Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): snowblower, engine runs high & stalls

Question
just inherited a Toro 421 snowblower, and it will not stay running, idle is at high right now, i move the choke and it smoothes out and then stalls out. carb was serviced last year before storage, maybe gas air mixture problem??? I don't know much about these, any help would be appreciated, before i just send it in for service. Thanks

Answer
Hello Kirk,

Well I own two Toro blowers. I've experience where this is concerned.

1. Check that the fuel cap vent is not clogged.  

2. Check for a dirty air filter or carburetor, (I realize you stated that the carb was serviced last fall).

3. Check that the carb is not improperly adjusted.  (they possibly didn't set the carb properly when they serviced it.) It has happened to me before.

4.  Check the Governor.  Make sure it isn't sticking or is not set to the wrong RPM, OR BINDING.

5.  Check the spark plugs.  Make sure the gaps are set right.  Not having any intermittent sparking.

These would be the first checks I would perform before attending the shop.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Howard