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

I've had the 221Q for 3 years, so only really used it for 2 full seasons so far. I always ran out the gas at winter's end, & use fresh gas/oil mix every year. Started it, or tried to, yesterday during that snowstorm in N.E., & found that the starting cord would not pull all the way. I could pull it 1/2 way out, & then there was no pulling it further. That happened about 8 or 9 times out of ten. Finally it started, & ran (a bit roughly) for about 15 min., then the engine died. Went thru the same routine trying to start it; then gave up for awhile & shoveled. Finally started it again, but it ran really rough for only a few min., then the engine died again. Then same routine again 20-30 min. later. Then, 30 min. later, when I was seriously considering shooting it with a shotgun (in reality I don't own a shotgun), I tried to start it again, & it fired right up. Ran great for as much time as it took me to finish the whole driveway! I haven't taken off the plastic shroud cover yet to check the plug; I'm ordering a new spark plug. But my biggest question is: why wouldn't the starting cord pull all the way for dozens of times? I didn't have a chance a starting it when that was happening. TIA for any feedback.

The only 2 reasons I can think of for the starter cord not pulling all the way out are the engine is partially seized or the cord tangled itself up.

Your engine running problems sounds like symptoms of fuel starvation.  Either the vent on the fuel cap is blocked, or there's a restriction in the fuel flow in the carb.  I would chase these things down before touching the spark plug.  It is easy to throw in a $3 plug and hope it works, but it usually isn't the problem.  Even if the plug is in bad shape, there's something else that cause the plug to go bad. 

The starter rope could be jammed internally.  Only to find out is to take off the cowl and the recoil mechanism.

If your snowblower is still under warranty, take it in for service if you're not comfortable with poking around and find out what the problems are.

Almost sounds like something in the pull start mechanism has broken off and is jamming.  Could be one of the pall's fell off or isn't properly attached.  Pull it apart and look at it before you have a catastrophic failure. 

If the machine runs well once started, it should be fine.  With any two cycles I own, flooding is the main cause of hard starting. 

aa335 wrote:



I haven't taken off the cowl yet to check the recoil mechanism. And I have no clue how to check the recoil mechanism, or take it off, or apart? I wouldn't want to screw it up worse. Oh, & the 2 yr. warranty is up.

However: Another snow yesterday. Went out this morning; tried to start it, & again after 10 pulls the cord wouldn't pull all the way. 5 min. later, tried it again, & it started after 2 pulls (!?). Ran fine for the 20 min. it took me to get the 6 inches of light fluffy snow of the driveway. I am somewhat rueing the decision tho not to spend another $75 or so to get electric start......

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice.

WoodyWW wrote:
Ok.  If you are able to keep the engine running, then the only issue is the recoil start mechanism.

The recoil mechanism should be attached to the engine by 3 or 4 screws.  You should be able to remove this circular assembly to see if the pawls are broken or jammed against the flywheel.  The pawls are little fingers that engage the flywheel when you pull the cord.  They should retract when the recoil pulls the cord back in.  It is like a one way clutch, only engaging as needed. 

I am not sure how comfortable you are at opening up your snowblower and taking a look around.  But at the worse case, you will have to buy a new recoil assembly.  It is a simple bolt on a new assembly.  Chances are you may be able to replace just the broken jammed pawls, but this is a little more complicated and dangerous since there's springs under tension and other things to content with.

I don't have any pictures at the moment, but you can check this page out to get an idea of what is involved.   This is on a smaller Powerlite, but essentially the same as your 221Q, just bigger.  The picture of the pawls are on page 2.  They are 2 little metal fingers.  They should extend and retract easily without any binding when you pull and retract the cord.

 http://www.redhouseon7th.com/redhouse/howto/2008ToroPullCord/

By the way, having a electric start won't solve your problems.  The jam is still there and may drag on the engine even after you can get it started by the electric starter.

I bought a used gasoline Toro powershove dirt cheap because of a similar problem with the pull start mechanism.   The machine was virtually unused due to the previous owner not being able to start it because the pawls wouldn't engage.  I opened it up and noticed that the pawls needed lubrication.  I gave them a shot of WD-40 and the thing starts and runs like a champ.  Simple, easy fix. 

I suspect that this person's problem is considerably different.  I get the feeling that one of the pawls might be dislodged and jamming between the flywheel and engine block when attempting to pull start.  Open it up and pull the recoil off.  It's not all that difficult to do.  Just be patient and observant.

just a guess.. sounds like it might be a (partial sheared flywheel key)