QuestionI have a 1997 Toro Snowthrower model 38170, serial number 7909019 which has very rarely been used. The motor heated up for some reason the second time I used it, maybe the gas was old or, even of a bad mixture. But every time I start it now, it runs good and strong for a few minutes then the running gets real sparatic until the engine dies out and shuts off. Then I restart it no problem, then it does the same thing, again, and again. Do you have any idea what may be the problem. I would sure appreciate your help. My uncle bought the thrower new in 1997 and never even put gas in it. He just put it away until this year when he gave it to me.
AnswerHello Jim:
>>Sorry for the Delay. Snow and Ice have Hit Us hard and I have been Very Busy.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/default.cfm and Select Start Parts Viewer. Now Enter the Model Numbers (38170) and Click Search. Now Select View Assembly Drawings for your Year Model.
>>From the Breakdown I see that this is a 1997 Model Unit with a Tecumseh Model HSK600-1680S Engine.
>>Have you Used Regular Gas in this Unit?
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Inspecting a 2 Cycle Engine Run with Regular Gas and Not Fuel Mix. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>Remove the Spark Plug and Pour a Small Amount (approximately 1 oz) of Marvel Mystery Oil into the Cylinder and Allow it to Soak for a Few Hours.
>> With the Spark Plug Still Removed, Remove the Muffler and Inspect the Piston and Cylinder. Looking through the Exhaust Port, you can See a Side of the Piston and if the Piston will Move you can Move the Piston so you can Observe the Cylinder Wall.
>>If the Piston and Cylinder Wall are Deeply Scratched and Gouged, then Most likely this Engine is Trashed and will havre to be Replaced.
>>If the Piston and Cylinder Wall is Lightly Scratched and the Piston is Moving in the Cylinder without Catching, Binding or Grinding Noise, then Position the Pison so the Exhaust Port is Closed Off by the Piston.
>>Fill, the Cylinder with Marvel Mystery Oil, Install the Plug and Allow to Set Overnight.
>>The Next Day, Remove the Plug and Empty the Cylinder of Any Oil that is Left. This is Done by Simply Pulling the Recoil Starter Until there is No More Oil being Pushed out of the Spark Plug Hole. Blow Out the Cylinder with Compressed Air. Replace the Plug and with the Muffler Still Removed, Try to Start the Engine.
>>If the Engine Starts, then Let me Know How it is Running and I May be Able to Assist you in Getting it Running Correctly, Depending on How it is Running After the Marvel Mystery Oil Treatment.
>>Even if the Engine Does Start and Run, there May be a Power Loss or it May Not Run as Designed.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
