QuestionQUESTION: I have a GTS 5.5hp Toro Super Recycler Lawnmower, Model:20461(1996)(M#:128802,Type:0615-01,C:96030158)Briggs and Stratton Engine. I have recently been experiencing starting problems. Last week it started fine,I used the mower for about 15 minutes...turned it off, went to the backyard to cut the lawn and it would not start. I waited 15 minutes and then it started fine. I replaced the plug, cleaned the air filter, emptied the gas tank and put fresh premium gas. Same problem, it starts fine for 3 seconds then stalls. Checked gas supply to carb..o.k, primes fine...checked spark at plug..o.K...cleaned all connections at ignition module/armature ...carb looks so clean it looks new. Could it be an intermittent ignition module? When it runs, it runs well, I don't think it is a carb problem. Today I was able to run it for 15 mintues, but could not start it again after I turned it off. Do you have any troubleshooting manuals?
Any help would be great.
Thanks in advance,
John G.
ANSWER: Hello John:
From your Description, it Sounds like the Ign Module/Coil/Armature-Magneto is Bad. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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. To Check the Armature-Magneto: Operate the Engine as you Usually do. When the Engine Fails to Restart, then Remove the Spark Plug and Wrap the Threaded Section of the Plug with Wire, then Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block. Now Turn the Engine and Check for the Plug to Fire. If the Plug is Not Firing, then Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire at the Shut Off Switch. Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Cut Off Wire from the Coil (removal of the blower housing required) and Check for Fire. Turning the Engine By Hand (giving a Quick Twist with the Wrist) is Enough to Make the Coil Fire the Plug. If Still No Fire, then the Coil/Ign Module/Armature-Magneto is Bad. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi, John.
Yesterday I tried to start the mower with no luck. The plug is new and gapped properly. I removed the spark plug and wrapped the threaded section of the plug with a wire, then attached the other end of the wire to the engine block. I tested for spark and there was a spark at the plug. Should the spark be blue ? Yellow? Or just as long as it sparks? I am stumped. I double checked the carb and the fuel passage to the cyclinder....all O.K. Please help ?
AnswerHello Again John:
You May have 2 Problems at the Same Time Here. As Long as the Plug is Firing, the Coil/Ign Module/Igniter is Usually Good. A Coil/Ign Module/Igniter can Fire Good when Cool and Stop Firing when Hot. Lets Do a Diagnostic Check or 2. You have Fire at the Plug. Next, Pour a Small Amount of Gas (1oz) Into the Carburetor Throat while Holding the Throttle at Full. Still Holding the Throttle at Full, Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then 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, Float Pin, Float 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. If the Engine Does Not Respond to the Gas Directly Into the Carburetor Throat, then Check Flywheel Key. If the Key is Damaged the Plug will Fire Out of Time with the Piston on the Power (compression) Stroke and the Engine will Not Start or Run. If you Clean the Carburetor and the Engine Starts and Operates Properly for 15 to 20 Minutes and Then Will Not Restart, Check for Plug Fire Right Then. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
