New Toro Start Problem

[slomo]

Engine model number is 125P05-0065-F1

As others stated, check for proper choke operation.

 

[sgkent]

I vote to call HD, we had a toro weedwacker that died in warranty. The paper work said take it to a Toro warranty station. I called around and no one wanted to help me. I called HD and said what do I do. They said our store at XYZ has a rental service that does warranty evaluations. Took it to them, they said go get another one, we'll send this one back., Problem solved.

 

[Rivets]

I just reread this entire thread twice and see a lot of confusing info on what the OP should do, by those who have different units with different carbs. This doesn’t help the OP resolve his problem. Now that we finally know which engine and carb he has, I would recommend the following. Seeing that the unit was purchased online, through a Big Box store website, I would contact their brick and mortar store with all information of how you have try to resolve the problem. Make sure you have all paper work with you, DOP, unit model and serial numbers, engine numbers, repair work order. If they refuse to work with you, you will have to contact corporate through the website. I understand that this is going to take you some work and time to resolve, which again supports my ongoing recommendation to always buy from a dealership.
That all said, I’ve got a problem with the dealer you took it to for service. According to the model number this engine does have a choke, so the tech you spoke to is any idiot and is blowing you off. Second, if it was a bad fuel problem they should have saved some of the fuel to show you what they found. I’ve worked at dealerships since the early 80’s and these type of fools give all dealerships a bad rap. I will agree that these plastic carbs can be a real pain in the butt, especially for inexperienced techs, which is why I see many of them blaming the problem on bad fuel.

 

[slomo]

Most busy mower shops don't want to mess with tiny push mower engines. They get slash make more money on 0-turn tanks. That E-10 and stale fuel comment is a total blow off. Most all engine manuals say okay on E-10 and lower alky gas.

Find a small shop where one guys works there. We have a really good one here in my town. If home cheapo can't help you that is.

 

[Rivets]

Slomo, i don’t know what kind of gas you have there, but E-10 fuel starts to gum up carbs here after 30 days of non use. It’s ok if you are constantly changing over, but not for unit which will be in storage over an extended period.

 

[slomo]

Slomo, i don’t know what kind of gas you have there, but E-10 fuel starts to gum up carbs here after 30 days of non use. It’s ok if you are constantly changing over, but not for unit which will be in storage over an extended period.

Don't worry, I stay away from E-10 like a bad haircut.

Looks like you have an extra 0 after your number 3. More like 3 days LOL.

 

[Woody71]

I had this problem surface on my Toro recycler 20378. After some research I determined it had to do with the choke. Removed the engine cowling and re-asjusted the choke arm (must have gotten bound open by my snagging a low tree branch) and it's been working like new, starting on the 1st pull. The Kohler engine has a somewhat wonky choke system.

 

[jb29204]

Update 7-15-2022 It finally dawned on me the problem could be the the additive I have used in previous mowers and continued to use in my new mower. I have always used Stabil storage additive with no problems. But, apparently my new mower doesn't like it. I always use freshly open Stabil as directed and discard any not used in 1 year. After I drained the tank and added 87 octane with no additive it has cranked on the 1st or 2nd pull every time. Thanks to everyone providing feedback. No more additives. I will keep less gas on hand and pour any left over into my truck after 2 months. Would it be recommended to run the mower tank empty when it will not be used for 2-3 months ?

 

[Rivets]

Thank you for the update and glad to hear the problem has been resolved. I was a big promoter of Stabil until about 12 years ago. Found the same results as you did and now I don’t recommend it for an small engine. Yes, I would run it dry for any extended storage. After you run it dry, make sure you store it vertically, so the jets are not submerged in fuel during storage.

 

[slomo]

I've had nothing but good luck using Sta-bil. Keep mine in the house instead of out in the 120 plus or -0 weather garage. Has a shelf life of 2 years I think it was. Always shake the jug prior to using.

Used to drain trimmers, blowers and mowers for winter. Found fuel lines got dry and hard, had to replace all the time. Sta-bil stopped all that for me. Starts on 1-2 pulls next season.