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txbrownthumb

toro mower leaking gas

txbrownthumb
13 years ago

Subject:

toro 550 recycler model 124707-318501

My toro mower, bought in 1995, has developed a gas leak. As i pour gas in the tank, it comes streaming out onto the frame. I'm not sure if it is a break in the hose or something else. How can i check where the leak in coming from? The engine has endured summer after hot, dusty summer here in Texas and is still going. I'd rather repair it than buy a new one.

txbrownthumb

Comments (7)

  • randy427
    13 years ago

    By taking off the fuel line, you should be able to see if it's loose, if there's a bad fitting or the line is cracked or split.
    If that's not it, my next guess would be a problem in the carburator reservoir (float or drain valve).

  • brickeyee
    13 years ago

    If the gas comes puring out I would suspect a broken fuel line.

    15 year old rubber is liable to be dry and cracked, especially on a fuel line.

    They are not nearly the same grade as used in vehicles.

  • txbrownthumb
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    I checked the rubber fuel line that goes to the carborater;
    i could not find a leak or a split. When i detached one end of the line (the one under the tank), gas came flowing out of the opened end- which makes me wonder if the tank itself is cracked. Otherwise, fuel would be leaking constantly (i would think). Instead, the fuel leaks only when i pour it into the tank. Actually, it does not start leaking until i fill the tank almost full, and then it leaks from under the tank.

    However, you're probably right that the line needs replacing. Will i need to remove the tank to see if there is a crack?

    txbrownthumb

  • txbrownthumb
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    I did remove the tANK, found no cracks. i'll replace the hose, seee if that is the problem.

    thanks

    txbrownthumb

  • kudzu9
    13 years ago

    I had exactly the same problem with mine last spring. I called a repair place and they said that it was probably a seal or gasket inside the carburetor. Apparently it's not too hard to do, but I decided I would let them fix it. It cost about $50 for the problem to be fixed, and it turned out to be what they originally said it was over the phone.

  • txbrownthumb
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    I checked the tank again and discovered a crack. After a test, i confirmed the tank is leaking. Is there a plastic that will bond to the tank to stop the leak? A new tank is $50, which may not sound like much but I'm retired on a fixed income and sometimes i have to "make do."

  • kudzu9
    13 years ago

    I wouldn't try to repair that. First, I can't think of anything that will reliably work over the long term, and second, it will pose a fire hazard if/when the crack opens up again or lengthens. Since money is a problem, see if you can get a used gas tank by calling a repair service, or putting an ad on CraigsList, or by posting on Freecycle.org.