Toro Power Clear 518 ZE Won’t Start? Your Ultimate Fix Guide
A storm is rolling in, the snow is piling up, and your reliable Toro Power Clear 518 ZE snow blower decides it won’t start. This frustrating scenario is all too common, but don’t panic. Most starting issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting, and you can often get your machine running without a costly trip to the repair shop.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons your Toro 518 ZE won’t start, from the simplest checks to more advanced diagnostics. By following these steps, you can identify the culprit and get back to clearing snow quickly and efficiently.
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First Things First: The Simple Checks Before You Panic
Before you start taking things apart, let’s cover the basics. These simple oversights are often the root cause of a non-starting engine and can be fixed in seconds.
Is the Safety Key Fully Engaged?
The Toro 518 ZE has a safety ignition key that must be fully inserted for the engine to start. It’s a small plastic key, often red, located on the control panel. Ensure it’s pushed in all the way; sometimes it can look engaged when it’s only halfway in. If this key is lost or damaged, the snow blower will not start.
Choke and Fuel Valve Position
For a cold start, the choke lever should be moved to the “Full” or “Start” position. This enriches the fuel mixture to help the engine fire up. Once the engine warms up, you’ll move it back to the “Run” position. Also, ensure your fuel shut-off valve, if equipped, is in the “On” or “Open” position.
Primer Bulb: Your Starting Assistant
The primer bulb’s job is to manually inject a small amount of fuel directly into the carburetor. Press the primer bulb three times firmly, waiting a second or two between each press. You should feel some resistance and possibly see fuel moving in the primer line. If the bulb feels mushy or doesn’t return to its shape, it might be cracked and need replacement.
The “Big Three” of Engine Problems: Fuel, Spark, and Air
If the simple checks don’t solve the problem, it’s time to investigate the three core elements every gasoline engine needs to run: a proper fuel supply, a consistent spark, and adequate airflow. An issue with any one of these will prevent your snow blower from starting.
Diving Deep into the Fuel System
Fuel-related problems are the single most common reason a snow blower won’t start, especially after sitting in storage during the off-season.
Modern gasoline, particularly fuel containing ethanol, can go stale in as little as 30 days. Old fuel can form gummy deposits that clog the tiny passages in your carburetor. Always use fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87. For best results and to avoid ethanol-related issues, consider using ethanol-free gasoline if available. Never use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E10).
A less-known issue is a clogged fuel cap vent. The fuel cap has a small vent that allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used. If this vent is blocked by ice or debris, it can create a vacuum in the tank that stops fuel from flowing to the carburetor. Try loosening the gas cap slightly and then attempt to start the engine. If it starts, you’ve found your problem; clean or replace the cap.
The Carburetor Conundrum
The carburetor is the heart of your fuel system, and it’s highly susceptible to blockages from old fuel. If you press the primer and it doesn’t fill with fuel, or if the engine only runs for a few seconds on starting fluid before dying, a clogged carburetor is the likely culprit. The main jet inside the carburetor has a pinhole-sized opening that is easily blocked.
You have two options: clean the carburetor or replace it. Cleaning involves removing the carburetor, disassembling it, spraying all passages with carburetor cleaner, and using a thin wire to clear the jets. For many users, simply replacing the carburetor is a faster and more reliable fix, as they are relatively inexpensive for this model.
The Spark Plug: Your Engine’s Ignition Point
Without a spark, the fuel-air mixture can’t ignite. First, check that the spark plug wire is securely connected to the spark plug. If it is, you’ll need to check for spark. You can do this with a spark plug tester, or by carefully removing the spark plug, reattaching the wire, and grounding the plug’s threads against a metal part of the engine. When you pull the starter cord, you should see a bright blue spark jump across the electrode.
If there’s no spark, the spark plug itself may be fouled or dead. A fouled plug will look black, sooty, or oily. You can try cleaning it with a wire brush and checking that the gap is set correctly (typically around 0.030 inches), but replacing it is often the best course of action.
Don’t Forget the Air Filter
While less common on snow blowers than on lawnmowers, a clogged air filter can restrict airflow and prevent the engine from starting. Locate the air filter housing, remove the cover, and inspect the filter. If it’s dirty, you can often clean it by tapping it on a hard surface or washing a foam filter with soap and water (ensure it’s completely dry before reinstalling).
Advanced Troubleshooting: When the Basics Don’t Work
If you’ve checked the fuel, spark, and air systems and your Toro 518 ZE still won’t start, the problem may lie deeper within the engine’s mechanics or electrical system.
Testing the Ignition Coil
If a new spark plug doesn’t solve a “no spark” issue, the ignition coil may be faulty. The ignition coil transforms the low voltage from the flywheel’s magnets into the high voltage needed to create a spark. You can test the coil’s primary and secondary windings with a multimeter set to measure resistance (ohms). A faulty coil will show readings outside the manufacturer’s specified range and will need to be replaced.
Sheared Flywheel Key
This is a subtle but critical component. The flywheel key is a small, soft metal part that aligns the flywheel with the crankshaft. This timing is crucial for the spark to occur at the right moment. If the auger hits a large rock or chunk of ice, the sudden stop can shear this key to protect the engine from more severe damage.
Symptoms of a sheared flywheel key include the starter rope yanking back aggressively when you pull it, or a complete lack of starting with good fuel and spark. Inspecting it requires removing the engine cover and the flywheel nut to see if the key is broken or partially sheared.
Quick Diagnostic Troubleshooting Table
Use this table to quickly diagnose potential issues based on the symptoms your snow blower is exhibiting.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine does not turn over at all | Safety key not engaged or faulty | Ensure key is fully inserted; replace if damaged. |
| Engine turns over but won’t start | Old/bad fuel, clogged carburetor, fouled spark plug | Replace fuel, clean/replace carburetor, replace spark plug. |
| Engine starts then dies immediately | Clogged main jet in carburetor, blocked fuel cap vent | Thoroughly clean carburetor jets, loosen gas cap to test. |
| Pull cord is hard to pull or yanks back | Sheared flywheel key | Inspect and replace the flywheel key. |
| Engine sputters and runs rough | Water in fuel, partially clogged carburetor | Drain fuel tank and use fresh fuel, add fuel stabilizer, clean carb. |
| Primer bulb does not fill with fuel | Cracked primer bulb, clogged fuel lines, empty tank | Replace primer bulb, check and clear fuel lines. |
Preventative Maintenance: Stop Problems Before They Start
The best way to ensure your Toro Power Clear 518 ZE starts every time is through proper maintenance and storage. A little effort at the end of the season can save you a lot of headaches next winter.
Proper Off-Season Storage
Proper fuel management is key. At the end of winter, either run the snow blower completely dry of fuel or treat the remaining fuel with a high-quality fuel stabilizer. Running it dry is often the safest bet to prevent any fuel from gumming up the carburetor over the summer.
Store the machine in a clean, dry place like a garage or shed. Covering it can help keep dust and debris out of the engine components.
Pre-Season Checklist
Before the first snowfall, perform a quick check-up. Install a new spark plug, check the oil level, and fill the tank with fresh gasoline. Inspect the paddles and scraper bar for wear; worn paddles can make starting harder if they are dragging excessively. Taking these steps will give you the best chance of a one-pull start when you need it most.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Understanding the maintenance needs of a machine like the Toro 518 ZE is a crucial part of ownership. This same logic applies when you are first purchasing equipment. Different brands can have vastly different performance and reliability profiles, as explored in detailed comparisons like the ultimate showdown between Cub Cadet and Toro, which can help determine which brand aligns best with your long-term needs.
Similarly, weighing the features and engine technologies between different manufacturers is essential. For instance, a direct comparison of Toro vs. Troy-Bilt snowblowers highlights the unique design choices that affect everything from starting reliability to overall performance in heavy snow. Making an informed decision upfront can save you from future frustrations.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to diagnose and fix the vast majority of starting issues with your Toro Power Clear 518 ZE. Remember that regular maintenance is the best defense against a no-start situation. Should you resolve the starting issue but find that your Toro snowblower paddles won’t turn, that indicates a separate mechanical issue that will need to be addressed.
