Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): toro lawnmower, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
QUESTION: My Toro lawnmower is 2 years old. It starts good and runs fine for a while, but then it starts to sputter and then dies. It will start again after it sits for about ten minutes, but then it dies again. I have changed the spark plug, the oil and the air filter.

ANSWER: Hello Doug:

Operate the Mower as Usual. As Soon as the Mower Quits; Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 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: JOHN,
 The model # of the Toro mower are Engine Model LV195EA,
Spec 362003B.

Answer
Hello Again Doug:

If the Engine Starts and Runs for Less than 2 Minutes and then 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 Mower runs 10 to 20 Minutes before Quiting, then Operate the Mower Until it Quits. Now Immediately, Remove the Spark Plug and Wrap the Threaded Section of the Plug with Wire **BE CAREFULL!!! HOT PARTS**, then Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block. Now, 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 is Bad. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. 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