New Toro Start Problem

[jb29204]

I recently bought 21 in. Super Recycler Personal Pace SmartStow 190 cc Briggs with Electric Start Walk Behind Mower. I use the pull cord for starting. Using ethanol free gas. It has never started on 1st or 2nd pull. Always 6 to 12 pulls to get it started. After initial startup, it will start on 1st pull. Is there a fix I can handle or should I return to Toro for service? Is this a common problem for new Toro mowers? It has less than 4 hours run time.

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]

If it is still in warranty I recommend that you have it repaired by your dealer.

 

[ken2]

Sounds like the choke isn't working.

 

[sgkent]

I've found on my toro that if I pull the cord slowly it will come out to a certain point and get resistance. If I don't feel that resistance I let the cord back in and try again. When I feel that resistance I pull hard and it starts the first pull each time. Before that it used to take me more pulls. I hit the primer bulb on mine 4 to 5 times. Having a full tank helps on mine.

 

[rebelyell]

I've got a Toro 22" electric start personal pace recycler, etc. all the things... and it has the same behavior. Initial startup after sitting a few days takes a min for the starter and several pulls. I always figured it was because there's no way to manually prime it.

 

[upupandaway]

If it is still in warranty I recommend that you have it repaired by your dealer.

I would do some troubleshooting before he takes it in only to be told a "dirty carb" is not covered by warranty.

-look at carb opening. Being cold, is the choke closed? Does the choke connect to a lever that connects to something else(like auto choke or thermal choke) If open when cold, then u have something they should repair.
-if closed, spray a little starting fluid\pour in a spoon of gas into the carb. Does it start? If Y, then need clean carb. They likely wouldn't cover that under warranty.

 

[Rivets]

With 4 hours use it shouldn’t have a dirty carb. One trick I’ve found on these engines is to slowly pull the rope start out two times, then go to electric start. That being said, unless it was bought at a big box store, I would have your dealer check it out. A good tech can resolve this problem very quickly.

 

[ILENGINE]

I wish the location information was included as part of the avatar on the side so we know where they are posting from. So many of these newer engines can be affected by temperature when starting.

 

[Rivets]

Totally agree, but that would mean the OP would have to open their profile. Too many think it’s better no one can see them. It’s like telling them to post model and serial numbers, too hard for many to do, even after you ask for them.

 

[jb29204]

With 4 hours use it shouldn’t have a dirty carb. One trick I’ve found on these engines is to slowly pull the rope start out two times, then go to electric start. That being said, unless it was bought at a big box store, I would have your dealer check it out. A good tech can resolve this problem very quickly.

It was bought online from Home Depot. Will call Toro to see what they suggest. There is a authorized Toro repair shop near me.