Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tuning Toro 724, vw bug, snow thrower

Question
I've got a Toro 724 Snow Thrower, hardly used since it was professionally tuned in 2001. It starts, but I can't get the engine to run with the choke off, and after 15-30 minutes it begins to labor and run poorly.

I'm no small engine expert (I used to fiddle with the carb on my '66 VW Bug), but I'd like to know how to tune this myself. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Andy

Answer
Hi Andy,

You could try adjusting the jets but the carb most likely has dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.  You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.  A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael