Your zero-turn gas cap is designed with a vent to allow air to pass through the cap. You need to use a multimeter to test the charger and alternator for proper voltage output. How to Tell Your Toro Starter Solenoid Bad (Troubleshoot) Step-3: Check if all the dirt is washed away. Your Toro zero-turn mower may cut unevenly because of defective components such as a damaged or worn blade, unleveled mower deck, uneven tire pressures, clogged mower deck and slow engine speed. Toro Mower Fails to Start If your Toro mower won't start, it might be because of air or gas restrictions not allowing the engine to get the required air and gas to run. My toro zero turn won't start I just bought last week used only one time . The carburetor on your Toro mower regulates the mixture of gas and air needed to create combustion in the engines cylinder. Replace your solenoid if it is found to be bad. Using gasoline with this high ethanol level can cause significant engine damage. The carburetor can become dirty due to bad gas and ethanol deposits that preventthe flow of fuel, Clean the components of the carburetor or replace if needed, A bad coil or ignition or coil will make the mower not to start, Test and replace the defective ignition switch, If the switch fails, it may prevent the mower from starting, Faulty battery or dirty and loose terminals, Loose cables, corroded terminals or a dead battery may make the mower not start, Ensure that the cables are tight and clean corroded terminals. Toro zero-turns require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. On some mowers you need to be in the seat too. How Do You Clean the Carburetor on a Toro Zero-Turn mower? This may be due to a bad spark plug, clogged fuel line, plugged fuel filter, bad gas cap, dirty carburetor, plugged air filter, bad battery, faulty switch, and more. Toro Timecutter 75750 Problems : 5 Common Issues (Explained) Inspect the air filter for damage. Empty Gas Tank on a Toro Zero Turn 2. Electric parts on your lawn mower can be expensive. Ethanol in gasoline attracts moisture which can cause run ability issues and gum the fuel system. This can cause starting and running issues. Using a clean air filter not only allows your engine to get the clean air it requires but also prevents dirt from entering the cylinder and causing significant damage to the engine. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. You may be able to recognize a bad pump from gas leaking at the seams. To clean the dirty carburetor, spray the carburetor cleaner into the air intake. Check the owners manual to bleed air from the system. Repair:If you are a little mechanical you should be able to handle cleaning your carburetor. You are using an out of date browser. Home Blog Lawn Mowers Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers 15 Reasons a Zero Turn Wont Start (Complete List). Solution:Once you find a clogged line, try to remove the blockage. This component is held by a screw. Replace the plug with a new one if you find it is very dark in color or it has a broken porcelain or burnt electrode. 1. When your spark plug wires are loose or the gap is set incorrectly, you may have intermittent running or starting issues with your zero-turn. Jun 3, 2012 / Toro zero turn starter problem #1 J jmc Elite Member Joined Jul 21, 2003 Messages 2,839 Location SW Indiana Tractor Ford 1920 4x4 (traded in on Kubota). The filter can become plugged with dirt over time keeping a good flow of fuel from passing through the fuel line. If it does not hold a charge, it means that the battery is bad. Check for fuel flow from the fuel hose that attaches to the inlet port of the fuel pump. Clean debris and grass clippings from and cooling fins and blower housing. Use a fuel siphon and take out the gas from the gas tank. Tap your air filter against a solid surface to release as much dirt as you can remove. Over time, your Toro fuel pump may go bad. Youcan also temporarily bypass the safety switch to identify a bad switch but only do this for troubleshooting purposes. Some components might come apart and you may find it difficult to remember their position when you have disassembled them. Add fresh fuel that includes a fuel additive to stabilize and clean your fuel system like Sea Foam or STA-BIL. If only the grass would stop growing when your mower quits running. This valve is often moved to the closed position when the mower is stored or for transportation. Ensure the spark plug has a correct electrode gap. Remove loose dirt in the air filter housing and from the air filter cover using a clean dry cloth. SOLUTION: Test your solenoid by following the steps here. Read this article totest your charging system hereusing an ohmmeter. For more information on selecting the right kind of gas for your Toro lawn mower and ethanol-free options, read my article, This is the Kind of Gas to Use in Your Toro Mower. Carefully remove the paper air filter from the filter housing. Start your fuel flow and start your engine. Ensure that the belt is secure around the pulleys, Bypass rod or drive release lever is in the wrong position, A wrongly positioned bypass rod or drive release will not allow mower to move freely, The bypass rod must be the disengaged while the drive release lever should be in the operating position, A broken or missing idler arm spring will no longer place tension on the drive belt, The bearing in the tensioner pulley can fail, Old or low hydraulic can fail to lubricate the system, Check the hydraulic oil at periodic intervals to be sure that the hydraulic fluid is full. Check out Common Toro Lawn Mower Problems and Solutions to learn more. Remove the hose from the inlet port on the pump. When this vent is clogged, a vacuum is formed in your fuel tank. A clogged stem will prevent the carburetor from bringing fuel to the jet. Make sure all cables and components are secure and make good connections. Read more about the advantages of using Sea Foam Motor Treatment in your Toro. When this moisture evaporates it leaves behind a gummy substance that can clog components of your fuel system. The switch / wiring is a good place to start. Solution:Once you identify the problem that lies in your charging system, my advice to you is to bring it to your local zero-turn mower dealership for troubleshooting. A safety switch can be defective and cause your zero-turn to fail to start. Reattach parts to the carburetor including choke and throttle cable( if it uses one), fuel line, filter housing, and springs. Starter engages but won't turn engine - Lawn Mower Forum Ive put together a list to help you do just that. Replace a bad choke cable (if used on your Toro model). It leaves behind a residue that builds up in the fuel system causing the carburetor to fail. I have a 50# Toro zero turn. Allow the gas to fill the carburetors bowl and start the engine. If you are not, you have a fuel restriction you need to locate prior to the pump. A Toro lawn mower won't turn over when the battery is weak or bad; the wires, cables, and connections are loose or corroded; the fuse is bad; the safety switch or ignition switch is faulty, or the starter solenoid or starter motor is bad. The fuel filter can become plugged with dirt and buildup from old fuel. The float bowl is where the gas is stored in the carburetor. Add fresh gasoline that includes a fuel additive to stabilize and clean your fuel system like Sea Foam. Without the experience, you will most likely be throwing parts at your mower hoping to find the problem. Tap the air filter element against a solid surface to loosen dirt so it falls out of the filter. These types of pumps use the vacuum off the engine to draw fuel from the fuel tank. Ensure that the driver levers are in a neutral lock position. Because gasoline begins to break down and becomes less effective as soon as 30 days, it is important to buy gas from a busy gas station. A safety switch can be defective and cause your zero-turn to fail to start. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow. Replace the hose on the inlet port. Reuse the filter if you can see light. Bad Battery, Loose Cables, or Corroded Terminals. Mowersandyardtools.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When I turn the key, literally nothing happens. You can locate the float blow at the base of the carburetor. You can find these specs in the Toro operators manual. Double check that the PTO switch is down, parking brake is on and levers are fully outmaybe "exercise" them each a few times in case a switch is sticking. Fuel is fresh & ethanol free. Repair: Replace your fuel pump if you are not receiving a constant or pulsating flow out of the pump. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Toro Zero Turn Lawn Mower Quick Fix Starting Issue Mike 299 subscribers Subscribe 5 Share 2.4K views 1 year ago Toro Zero Turn Lawn Mower Starter wont Engage or Crank So we turned the. The Toro Timecutter 75750 is a zero-turn riding lawn mower designed to cut grass with precision and speed. Bad Spark Plug or Loose Connection on a Toro Zero Turn 4. The mower's engine may suddenly stop if the zero turn mower blade hits a hard object. Wash the foam filter in water and mild detergent to remove oil and dirt. Using the Wrong or Old Gas in a Toro Zero Turn Mower 3. These items can also prevent your mower from starting. The less ethanol in the gas, the better. A pre-filter is a filter that wraps around a paper filter element. Shut off the fuel flow. A zero-turn lawn mower wont start due to a lack of fuel, air, or spark. Bad Battery, Loose Cables, or Corroded Terminals, 15. If you are unable to dislodge the clog, Replace the fuel line making sure you purchase the right size diameter of the fuel line. As a safety feature, when the operator leaves the seat with the blades engaged, it won't start. Youcan also temporarily bypass the safety switch to identify a bad switch but only do this for troubleshooting purposes. A good indication you have a plugged vent is to remove your gas cap from the tank, start your mower and let it run. Still Experience Problems with Your Zero Turn Mower? In this video we will show you how to trouble shoot a power problem on the Toro zero turn from Home Depot. A faulty charger will prevent the proper voltage output, A defective alternator may not provide proper voltage to the mowing machine, The battery wont receive enough voltage and will cause the battery to drain quickly, The blades may not rotate if the mower deck belt is loose or broken, A broken or missing idler spring will no longer place tension on the drive belt, If the pump drive is broken, it will cause the blades not to rotate, affecting the operation of the mower, Check belt tension or install a new belt, Old gas may become sticky and can clog the carburetor, Toro zero-turn mower loses power and dies. You need to turn off the PTO (push down on the PTO switch) and then start like you normally would. Ethanol can also cause the parts in your fuel system to begin to degrade. Time cutter 4200 blades will not stay engaged - iFixit Be careful when purchasing fuel at your local gas station. Sit on your seat. I'll b. Turn the ignition key to start the mower. A carburetor can fail over time. This will block fuel flow. Because gasoline begins to break down and becomes less effective as soon as 30 days, it is important to buy gas from a busy gas station. When your Toros air filter is so plugged the engine cant access air, it can overheat. This is caused by old gas, a bad spark plug, plugged air filter, plugged fuel filter, a clogged fuel line, a dirty carburetor, a bad starter solenoid, a bad gas cap, or a bad battery. Toro Zero Turn NOT STARTING! Please help. | Lawn Mower Forum I made a troubleshooting video on a Cub Cadet Zero turn. It is advisable to take photos while you disassemble it. Fix 10 Common Toro Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions Running an air filter that is very dirty can keep your mower from starting when the engine cant access the air.Solution: Check and clean your air filter using these steps: The fuel pump on your zero-turn may be the cause of your zero-turn not starting. Also, check your battery to confirm it is charged and can continue to hold a charge. In addition, make sure that you do not get the carburetor cleaner on the o-ring. Remove the hose from the carburetor and place it in a container so you can confirm the condition of your fuel pump. An internal combustion engine on a Toro mower requires fuel and air to be introduced to the cylinder. Another indication your solenoid may be bad is when a wire attached to your solenoid gets hot and begins to smoke or melt. Spray carburetor cleaner into the line to try to loosen the blockage. A bad lawn mower starter solenoid will click or make a humming sound when the ignition key is turned. A zero-turn mower won't turn over because of a bad battery; loose or corroded wires; corroded terminals; a blown fuse; a bad ignition key switch; a bad safety switch; a faulty starter solenoid; or a bad starter motor. To help you find the causes of many zero-turn problems, I put together a guide with common issues. When the charging system fails to charge the battery, the battery may not be able to start the mower the next time you go to use it. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Never run a mower when a safety switch is bypassed. Clean thecarburetor by taking it apart and usingcarbcleaner toclean it, including the float bowl and needle. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Most zero-turn mowers use a vacuum-style fuel pump. I only mention it because, when youre frustrated and not in the right frame of mind, you may forget this obvious reason why Toro wont start. The manufacturer installs safety switches to prevent the mower deck to run without the operator present. Attach a spark plug tester to the spark plug ignition wire. If it's not, it's probably not getting fuel. Locate the holes with a flashlight and disconnect them with a thick wire. This is caused by old gas, a bad spark plug, plugged air filter, plugged fuel filter, a clogged fuel line, a dirty carburetor, a bad starter solenoid, a bad gas cap, and a bad battery. Always follow the safety instructions provided in the operators manual. Now that its running, replace the fuel cap and let it continue to run. Drive levers are not in a neutral lock position. Old fuel can cause gummy and crusty deposits to form in your carburetor that can cause the small components in your carburetor to stick not allowing it to function correctly. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. Replace your solenoid if it is found to be bad. The engine will not be able to get gas to start the engine. The function of the fuel pump is to work against gravity and move fuel up to your carburetor. When gas is left for a long time, it becomes sticky and clogs your carburetor. The starting system on a zero-turn requires the use of a battery to provide power to turn over the starter motor. This is one of the common problems of a Toro zero-turn mower. Home Blog Lawn Mowers Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers 17 Reasons Your Toro Lawn Mower Wont Start (Solved!). 15 Reasons Your Toro Zero Turn Has a Starting Problem 1. When it fails, the carburetor doesnt receive the fuel it needs and the engine is unable to start. Replace your filter with a new filter if you cannot. The engine of your Toro zero-turn mower can overheat due to low engine oil level or restricted airflow, affecting the operation of the mower. Remove all foreign materials, Inspect the pulleys and belt for bearing failure and wear, Replace any worn or damaged pulleys and belts, Bad bearings in the spindle housing can cause vibration. R Rivets Lawn Royalty Joined Mar 11, 2012 Threads 52 There are so many different factors and parts that can cause this problem. A carburetor can fail over time. If your Toro Zero Turn mower will not start, please verify the following: The blade control (PTO) is disengaged or turned to the OFF position. This vacuum will keep fuel from flowing out of the tank and to the carburetor. Clean the tips if they are dirty. A recoil can fail due to a bad pulley, a loose or missing spring, or broken clips preventing you from being able to start your mower with the pull of the string. Securely attach the spark plug wires once you have completed your repairs and are ready to start the mower. A blocked and dirty fuel filter will restrict the flow of fuel. It is advisable to check the mower at the local Toro dealership if the hydraulic system gets weak when hot, When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch, it may cause vibration problems, Damaged or unbalanced blades can cause the mower to vibrate, Replace damaged blades and ensure that they are balanced, Acorns, woodchips, stones and other debris can get lodged in the mower. Toro Zero Turn Lawn Mower Quick Fix Starting Issue - YouTube The engine must run rich to start a cold engine. Lawn Mower How-To Videos | Toro To do this, remove the line from your zero-turn. Move the choke lever to the on position: The choke plate should be closed. Most of the time its hard to visually tell if your pump is bad so youll have to test it. You can also turn off the fuel shut-off valve. Some Toro owners have complained about the mower taking much time before starting. Solution:A clogged fuel filter must be replaced with a new one. Another symptom of a bad starter solenoid is the wiring may begin to get hot and smoke. Start your fuel flow. Kawasaki FR691V Problems- Top 5 Commonly Faced Issues With Symptoms And Toro Zero-Turn Mower is Difficult to Start. The PTO clutch is next on the list. When operating a gas-powered zero-turn mower, make sure you are using the right kind of gas in your mower. If it does not work because other components in your recoil are damaged such as the clips or the pulley, you are better off just replacing the recoil assembly. Move the choke lever to the off position (on some models, this is placing the throttle in the fast throttle position): The choke plate should be open. Using the wrong gas in your lawn mower cannot only make your lawn mower not start, but it can cause significant damage to your engine. I recommend replacing the fuel filter annually to ensure it stays in good condition. Make sure you install it correctly with the arrow on the filter pointed in the direction of the fuel flow. I do recommend replacing your fuel lines, even if you dont find a clog in them if your fuel lines are dry and beginning to crack. Replace with a new spark plug(s) if they are damaged. Step-4: If it didn't, keep repeating the process. Bad Fuel Pump on a Toro Zero Turn Mower 6. It shows how to check the switch and clutch wiring. Ethanol naturally attracts moisture from the air. After cleaning, you can now reassemble the carburetor. If the drive release lever and transmission bypass rod arent in the right position, it may cause the mower not to move. Follow these starting procedures for most common Toro mowers: Repair:Refer to yourToro operating manual to ensure you are operating your lawn mower correctly, so you dont set off the safety features that shut off your lawn mower or wont allow it to start. Take caution when working with the electrical system to avoid injuries and/or electrocution. Follow these if you have a little mechanical ability and are comfortable working with small parts. If these safety switches fail, your mower may not start. Rinse the filter until it runs clear. Watch on My Lawn Mower Won't Start Toro lawn mower won't start? Fuels containing ethanol levels of 15% and 85% are appearing at more gas stations, known as E15 and E85 fuel respectively. Solution:You can use a multimeter to test the ignition switch. When you made the arc with a screwdriver, did the engine crank? The tires must have equal pressures. A manual siphon pump works well to drain the tank. Check the owners manual, It wont move forward if the drive belt is worn or falls off, Replace the cracked or worn belt. Not sure what to try next. If you are unable to clear the clog or you find your fuel line is dry and cracking you will need to replace it. I have a Toro Timecutter with a Kohler 21 engine. Replace it if it is in a bad condition, Dirt and gas deposits can accumulate and block the fuel lines, causing the engine not to get the required gas, Clear the clog out the fuel line by using compressed air and carb cleaner, This may be caused by bad gas and ethanol deposits which prevents the flow of fuel, Clean all the parts that make up the carburetor or replace if needed, Internal problems including engine gasket, piston ring or valve train, Internal engine problems may cause serious effects if they are not quickly detected and fixed, Take the mower to a local small engine shop for fixing, Lack of oil may increase friction in the engine, causing extreme heat in the engine, Take the mower to a small engine repair shop to check for engine damage, Grass and dirt can block the air filter which prevents air flow, Take off the air filter and clean it or replace it if it is bad, Too much oil can cause pressure to build in the engine, enabling oil to gain access into the cylinder through the valve train, Drain a little engine oil until it meets manufacturers recommended oil level, If the tensioner pulley fails, it fails to keep the tension on the drive belt, Replace the pulley and grease the tensioner arm, Old or low hydraulic oil may not lubricate the hydraulic system, causing the hydraulic system to be weak, Check the hydraulic oil periodically to be sure that the hydraulic fluid is full.