Free Curb Find Toro 22" Recycler, Why’d They Toss It?

I found this 2011 Toro 22" Recycler (model 20333) with a Briggs & Stratton 190cc Quantum engine put out for free on the curb, let's see why it was thrown away and if we can fix it.


Replacement Parts/Special Tools (affiliate links):

Briggs & Stratton Valve Spring Compressor
https://amzn.to/4oy7rOx

Valve Lapping Tool
https://amzn.to/45ll4sR

Valve Lapping Compound
https://amzn.to/4fzz5qa

Mechanics Tool Set -- Crescent CTK180
(used and shown in videos for the 2025 season as the primary tool set.. goal is to see if it's a good "under 100$" set recommendation for beginners wanting to start working on small engines)
**no longer under 100$ as of June 2025
https://amzn.to/4fCBbWj


128M02-3456-b1 11092758, first look walkaround/overview, blade control, check gas, check oil, check blade, check for a bent blade, attempt to start, doesn't start, won't run, remove air filter, backfire through carburetor, remove blower shroud, check for sheared flywheel key, flywheel key not sheared, wrong screws, suspected timing issue, inspect if valves are moving, remove spark plug, reattach ignition wire, attempt to start, reasons why mower is backfiring, remove cylinder head, bad fuel line, loose valve seat, bad intake valve seat, remove exhaust, remove auto choke temperature actuator, remove valve spring cover, valve spring compressor tool, remove intake valve spring, remove intake valve, valve seal came out, inspect valve and valve seat, remove head gasket, install valve seal, re-install valve seat, stake valve seat, no valve clearance, measure valve clearances, check for bent valve, valve adjustment mistake, measure used intake valve clearance, install valve spring, check valve clearances, intake valve clearance too large, valve lapping tools, lap intake valve, clean off lapping compound, re-install intake valve, install crankcase breather, install exhaust and auto choke mechanism, install head, torque head, bad air filter cover modification, engine runs, engine smokes, self propel constantly runs, self propel engagement problem, bad self propel cable, bad blade clutch cable, fix fail
#smallengine #troubleshooting #smallenginerepair #toro