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allenm


Joined: Dec 29, 2010
Points: 8

Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Original Message   Jan 19, 2011 2:07 pm
Toro will have a recall this summer (2011) for Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589).  The following problem affects models made in 2009, 2010, and 2011.  Toro has learned that Ethanol (used in all gas), is deteriorating aluminum parts within the carburetor.  These deteriorating parts break off inside the carburetor creating small fragments then clog areas inside the machine (ie. fuel line).  Gas will leak out of the snow blower into (ie. your garage).  The end result (gas leak) is similar to what happened on the Toro 180 power clear, but the problem is NOT the same.  Toro is aware of the problem and said they are working on a fix to be released this summer (2011) on the Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589) snow blowers. 
 
If anyone is having a gas leak now, the current fix is only temporary.
This message was modified Jan 19, 2011 by allenm
Replies: 46 - 55 of 75Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #46   Jan 31, 2011 9:25 pm
If you put the machine on it's bucket to do the work, won't  that little bit of fuel settle into a corner of the tank away from the fuel outlet? 
CharlesW


Joined: Jan 9, 2011
Points: 76

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #47   Jan 31, 2011 10:17 pm
borat wrote:
If you put the machine on it's bucket to do the work, won't  that little bit of fuel settle into a corner of the tank away from the fuel outlet? 
I had mine tipped up quite a ways, not quite to the balance point, but close and fuel still came out of the line.
I didn't fill the tank after my last use since (1) I didn't want to have a lot in it if I had the leaking problem, (2) I planned on doing the shut-off valve installation.
I just cut the line with side cutters where I wanted to put the valve then put the line into a bottle and let the gas drain into the bottle.
Even with my bad eye/hand coordination, I doubt that I spilled an ounce.
I used a quart bottle and probably drained out less than a pint.
I think the tank only holds a little over a quart so unless you just filled the tank, a quart bottle should be plenty big enough to hold what you drain out..
This message was modified Jan 31, 2011 by CharlesW
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #48   Jan 31, 2011 10:31 pm
It's done.  Just installed the shut off valve.

Since I only have two ounces of fuel in the tank, I drained through the carb bowl.  Used a pair of utility shears to cut the tubing at 2 inches from the carb.  Then I cut 1/2" off the fuel tank side, the same distance the fuel valve occupies, so that I don't add any slack into the fuel tubing length.  Slipped two tubing clamps on, then insert the fuel valve barbs into the tubing, making sure the flow direction arrow points towards the carb.  Reposition the clamps over the barbs and I was done.  Took about 10 minutes in total to install the valve.
This message was modified Jan 31, 2011 by aa335
shark007


Joined: Feb 3, 2011
Points: 1

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #49   Feb 3, 2011 5:21 pm
Called Toro in Canada.  They have solve the leak problem on the 421q model.  As long as your serial number starts with 311.

If you have an earlier model, they recommend to bring it to the dealer.

CharlesW


Joined: Jan 9, 2011
Points: 76

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #50   Feb 3, 2011 5:55 pm
shark007 wrote:
Called Toro in Canada.  They have solve the leak problem on the 421q model.  As long as your serial number starts with 311.

If you have an earlier model, they recommend to bring it to the dealer.


Thank you!!!!
Some of the best news I have heard this week.
As you may have guessed, my serial number does start with 311.
trouts2




Location: Marlboro MA
Joined: Dec 8, 2007
Points: 1328

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #51   Feb 3, 2011 6:38 pm
aa35>>>Anybody mod their carb bowl to add the thumbscrew drain screw?

No, but installed several of the push button, spring type.  They are easy to install and work fine.

MN_Runner


Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Joined: Dec 5, 2010
Points: 622

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #52   Feb 3, 2011 6:54 pm
Borat and AA335,

You guys made a modification to your snowblower so how does that affect your warranty? I am assuming you guys are not planning to take it in for any kind of service work since you are able mechanics.

aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #53   Feb 3, 2011 8:21 pm
MN_Runner wrote:
Borat and AA335,

You guys made a modification to your snowblower so how does that affect your warranty? I am assuming you guys are not planning to take it in for any kind of service work since you are able mechanics.



Well my dealer said as long as I remove the big turbo kit, aftermarket exhaust, downpipe, and ecu before bringing it in, he doesn't care.
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #54   Feb 3, 2011 8:41 pm
No mods on the Toro.  I just  put on a removable tach  and set the governor to the correct rpm 4000 +/- 100 rpm. 

Unless there is a catastrophic failure of sorts, it will not be going in for service. 
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #55   Feb 4, 2011 11:40 am
shark007 wrote:
Called Toro in Canada.  They have solve the leak problem on the 421q model.  As long as your serial number starts with 311.

If you have an earlier model, they recommend to bring it to the dealer.


Details?  What was the fix?  It's like going to the car mechanic and he hands you a $500 repair bill, I want to know what was done.

Why would Toro of Canada recommend taking to the dealer if the machine doesn't have any leaks?
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