Toro Power Clear 518 ZE Won’t Start? The Ultimate Fix Guide
When a heavy snowfall blankets your driveway, the last thing you need is a snow blower that refuses to start. The Toro Power Clear 518 ZE is a formidable machine, but like any small engine, it can encounter issues that prevent it from running. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to diagnose and resolve the most common problems, getting you back to clearing snow in no time.
Understanding the core reasons for failure is the first step toward a solution. From simple oversights to more complex mechanical issues, we will cover the entire troubleshooting spectrum for your Toro 518 ZE.
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First Response: The Simple Checks Everyone Overlooks
Before diving into complex repairs, always start with the basics. Often, the solution is surprisingly simple and requires no special tools. These initial checks can save you significant time and frustration.
Fuel System: Is It Fresh and Flowing?
The most common culprit for a non-starting snow blower is old or improper fuel. Gasoline can degrade in as little as 30 days, forming gummy deposits that clog the carburetor. This is especially true for fuels containing ethanol, which can absorb atmospheric moisture and cause corrosion.
Always use fresh, 87-octane unleaded gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol (E10). If the fuel in your tank has been sitting for more than a month, drain it completely and refill with a fresh supply. Using a fuel stabilizer can also help prolong the life of your gasoline and prevent fuel system problems.
Spark Plug: The Heartbeat of Your Engine
A fouled or faulty spark plug is another frequent cause of starting issues. A dark, charcoal-like appearance on the plug indicates it’s not firing correctly. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench and inspect it.
If it’s dirty, you can try cleaning it, but replacement is often the best and most reliable option. Ensure the new spark plug has the correct gap, typically 0.030 inches (0.76 mm) for this model. A weak or nonexistent spark means the engine cannot ignite the fuel-air mixture.
Choke and Primer Bulb: The Cold Start Essentials
Proper starting procedure is critical, especially in cold weather. The choke lever should be moved to the “On” or “Full” position to enrich the fuel mixture for a cold start. The primer bulb should be pressed firmly two to three times to inject a small amount of fuel directly into the carburetor.
Once the engine starts, you must gradually move the choke to the “Off” position as it warms up. If pressing the primer bulb doesn’t feel like it’s moving fuel, there could be a crack in the primer line or a blockage preventing fuel from reaching it.
Engine Problems: When It Cranks But Won’t Run
If the basic checks don’t solve the problem, the issue may lie deeper within the engine’s fuel delivery or control systems. These problems often manifest as an engine that turns over but fails to start, or one that starts and then quickly dies.
The Carburetor Conundrum: Cleaning and Adjusting
A clogged carburetor is the primary reason an engine will only run while being primed. Old fuel leaves varnish-like deposits that block tiny jets and passages, starving the engine of fuel. Cleaning the carburetor is often necessary if the machine has been stored improperly.
You may need to remove the carburetor for a thorough cleaning. This involves taking off the float bowl and cleaning the main jet and emulsion tube with carburetor cleaner and a fine wire. Sometimes, fuel can leak past a faulty needle valve in the carburetor and flood the crankcase, which you might notice by the smell of gas in the oil.
Governor Linkage: The Unseen Speed Controller
Engine surging, where the engine speed rhythmically increases and decreases, is a classic sign of a fuel delivery issue, but it can also point to a problem with the governor linkage. This system of springs and rods regulates engine speed under load.
A misplaced or missing governor spring can cause the throttle to bounce around, leading to erratic engine performance. Ensure all springs and linkages are correctly attached and move freely without binding. Damage to these components will prevent the engine from maintaining a stable RPM.
Engine Surging: Taming the Unsteady Rhythm
Surging is almost always linked to a lean fuel condition, meaning the engine is getting too much air and not enough fuel. This is typically caused by a partially clogged main jet in the carburetor. Even a small obstruction can disrupt the precise fuel-to-air ratio required for smooth operation.
While a thorough carburetor cleaning is the definitive fix, sometimes running a strong dose of fuel system cleaner through the tank can dissolve minor deposits. However, for persistent surging, a full carburetor service is the most effective solution.
Mechanical Failures: When the Engine Runs But the Snow Won’t Clear
Sometimes the engine runs perfectly, but the machine fails to perform its primary function: moving snow. These issues are typically mechanical, involving the components that transfer power from the engine to the auger.
Auger and Scraper Bar: The Snow-Moving Duo
The rubber paddles (auger) and the scraper bar are the parts that make direct contact with the snow. Over time, these components wear down and become less effective. If your 518 ZE is leaving a layer of snow behind, inspect the scraper bar and paddles for wear.
When the paddles are worn, they lose their ability to efficiently pull snow into the housing and propel the machine forward. The scraper bar, mounted at the bottom of the housing, can also wear down, reducing clearing performance. Comparing this model to others, like in a Troy-Bilt vs Toro snow blowers analysis, often highlights the durability of these key components.
Drive Belt Inspection and Replacement
The engine transfers power to the auger via a drive belt. If the auger doesn’t spin when engaged, the belt may be broken, stretched, or slipped off the pulleys. A smell of burning rubber is a clear indicator of a slipping or damaged belt.
You can access the belt by removing the side cover. The correct replacement part number for the Toro 518 ZE auger drive belt is 117-7733. Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, or glazing and replace it if any damage is found.
Checking the Rotor Blades for Damage
The rotor blades, or paddles, are essential for throwing snow. Hitting a hard object like a rock or a doormat can damage them. Severe vibration during operation is a strong warning sign of a damaged or out-of-balance rotor.
Stop the engine immediately and inspect the blades for any signs of damage. A damaged blade can cause further mechanical failures if not addressed. This is a good time to consider the robust build of different brands, something often discussed in Toro comparisons.
| Problem | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | Old fuel, clogged carburetor, faulty spark plug, safety key not inserted | Replace fuel, clean carburetor, replace spark plug, insert key fully |
| Engine runs only on primer | Clogged main jet in carburetor | Perform a thorough carburetor cleaning |
| Engine surges or hunts | Partially clogged carburetor jet, governor linkage issue | Clean carburetor, check and adjust governor springs/linkage |
| Auger/paddles do not spin | Broken or worn drive belt, sheared auger bolt | Replace drive belt (Part #117-7733), inspect and replace shear pins |
| Electric start does not work | Bad extension cord, faulty starter switch, dead starter motor | Test with a known good cord, check switch, test starter motor |
| White smoke from exhaust | Oil or fuel has entered the crankcase, blown head gasket | Check oil level for overfilling or fuel contamination, perform a compression test |
Electrical System Glitches: The “ZE” in 518 ZE
The “ZE” model features an electric start for convenience. When this system fails, the problem lies within the electrical components, separate from the engine’s core operation.
Decoding the Electric Start Failure
The electric start relies on a 120V AC household current via an extension cord. The first step is always to ensure the extension cord is functional and properly plugged into both the wall outlet and the snow blower.
If the cord is fine, the issue could be the starter button itself or the starter motor. Listen for a “click” when you press the button. A click with no cranking suggests a problem with the motor, while no sound at all could point to a faulty switch or a break in the wiring.
Safety Key and Switch Integrity
A crucial but often forgotten component is the safety key. This key must be pushed all the way in for the engine to start, whether using the electric starter or the recoil pull-start. If the key is loose or missing, the ignition circuit remains open, and the engine will not get a spark.
Verify that the key is fully inserted. The switch mechanism can also wear out over time, leading to an intermittent connection. Ensure the area around the key is clean and free of debris.
Beyond the Basics: Wiring and Connections
While less common, frayed or loose wires can interrupt the electrical circuit. Visually inspect the wiring leading from the starter plug to the switch and motor. Look for any obvious signs of damage or corrosion, especially at connection points.
On small engines, vibrations can sometimes cause connections to become loose. Ensuring all electrical contacts are secure can solve mysterious intermittent starting problems that don’t have a more obvious cause.
Preventative Maintenance: The Secret to a Trouble-Free Winter
The best way to troubleshoot your Toro 518 ZE is to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Proper maintenance, especially before and after the winter season, is key to reliability. It’s a principle that applies whether you own a new machine or a vintage Toro snowblower.
Post-Season Shutdown Procedure
At the end of winter, proper storage is vital. Either drain the fuel tank and carburetor completely or fill the tank with fresh, stabilizer-treated fuel and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it. Draining the carburetor bowl is highly recommended to prevent varnish buildup.
Clean the machine of any salt or debris, check the scraper bar and paddles for wear, and store it in a clean, dry place. This simple procedure prevents the vast majority of “won’t start” issues next season.
Pre-Season Wake-Up Call
Before the first snow, give your machine a quick check-up. Install a new spark plug, check the oil level, and fill the tank with fresh fuel. Test the electric start and recoil starter to ensure they function correctly. Inspect the drive belt for tension and wear, and make sure all safety controls are operational.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Toro 518 ZE
Troubleshooting the Toro Power Clear 518 ZE begins with a systematic approach, starting with the simplest and most common issues. Fuel, spark, and air are the essential elements for engine operation, and problems with any of these can prevent your machine from starting. By following this guide, you can confidently diagnose and resolve most issues you may encounter.
Regular maintenance is the most effective strategy for ensuring your snow blower is ready when you need it most. A well-maintained machine is a reliable machine, allowing you to conquer winter’s worst with confidence and ease.
