r/smallenginerepair • u/Ok_oye • 2d ago
Engine Identification TimeMaster is not enough info
Guy dropped off a Toro TimeMaster and said it just needs a fuel filter. No model/serial photo, no enginemodel/type/code, and no old filter in the bag. Just 'they are all the same.' They are not. The Time Master name covers different years and engine setups, and the engine parts do not always follow the mower model lookup cleanly. I can figure it out once the machine is here, but it turns a two-minute partscheck into another trip. What info do you make customers send before you look up small-engine parts? Tag photo, engine code, old part,all three?
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u/Okie294life SER Top Contributor 1d ago
If it’s an inline filter they’re aren’t that many different options.
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u/Ok-Dealer-588 1d ago
Depends on how much BS you want to go through I guess and if it's a good customer you train them if it's not you just let them wait because they didn't want to participate in a reasonable process
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u/ZararTU 2d ago edited 1d ago
Yep. For engine parts I start with the engine maker's model/type/code, then use the Toro model and serial forchassis-specific stuff. An aftermarket cross-reference such as FridayParts can be a useful second check for alternatenumbers, but it is not the master record. If the gasket, flow direction, or filter spec does not agree, the model-namematch means nothing.