Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

AA335:

Have you used ethanol fuel in your machine?

I haven't and I am hoping not using it might help avoid the problem until Toro issues a recall.

FWIW, I have a shut-off valve and two clamps that will be installed today. At least if the needle valve sticks, I won't flood my garage with gas or fill the engine crankcase with gas.

"How can you fill the crankcase with gas?"

If the carb is higher than the crank case and in most cases, it is, the constant flow of fuel may flow from the float bowl up into the venturi of the carb, into the cylinder, leak past the rings and into the crank case. It's not an uncommon experience.  Hasn't happened to me but I've read numerous accounts of it.  Shut off valves are good. 

Where are the facts to dispute my statements?  There's more than plenty of anecdotal evidence that 10% ethanol gasoline is absorbing water before it gets into the end-user's gas tank - never heard of water in the gasoline helping to get better mileage, and I'm sure many physicists would agree.  Maybe water injected AFTER the fact if you have a high-compression engine with variable timing that is designed to take advantage of water injection to reduce engine knock at high-compression ratios, but I don't know of any commercial engines that are specifically designed to do that, and the principle doesn't even work the same for water that is already IN the gasoline.  There's only one good way to burn water when it comes to IC engines.

It may not be as big of an issue in populated areas where filling stations go through fuel pretty fast with high turnover, but problems are pretty rampant at remote filling stations where the fuel may sit a few weeks or even months. 

As for facts to support wildlife habitat degradation?  If you don't believe me, ask any Wildlife Sciences professor at any university in the midwest or Great Plains, or any Wildlife Manager in those areas.  Or if you're like me and you have lived in this country all your life, you can see how much ground has been broken in the last ten years so farmers can take advantage of high grain prices - land that is highly-erodible, and land that has been in CRP since that program started in the 80's.  We're talking wetlands and uplands and steep hillsides - it's ridiculous.  Let the Wildlife Manager (or Ducks Unlimited) tell you about how loss of CRP results in fragmented habitat that has a compounding effect on contributing to game bird loss and lack of recruitment.   I could go on and on, but we've gotten pretty far off-topic already...

Thanks for the info.  I'll definitely add a shtut off valve sometime.  There's a little space at the bottom cover where the fuel tubing is visible, about 2 inches to the right of the carb and downstream of the fuel filter.

Installing a fuel shut-off in the visible tubing you are describing was a piece of cake.  A few bucks, 5 minutes or less of time for peace of mind.
Didn't fix anything since I don't have the problem yet. No ethanol used in any of my engines so I'm hoping I can make it to the recall without incident.
If it happens, my problem should be minimized.

As far as voiding any warranty, I discussed it with the mechanic at my Toro dealer before I did it. I also purchased the valve and two clamps from him.

Would you happen to have the part numbers or sizes I would need for the nipple and clamps?  I might go ahead and do it.

Would you happen to have the part numbers or sizes I would need for the nipple and clamps?  I might go ahead and do it.

Why would you go to a Toro dealership to get a valve?  You'll pay a million bucks for a $5.00 piece.  Go to any automotive outlet and buy a small plastic valve with 1/4" barbs and a couple tiny hose clamps.   I've seen some kits sold with a short length of line (12" or so) as well.