Toro Lawn Mower Not Starting After Winter? Full Troubleshooting

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Spring arrives, and you’re ready to get your yard back in shape—but your Toro lawn mower refuses to start after sitting all winter. Don’t worry: you’re not alone. Mowers of every brand (including Toro’s famous Recycler, Super Recycler, TimeMaster, and TimeCutter lines) commonly develop no-start issues after winter storage. The good news? Most causes are simple and can be fixed in minutes with basic tools. This comprehensive guide walks you through every likely reason your Toro mower won’t start after winter—and exactly how to get it running again.

Quick-Check: Why Won’t My Toro Mower Start After Winter?

  • Old, stale, or contaminated gasoline
  • Gummed-up or clogged carburetor
  • Fouled or corroded spark plug
  • Dead battery (for electric start or battery-powered models)
  • Clogged air filter
  • Blocked fuel line or dirty fuel filter
  • Primer bulb not working or cracked
  • Safety switches not engaged
  • Engine flooded after repeated start attempts
  • Mouse nests, debris, or stuck blade/engine from storage
  • Rodent damage to wiring (especially on electric or riding models)

1. Replace Old Gasoline

  • Gasoline left in the tank or carburetor over winter can go stale in as little as 30 days.
  • Drain old gas from the tank and carburetor bowl (if accessible). Use a siphon or baster for the tank.
  • Refill with fresh, clean, ethanol-free gas if possible. Add fuel stabilizer if you plan to store gas in the future.
  • If you notice water, rust, or sludge in the tank, clean it out thoroughly before refilling.

2. Clean or Rebuild the Carburetor

  • Gummed-up jets and stuck floats are a top cause of Toro mowers not starting after storage.
  • Spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake with the air filter off. Try to start. If it briefly runs and stalls, the carb is likely clogged.
  • Remove the carburetor bowl and clean jets, float, and needle with carburetor cleaner and compressed air.
  • For severe clogging, rebuild or replace the carburetor (kits are affordable and available for all Toro models).
  • Replace all gaskets and check for leaks before starting again.
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3. Inspect and Replace the Spark Plug

  • Remove the spark plug and check for black soot, rust, or damage.
  • Clean a lightly fouled plug with a wire brush, or replace it if it’s old or heavily fouled.
  • Set the gap to the correct spec (usually 0.028–0.030 inches for Toro engines).
  • Reinstall the plug and ensure the wire snaps on tightly.
  • If the plug is wet with gas, your engine may be flooded. See the section below for a fix.

4. Check and Replace the Air Filter

  • Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow and make starting nearly impossible—especially after a dusty winter storage.
  • Remove and inspect the air filter. Clean foam filters with soapy water, dry thoroughly, and oil lightly. Replace paper filters if dirty or discolored.
  • Try a quick start without the filter (just for testing). If the engine starts, replace the filter before mowing.

5. Test the Battery (For Electric Start & Battery-Powered Toro Mowers)

  • Charge the battery fully before the first start of the season.
  • Clean corroded terminals with a wire brush or baking soda solution.
  • If the battery is more than 3–4 years old or won’t hold a charge, replace it.
  • Test the starter solenoid and key switch on riding models for clicks or power delivery.

6. Check the Fuel Line and Filter

  • Rubber lines can crack, dry out, or collapse after sitting all winter.
  • Replace any line that’s brittle, cracked, or blocked. Replace the inline fuel filter if it looks dirty or flows slowly.
  • Ensure the fuel cap vent is clear—blocked vents cause vacuum in the tank and prevent fuel flow.
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7. Primer Bulb & Choke Settings

  • Press the primer bulb 2–3 times (if equipped) before starting. Replace the bulb if it’s cracked or doesn’t fill with fuel.
  • Set the choke to ON or START for cold starts, then move to OFF after the engine fires.

8. Reset Safety Switches & Controls

  • Ensure all safety features (handle bar, seat switch, blade control) are properly engaged.
  • Release and re-engage all controls to “wake up” safety switches that may stick after winter.
  • For riding mowers, check that the brake is fully engaged and PTO is off.

9. Engine Flooded? Here’s How to Fix It

  • If you smell strong gas or the plug is wet, the engine may be flooded from too many start attempts.
  • Remove the spark plug, let it air dry, and pull the starter cord several times to clear excess fuel from the cylinder.
  • Reinstall the plug and try starting again with no choke or priming.

10. Check for Mice, Debris, and Mechanical Jams

  • Over winter, rodents sometimes nest under shrouds or in the air filter area—remove engine covers and check for nests, chewed wires, or debris.
  • Check under the mower deck for stuck grass, sticks, or frozen clumps that could jam the blade.
  • Spin the blade by hand (with the spark plug wire disconnected)—it should turn freely.

Preventive Maintenance: Store Your Toro for Easy Spring Starts

  • Run the engine dry or add fuel stabilizer before winter storage
  • Change oil, clean carburetor, and replace air filter at end of season
  • Charge or disconnect batteries and store indoors
  • Clean under deck and around engine to deter pests
  • Store mower in a dry, sheltered location
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why won’t my Toro mower start after sitting all winter?

Most often, the problem is stale gas, a clogged carburetor, a fouled plug, or a dead battery. Follow the steps above for a quick fix.

How do I clean a Toro carburetor after storage?

Remove the carburetor, disassemble, and soak in carburetor cleaner. Clean jets and passages with compressed air, then reassemble with new gaskets.

Should I replace the spark plug every spring?

Yes—for the easiest starts and smooth running, replace or clean and gap your plug every season.

Can I use starting fluid after winter?

Yes, but only a quick spray in the carburetor. If it fires but won’t keep running, the carb is likely clogged.

What if my electric-start Toro won’t crank at all?

Check battery charge, terminals, and fuses. Replace batteries that are weak or won’t hold a charge.

Conclusion: Get Your Toro Mower Running After Winter Storage

A Toro lawn mower that won’t start after winter is usually suffering from stale fuel, carburetor gumming, or a simple maintenance issue. Most problems are quick fixes if you follow these steps. Prevent future headaches with a little off-season care, and your Toro will start reliably every spring—so you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful lawn all season long.

Ready to mow? Follow this guide and get your Toro mower running strong after winter!

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