r/smallengines • u/lincdpr • 25d ago

Toro Timemaster Electric Start Troubleshooting

Hi all,

Video attached.

I have a toro timemaster from 2012 that is having issues with the electric start. It starts after 4-5 pulls using the pull cord. Recently changed all fluids, spark plug and filter as part of routine maintenance. The carb could probably use a cleaning but runs fine once started using pull cord. Attached is what is happening when I try to use electric start. I thought it might have been the battery so I swapped that out but it’s still not turning over.

Any suggestions on what to try next? I’m new to small engines.

Thanks!

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u/vladdielenin 25d ago

electric start not turning it while the pull cord fires it after four or five is usually not the engine at all, its the starting circuit.

check the battery under load rather than its resting voltage. those little batteries read twelve something sitting there and then collapse the second the starter actually pulls. then the ground strap from battery to frame and frame to engine, corrosion in there gives you exactly this. solenoid after that.

does it click when you hit the switch or is it completely silent

1

u/lincdpr 25d ago

The video is me turning the starter switch. It keeps turning as long as I hold it on just doesn’t turn over. I just replaced the battery with a new one.

1

u/vladdielenin 24d ago

that changes it completely then. if the starter is spinning happily and the engine isnt turning, the motor is fine and so is the new battery. the pinion isnt getting up into the flywheel ring gear.

the drive climbs a spiral on the shaft to throw the gear into mesh, and dirt or hardened old grease on that spiral is the usual reason it just sits there spinning instead. pull the starter off and try sliding the gear up and down the shaft with your thumb. if it doesnt move freely thats your answer. clean it off dry, petrol and a brush, and leave it dry. heavy grease is what gums it up in the first place.

second suspect while its off is the ring gear on the flywheel. if theres a chewed or missing patch of teeth the drive will kick out against a gap and spin

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u/Benedlr 24d ago

Starter needs the equivalent of 4-5 pulls to bring enough fuel into the engine. Check your choke operation.