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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
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aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #56   Feb 4, 2011 3:27 pm
CharlesW wrote:

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

Sorry to bust your bubble, but my snowblower serial number also starts with 311.  It was leaking!  I'd hold off the celebration until the summer.

Either Toro of Canada is wrong about the serial number cut off, shark007 conveyed the wrong information, or I'm just unlucky and have a leaking unit that begins with 311.  So unless we get official announcement from Toro, I would take any news from unofficial sources with a grain of salt.

Maybe this would give Toro a head's up to adjust their affected units, add me as another data point in the Failure Analysis database.


Anyone know what the Toro's serial number means as far as production date/month/year?
This message was modified Feb 4, 2011 by aa335
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #57   Feb 4, 2011 5:54 pm
Not sure how their serial no. work but here's an interesting link for the 421Q:

https://icontent.toro.com/smartmanuals/Toro_PowerClear4210_4Cycle/Proc20368.htm
MN_Runner


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

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #58   Feb 6, 2011 5:06 pm
That is a lot of work just to replace a sparkplug in 441Q.  I wonder if 221Q is similar as well.
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #59   Feb 7, 2011 12:17 pm
MN_Runner wrote:
That is a lot of work just to replace a sparkplug in 441Q.  I wonder if 221Q is similar as well.

4 screws for the chute, 5 screws for the top cover.   Seems pretty simple and straightforward to me.  3 minute job.  10mm socket and a phillips head screwdriver.  Spark plug changes are once a year at most.

It's only a snowblower, not a Ferrari.  Sometimes looking a parts diagram or instructions may be more complicated than it actually is.   My 5 year old can take it apart, the Toro, not the Ferrari.    He's blessed with curiosity.  :)  Still working on the finesse part, he likes to rip through it fast.
This message was modified Feb 7, 2011 by aa335
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #60   Feb 7, 2011 12:37 pm
I use a 1/2 drive cordless drill.  I put a 1/4" extension in the drill, attach suitably sized socket and can have the top off the Toro in probably one minute or less.   The Craftsman SS is far more difficult to take the cover off of.  It's got 11 screws along the back and sides, four more small bolts on the front and four more it you need to take the chute off. 

By comparison, the Toro is a monument to simplicity.  A chimpanzee could take it apart. 
MN_Runner


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

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #61   Feb 7, 2011 8:09 pm
So you can gap the sparkplug, take the screws off, replace the sparkplug, then put the screws and schute back on in three min.  That is really good and fast.
MN_Runner


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

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #62   Feb 7, 2011 8:13 pm
Wait - your son could probably do it in 5 min with a little help from you.  I just confirmed I am really slow.
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #63   Feb 7, 2011 8:18 pm
MN_Runner wrote:
So you can gap the sparkplug, take the screws off, replace the sparkplug, then put the screws and schute back on in three min.  That is really good and fast.

Who said that?

I said take the top off. 

I could do the whole job in under ten minutes.  Gapping the plug correctly would probably take most time.  Changing the plug could probably be done in five minutes if I wanted to hurry.   
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #64   Feb 7, 2011 8:30 pm
MN_Runner wrote:
Wait - your son could probably do it in 5 min with a little help from you.  I just confirmed I am really slow.

No, he can do it in 4:35. I just rounded up the time.  :)  All I have to do is bribe him, letting him work the paddle shifter on my car.  :)  He knows what redline is. 
This message was modified Feb 7, 2011 by aa335
MN_Runner


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

Re: Recall: Toro 421Q & 421QE (38588/38589)
Reply #65   Feb 7, 2011 9:38 pm
He can finish it before I can run a full mile.
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