My turn to ask for help

[Rivets]

Toro 15 year old PowerClear snowblower. Model 38581 Serial 29004003. Briggs engine 084232-0121-E2.
Problem; will not start reliably, hot or cold. Seems to flood easily. When I get it started runs fine. No electric start so I need it to be reliable for an elderly couple. They can’t pull 20 times.
What I’ve done so far;
Checked cylinder, looks good with good compression.
Replaced spark plug, getting good spark.
Removed carb (twice) cleaned and float level good. Pressure tested float needle, holds 9 lbs for 15 minutes.
Checked flywheel key, good condition.

Tomorrow I’m going to see if I can lower the float level, but it is a plastic float, so I could ruin it. Picked up a new one Justin case. Anyone have any recommendations as to where I go next? Thank you in advance, Rivets

 

[ILENGINE]

First thought was to see about a leakdown test, but then looked up the model number and found it is a 2 stroker. So I am thinking either crankcase or crankshaft seals leaking.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Toro 15 year old PowerClear snowblower. Model 38581 Serial 29004003. Briggs engine 084232-0121-E2.
Problem; will not start reliably, hot or cold. Seems to flood easily. When I get it started runs fine. No electric start so I need it to be reliable for an elderly couple. They can’t pull 20 times.
What I’ve done so far;
Checked cylinder, looks good with good compression.
Replaced spark plug, getting good spark.
Removed carb (twice) cleaned and float level good. Pressure tested float needle, holds 9 lbs for 15 minutes.
Checked flywheel key, good condition.

Tomorrow I’m going to see if I can lower the float level, but it is a plastic float, so I could ruin it. Picked up a new one Justin case. Anyone have any recommendations as to where I go next? Thank you in advance, Rivets

Hi Rivets,

According to the engine numbers this is a two stroke and an "odd bird". I think they were a collaboration build with Komatsu back then.

I recommend you remove the muffler and see if it is heavy from coking up. I see that quite a bit on many two stroke engines, especially if people mix their own fuel. A good burning out with a torch heating it up will clear them out. Get it red hot.

As the rule goes: "If air cannot get out, air cannot get in".

Yes, it will pass a compression test because the tester is taking up the excess volume that cannot be expelled.

Hope this helps you.