Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro S200 snow thrower - start problem, snow thrower, carburetor

Question
Toro S200 Mod 38130 Ser 0539659 --At the beginning of the season it would not start. Would attempt to fire one or two revs and also backfired once.  I bought a carb kit, soaked the carb in carb cleaner for an hour or so, installed the carb kit (did not remove welch plugs) reassembled and it started with two pulls.  I cleared two driveways and it ran perfectly.  Two weeks later when I attempted to use it again, would not start and acted exactly the same as it did before carb job.  Sound like some dirt still in the carb and maybe I need to re-clean the carb but remove the welch plugs this time before the re-clean?  If so do you need special tools for removal/replacement of the plugs?  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Chuck:

When I First Started Repairing Small Engines I Would Clean the Carburetor the Way you Did yours. I would Disassemble the Carburetor and then Soak it for a Couple of Hours and then Blow it Out and then Assemble it. It took me about 2 Years to Realize I was having a Lot of Carburetor Returns within a Few Months of Cleaning. An Older Mechanic Explained to me the Reason for this and Suggested I Soak the Carburetor Longer. Small Engines are Used Once a Week or Less and the Gas Setting in the Carburetor Forms a Varnish Film in the Passages of the Carburetor that Build up and Restrict the Gas Flow through the Carburetor Passages. This Varnish is Built Up in Layers. It Takes the Long Period of Soaking for the Cleaner to Completely Dissolve this Varnish. To Properly Clean a Small Engine Carburetor you have to Soak the Carburetor Overnight (at least 8 hours). Here is the Instruction File I Send to Questioners that need to Clean the Carburetor on their Equipment.  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** 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. Now Select View Assembly Drawings. If you Hit a Snag 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John