Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro 20017 Personal Pace Recycler mower, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
Hello, MR. Bridgers. I have a Toro 20017 Recycler mower that just past 2 yrs old. I have 2 problems I am hoping you can help me with. #1 It doesn't start right away, I push in the prime bulb as recommended and I need to do that several times before it starts, so hard starting is my #1 problem. #2, the mower will actually quite running and act as if its out of gas and when I open the cap to put in more fuel it still has fuel in it, I would guess and say about 1/8th tank. I have changed my plug already, Oil and keep it very clean. The air filter looks very clean. Any advice you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Steve

Answer
Hello Steve:

How is the Unit Stored for the Off Season? From your Description it Sounds like; 1- The Hard to Start Problem is Caused by:  A- the Carburetor is Dirty and Requires Cleaning.  **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.**  2- The Acts like Running out of Gas is Caused by: A- the Gas Tank Cap is Not Venting the Tank Properly. B-  The Ign Module/Coil is Heating Up and Shorting Out which Causes the Plug to Stop Firing. 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