it by opening the oil valve. Close the valve and replace with fresh motor oil.

Tips & Warnings

• If you go through all of these troubleshooting steps and your lawnmower still doesn't run properly, contact a professional repairman.

References

• Toro: Interactive Product Manuals
• Fixya: Toro Support, Manuals and Customer Service
• Catskill House: Maintenance of a Toro 22 Inch Recycler Lawn Mower