How To Clean The Carburetor On A 6.5 Toro Lawn Mower

After storing your Toro lawn mower all winter, there is a good chance that the carburetor is gummed up with old gas. Cleaning the carburetor is much easier than it sounds. Once you clean your Toro carburetor, clean gas can easily flow into the carb and be injected into your engine so it can run smoothly. Cleaning the carburetor yourself will save you the $50 or more (2010 prices) a mechanic would charge.

Step 1

Locate the gas line running from under your Toro gas tank to the side of the carburetor.

Step 2

Squeeze the clamp holding the gas line to the side of the carburetor. Slide the clamp down the gas line several inches. Pull the hose off, and direct the gas line into the bucket to catch any excess gas.

Step 3

Spray carb cleaner into the side gas entry hole of the carburetor for 10 seconds. Replace the hose, and clamp it in place.

Step 4

Unscrew the fuel bowl from the base of the carburetor with the screwdriver. Dump any gas in it into the bucket. Spray carb cleaner into the fuel bowl and on the float contained in the fuel bowl.

Step 5

Screw the fuel bowl back in place. Fill the mower with new gas.

Remove the spark plug from the spark wire and set it aside. The types of bolts will vary depending on the model. Mark each linkage with a piece of tape and a number so you can remember where to reattach them later. Pull the carburetor from the mower. Place a wrench on the bolt on top of the carburetor and remove the bolt. Pull up the cup that the bolt was holding, and then pull the pin that latches the pieces together. Spray carburetor cleaner down the hole you exposed. Clean the external parts of the carburetor with a dry rag and the carburetor cleaner to remove grime and fuel. Replace the muffler and gas tank. Remove the oil dipstick, place the cover back on the mower and then replace the oil dipstick. Screw the cover back on the Toro.