If you're troubleshooting or performing routine maintenance on your Toro lawn mower, you probably have questions about where the air filter, carburetor, and spark plug are. We did the leg work and researched this to provide you with an answer.
The lawn mower's air filter, carburetor, and spark plug sit beside each other. The air filter can be found close to the upper part of the engine. Depending on the mower model, it has either a metal or plastic covering.
The carburetor is located at the bottom of the engine. It is connected to the gas tank and is usually found just below or behind the air filter. Lastly, the spark plug can be located at the front of the mower, under the engine, and beside the oil tank.
Knowing and familiarizing yourself with the location of the vital parts of your lawn mower will help you do proper care and maintenance. Continue reading as we go through the details and give you instructions on how to replace them properly. In this post, we will also answer some closely related questions.
Location of the Air Filter
The air filter is an integral part of a lawn mower because they prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine. You can find the air filter of a Toro lawn mower close to the upper part of the engine. You must remove or open the metal or plastic hood to reveal the filter.
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Location of the Carburetor
Another vital part of a lawn mower and any other machine is the carburetor. This part ensures that the fuel and air have the correct combination before entering the engine cylinder.
The carburetor is a part of the engine and can be found at the bottom or under the engine. They are also usually located just below or behind the air filter. You must remove the air filter assembly and engine blower cover to see this.
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Location of the Spark Plug
The spark plug is responsible for starting your mower. Knowing where it can be found on your mower is important in case it fails and needs replacement.
The spark plug is bolted in front of the lawn mower. It is usually under the engine and the air filter and sits beside the oil tank.
Click here to see this lawn mower spark plug on Amazon
How To Clean Or Change Air Filter On A Toro Lawn Mower
A well-maintained lawn mower will make the machine more efficient. One of the vital parts of a mower that needs attention is its air filter. This part filters dirt and other debris and blocks them from entering the engine.
Here are some steps on how you can clean or change the air filter on your Toro lawn mower:
- Before proceeding with the process, you must ensure that the engine is turned off. Disengage the blade control switch for your safety.
- Let the engine cool down before touching or opening any parts. Wipe off any grass, dust, or debris from the engine area.
- Open the metal or plastic cover or hood depending on the lawn mower model.
- Some models have hose clamps that hold the filter. In this case, you will need to loosen the hose clamps before removing the air filter.
- You can gently tap the paper air filter to loosen some dirt. Remove the foam filter and clean it using warm soapy water. However, if the paper and foam filters are worn out, you will need to replace them.
- Clean the area where you will need to reinstall the filter before doing so if you plan to replace it.
- Connect the filter replacement to the hose, tighten its clamp, and close the hood.
Here's a video on how to change a Toro lawn mower air filter:
How To Check The Carburetor On A Toro Lawn Mower?
The carburetor is responsible for making the engine run by mixing the fuel with air. If you find your lawn mower suddenly not starting, then you need to check on the carburetor because it can be one of the culprits in this situation.
Here are the steps on how you can check on your lawn mower carburetor:
- Start by turning off and cooling down the engine.
- Once the engine is cooled down, you can remove the air filter cover or hood. Carefully remove the springs from the carburetor, ensuring that it will not rip the gasket.
- Remove the carburetor bowl located at the bottom part of the carburetor assembly. Prepare a rag at the bottom since there might be some fuel that may leave the bowl.
- Unscrew both bolts to remove the bowl from the assembly.
- Check the bowl for crusty build-ups, gummy varnish, or corroded particles. Remove if there are any because they can clog the carburetor jets. You can use carburetor cleaner to clean it.
- If it is impossible to remove the build-ups using cleaners, then a replacement is needed.
- Reinstall the carburetor back in a reverse way to how you removed it.
Click here to see this carburetor cleaner tool set on Amazon
Here's a video on how to check if your Toro lawn mower carburetor is fouled:
How To Replace The Spark Plug On A Toro Lawn Mower?
Lawnmowers are not exempted from malfunctions. Different reasons can cause this issue. One of these can be your lawn mower's spark plug.
Here's how you can replace a Toro lawn mower's spark plug to keep your mower operating efficiently:
- The first step is to remove the wire from the spark plug by pulling the rubber boot. Check the condition of the wire.
- Next is to remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench. This will help protect the spark plug's porcelain insulator because the wrench has rubber cushioning inside.
- You will know if your spark plug needs replacement if the end of the spark plug is black or wet. If it is light gray or tan, then it is still working.
- If replacement is needed, you must ensure that the replacement plug is the same size as the old one. You can also check its porcelain cover and the mower's manual for reference on size and type.
- Check the gap for the spark plug's center electrode and firing electrode to ensure that a proper spark will occur. Some spark plugs are pre-gapped, but you need to check on this using a gap tool.
- Insert the new spark plug back where you removed the old one and use your hand to screw it. Tighten the spark plug using the wrench, but be mindful not to overtighten it.
- Finally, reattach the spark plug wire.
Click here to see this spark plug wrench on Amazon
Here's a video on how to replace a Toro lawn mower's spark plug:
Can You Clean A Lawn Mower Without Removing The Carburetor?
Cleaning your carburetor is important because the dirt build-up inside can cause the carburetor to clog fuel and air passages. If this happens, the lawn mower may not function properly.
When you clean your lawn mower carburetor, you usually remove the carburetor assembly and the carburetor bowl to check and clean it. However, there is another way to clean it without removing your carburetor. You can use a carburetor choke cleaner that comes in a spray can and can be used for internal and external parts.
Click here to see this carburetor choke cleaner on Amazon
Wrapping Things Up
Your Toro lawn mower requires regular maintenance for it to function efficiently. Maintenance includes checking on your air filter, carburetor, and spark plug. Take note of the above locations for easier access when cleaning and checking on them.
Check if these components need to be replaced. Follow the instructions above for checking and replacing the air filter, carburetor, and spark plug.
If you find this article helpful, be sure to check out these other articles that may be helpful to you:
Toro Lawn Mower Smoking – Why And What To Do?
How To Start A Toro Lawn Mower With A Choke [Step By Step Guide]