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I have a Toro lawn mower that I am trying desperately hard to fix. It will crank but won't run. At first it would crank and run a couple of minutes. Now it only runs a couple of seconds. I'm a single chick and I can't afford to take it anywhere. I have tried everything I've been able to find online.
Here are are the things that I've tried. I've replaced the fuel and cleaned the carburetor. I've changed the oil, new air filter, new primer bulb, new spark plug and checked the fly wheel key. I have also sanded the rust from the contacts on the fly wheel.
If anyone else has a suggestion I'd appreciate you sharing it.

You have to have fuel, spark, compression and timing. Due to the fact that it starts and runs for a few seconds makes me believe you have the last three. I think it is a fuel problem. Put a little gas on the air filter and see if it runs longer. Even after cleaning the carb I have had the float stick and the main jet clog. I fuel in the filter helps
1. take the carb bowl off and gas should run out. If it doesn't the float valve is stuck
2. the main jet is in the bolt that holds the bowl on. Look at the top of the bolt it has a small hole in it this is the jet. gas flows in through the large holes at the head of the bolt and out to the engine through the small one on top. You should be able to blow through the bolt. A little gas taste won't kill you.
3. I have a 6.5 Briggs And Stratton engine on my mower and these two things are usually the problem
4. By the way the bolt at the bottom is a brass bolt.

Let us know how it turns out.

I took the bowl off for the second time today by removing the bolt at the bottom and yes gas ran out. I also stuck a needle in the holes of the brass bolt to make sure they were clear. The air filter is paper? Should I just pour gas on it?

Yes!! just put a couple of table spoons full on it. A lot of it will dry out before you get the filter back on and try to crank it.

Did you see the hole in the top of the bolt? I use a very small sewing needle to clean it.

Do you mean directly on the top? Or on the top of the threaded part close to the head of the bolt?

Directly on top of the threads. the other end from where the 1/2" wrench goes

Did the gas on the filter make it run a little longer?

Its been raining cats and dogs since last night. I'll let you know when I can try it.

Can't get it to start at all today.

spsu00,

Below is a link to rebuilding a 6.5 quantum carb. video. Maybe it will explain the things I am trying to. Did putting gas on the air filter help. A lot of people on this site use starting fluid instead of gas but you have to go to the auto parts a buy some. I comes in a aerosol spray can. It is easier to use. check out the video and let us know.

‪Briggs and Stratton Quantum- fuel system problems‬‏ - YouTube

I am having the exact same problem with 2 of these exact same Toro motors. I am also a single gal with no money to have it repaired. I have taken them completley apart, cleaned everything, replaced gaskets and they either won't start or will start and run for less than 2 seconds. I just tried the gas on the air filter and it ran for longer. this video isn't helping because I have a Toro and I need to see how to work on my engine. I'm not an expert at small engine repair.

Sounds like the Carburator needs cleaning/replacement.

Here is a link to cleaning the carb on a Toro 6.5 walk behind. Hope it helps. Let us know how it works out.

‪Carburetor Cleaning & TUNE-UP of Toro 6.5HP Lawnmower with Tecumseh Engine‬‏ - YouTube

I cleaned the carb and got it running again. Got the front yard cut and had to remove the air filter to get it started to cut the back. I think the carb def needs to be rebuilt (in both of the identical mowers) but I'm a single mom trying to do it all so hoping I can keep it running until winter and then learn how to rebuild it. Thanks for the tips!

have you pulled the bowl off and then then the float with its needle?....how did it look?....pictures help alot:thumbsup:

I did and it looked ok but I had to replace the gasket. The bowl was a little corroded so I switched it for the one on my other non-functioning Toro that was shiny and new looking. The float was a little stained but the pin looked good. No damage to either. I am going to rebuild the carb this winter because I think it will help (and to prove to myself I can), but for now just cleaning it really well got it running.

when you rebuilt it...did you soak the carb overnight in carb cleaner?....it makes a huge..huge difference from just blasting it out....the pin i wouldnt worry about...just the needle as pictured:smile:

When it runs, does it "gallop" - RPMs going up and down even when there is no load? That's usually an indication that the low-speed jet in the carb is partially clogged. That can be tricky to fix. Agree with the recommendation to soak in carb cleaner overnight, then blow out with air.

Sometimes nothing you can do will work - the clog is in a part of the carb that you just can't get at - and it's just time to replace the carb. Which is a lot easier to do than a rebuild, and only a little more expensive, so you might consider just getting a replacement instead of fighting this one.

Hey!! you are doing great. Thats what LMF is all about, helping people do things they never believed they could. I'm sure whenever you get to it you can rebuild the carb.:smile::smile: