I have a Toro rider mower, I have rebuilt the engine but I cannot get it to idle, with the linkage disconnected I can get it to start and run at high speed but it dies on idle. I suspect the carburetor is junk. I bought a carb rebuild kit but that did no good, just some washers and gaskets, I still have a leak at the bowel somewhere. I think I need a new carburetor, is there a recommended source where this might be purchased; the supply houses around here want to sell you a new mower instead of parts.

first off, was the carb's throttle adjusted right? then did you soak the carb and blow it out with cleaner? then rebuild. also make sure the bowl is on tight, and the gasket is seated in right.

Maybe a dumb question, but did you do the valves when you rebuilt the engine? I have seen low compression due to a leaky exhaust valve give the same symptoms.

Sorry for the stupidity but how and what does one soak the carburator in? Like, what kind of fluid? I know to spray it out with carb cleaner but what does it need to be soaked in?

same thing, carb cleaner......a cleaner safe bowl, like a extremely clean metal can, can do, and fully submerge it in the cleaner right out of the can. then keep a half a can or so to doubly sure every hole is blown out. one place i've found some cheap carb cleaner, made by snap.....dollar general. they are getting some good stuff in their tiny automotive sections now. even the mystery marvel oil is cheaper.

ive always had luck soaking them in kerosene. i usually let them sit at least overnight if not longer then i use spray carb cleaner and air to finish it off.

I usually soak the carb in gas over night and then blow it out with the air compressor, but once in awhile i'll get a really gumbed up carb and I will have to boil it in a cleaner, you can get it at any automotive shop.

hope that helps

paxfam

This sounds stupid, but the best thing I've found to clean gummed up carbs is an ultrasonic jewlrey cleaner. Just fill it up with hot water, add a shot of Greased Lightning or similar degreaser, drop the carb in, and turn it on. You can sit there and watch all the crud melt off the carb. After it is cleaned, spray it down good with carb cleaner and you'll be good to go.

Thanks for the responses. I found the problem. I had the wrong main jet assembly in the carb. They looked the same but one has a smaller hole in it. I installed it and now it runs like a champ.