Mower Review

- how do you get the flywheel of a toro lawn mower?
I have a toro mower that my son hit a stone, thus causing the keyway to shear off. How do I remove the flywheel?

A I agree the sharp wrap on the end of the shaft will release the flywheel. But - be very careful what you pry on under the flywheel. Some of the metal surfaces under the flywheel can be damaged beyond repair. If you have to get onto one of these "soft" surfaces get a metal plate or something under the end of your screwdriver. If the top of your flywheel has two taped holes in the top, I have found a gear puller that rests on the top of the vertical shaft is a better way to put a "pull" on the flywheel. I have used a steel plate with two holes drilled for the distance on the taped holes in the flywheel, use two bolts to connect and two nuts to apply the strain. Put a strain on the flywheel and apply a sharp wrap on the gear puller directly over the vertical shaft. Be very careful if you try applying the strain with a screwdriver. Before getting to far into replacing the key, you should double check to be certain the hit on the stone didn't bend the blade shaft under the mower. I hit a stone, at an age I should have known better, sheared the flywheel key and also ruined the underside. Bent shaft for practical reasons equals new motor.

- Why would a Toro lawn mower won't keep running?
This Toro Personal Pace lawn mower was left with fuel for a year or two. I cleaned the carburetor, replaced the oil, replaced the spark plug, checked the air filter, and put new gas. When I use starting fluid or prime 5-10 times, it starts. But it won't keep running. It dies after few seconds. What could be the problem? Please help!

A It sounds like you did everything necessary to get it running after it sitting around for that amount of time. I would bring it to the Toro dealer. Its probably something you just can't do on your own.