I have a toro lawnmower that I am ready to take out in to the woods and shoot.

it has a Tecumseh motor with a float type carb. It will start after heavy coaxing and playing with the throttle (dead man lever has been tied down and blades removed while troubleshooting).

Once the motor is semi-idling I can either continue to work the throttle to keep it running or hold in the red priming button. I dont need to pump the button, just hold it in.

I took the carb apart soaked everything in carb cleaner overnight and put it back together with new gaskets (but no new primer button, none in stock locally) I rigged a plastic bag around the button to see if ther was any vacuum leaks, but it didnt help anything.

Same scenario, no idle. However now if I work the throttle over to the high end, the engine will run away on me. I dont know how long it will stay at full throttle, I just work it back to a "normal" idle where it will run for a few seconds and die.

the bolt on the bottom has three holes, two at the bottom corsswiase with the center one making the connection, and the third diagonally through the bolt. all these ports are open and clean.

I cleaned off the rust from the magneto contacts, and I have no idea where else to go besides spending $300 for a new mower.


any suggestions?

If you do have the carburator clean I would change the needle and seat, if you were to remove the carb. hold it as if it was on the mower with the fuel bowl off, push the float up enough to make it contact the seat, hold it for a second or two and release it slowly, if you hear the clik sound and then the float drops that is you fuel problem, next you need to set the govenor, sure that is why it is running wild, if it does not set will have to remove the engine and re set it, if I remember right, engine not running, full throttle, loosen gov. arm at the engine and turn it to the left, sure someone here will help or correct my mistake about the setting, Light Mechanic

Model and spec number from your engine would be helpful or at least the model number of your Toro.

I Like To Know Did You Put The Bland Back On If Not It Going To Run Right

I Like To Know Did You Put The Bland Back On If Not It Going To Run Right
hes right, they are made to run with the blade on, not off

also, did you replace the 2 o-rings on the pick-up tube? (thats if it is the carb I'm talking about)

Remove the the engine shroud then flywheel bolt and starter cup, you should now see the engine shaft and a key which fits into the flywheel.. That key should be straight and in good condition, if it is bent or cracked it will retard timing and cause the engine to run bad. Another thought is it may be a good idea to buy a carburetor rebuild kit and replace your primer bulb as it sounds like u have a leak in it.

if it is bent or cracked it will retard timing and cause the engine to run bad.
If the key is sheared, it will advance the timing, thats why an engine with a sheared key will jerk the rope from your hand (so will an engine with no blade).

The numbers off your engine or mower would still be a help with your issue.