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Newbie here, trying to get this Toro S200 snowthrower to start. I know nothing about 2-stroke engines. Would not start (no spark or engine action) when I pulled the rope, so I changed the spark plug, squirting a little fuel mix into the hole before installing the spark plug. Pulled the rope and no action. I noticed that the starter drive gear was chipped and brittle. It was not engaged with the larger gear that spins when you pull the rope, so I pushed it until it engaged and then tried pulling the rope a few times. On one of my tries the engine revved, but quickly died.

Through all that, the starter drive gear broke (it was only a matter of time). I thought I would order a new one, but have a question: should that starter drive gear be engaged with the larger gear that spins when you pull the rope (don't know what it's called) when I pull the rope to start the engine? If so, what moves that starter drive gear laterally, because I had to move it manually to engage the larger gear?

Thanks for any help. Todd

Sorry to say this but the starter has nothing to do with the running of the engine. You need spark, fuel, compression, and timing. All the starter dose is spin the engine over to start the engine just a lot easier then the rope. Seeing the engine did run a few seconds I would start with the fuel part of it.

So you are saying that the starter drive gear that broke does not have anything to do with starting the engine if I am using the pull cord to start? It only comes into play if I use the automatic start? Thanks.

southofmotown said:

So you are saying that the starter drive gear that broke does not have anything to do with starting the engine if I am using the pull cord to start? It only comes into play if I use the automatic start? Thanks.

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Yes that is what I am saying. Just from what you are saying I would make a guess you have a fuel problem. Are you getting fuel to the carburetor, if so you might check the needle valve inside the carburetor. I don't know your mechanical skills, but you might what to bring it to a repair shop if that isn't your thing. :thumbsup:

http://gicl.cs.drexel.edu/images/0/02/Service_manual.pdf Absolutely yes, pinion gear on starter should engage flywheel. See troubleshooting section in manual, let us know how it goes, thanks.

reynoldston said:

Yes that is what I am saying. Just from what you are saying I would make a guess you have a fuel problem. Are you getting fuel to the carburetor, if so you might check the needle valve inside the carburetor. I don't know your mechanical skills, but you might what to bring it to a repair shop if that isn't your thing. :thumbsup:

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Okay that helps b/c now I know that I don't need that starter gear if I'm using the pull cord to start it. The carburetor was my next step. What will the needle valve inside the carburetor tell me? What will I be looking for? I don't consider myself mechanical, but I have to start somewhere. I like learning about this stuff b/c it is very helpful to know a little about small engines. Thank you.

Mechanic Mark sent you a very nice service manual. I see it also has a carburetor section in it. That service manual should give you all the information you need to get it running. Very important only do one thing at a time when trouble shooting. Good luck

mechanic mark said:

http://gicl.cs.drexel.edu/images/0/02/Service_manual.pdf Absolutely yes, pinion gear on starter should engage flywheel. See troubleshooting section in manual, let us know how it goes, thanks.

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Great. Thanks a lot. Very helpful material.