Toro Power Clear 518 & 721 Manual

The Toro Power Clear 518 and 721 are the most popular single-stage snowblowers in America. They’re lightweight, easy to use and handle most residential snow clearing. This guide covers both models with troubleshooting and parts information.

Table of Contents

• Model Comparison
• Model Number Identification
• Starting Problems
• Paddle Replacement
• Carburetor Issues
• Electric Start Problems
• Chute and Deflector
• Maintenance Schedule
• Parts Reference

Model Comparison

The 518 and 721 share the same basic design but differ in size and power.

Toro Power Clear 518

Specs:

• Clearing width: 18 inches
• Engine: 99cc 4-cycle
• Intake height: 12 inches
• Weight: 58 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 0.5 gallon

Best for:

• Small driveways
• Walkways and sidewalks
• Light to moderate snowfall
• Easy storage

Toro Power Clear 721

Specs:

• Clearing width: 21 inches
• Engine: 212cc 4-cycle
• Intake height: 12 inches
• Weight: 85 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 0.75 gallon

Best for:

• Medium driveways
• Heavier snowfall
• More power for wet snow
• Faster clearing

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear 518 vs 721 size comparison]

Model Variants

Both the 518 and 721 come in different configurations:

Suffix	Meaning	Features
E	Electric start	Push-button starting
R	Recoil only	Pull start only
ZE	Zero-turn capable	Pivoting handle
QZE	Quick chute + ZE	Fast chute rotation

Example: 721 QZE = 21” clearing with quick chute control and electric start

Model Number Identification

Find your model number before ordering parts.

Where to Look

Primary location: Sticker on back of auger housing

Secondary locations:

• Inside the chute opening
• On the engine shroud
• Original purchase documentation

Model Number Formats

518 Series:

• 38472 - 518 ZE (older)
• 38473 - 518 ZE (current)
• 38474 - 518 E

721 Series:

• 38741 - 721 E
• 38742 - 721 R
• 38752 - 721 QZE
• 38753 - 721 QZE (current)
• 38756 - 721 RC

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear model number sticker location]

Starting Problems

Single-stage snowblowers sit unused for months. Starting issues are common after storage.

Pre-Start Checklist

Before troubleshooting, verify basics:

• Fuel in tank (fresh, not from last year)
• Fuel shutoff valve OPEN
• Oil level correct (check dipstick)
• Choke in START position
• Throttle at FAST

Cold Start Procedure

Standard procedure (above 20°F):

1. Open fuel shutoff valve
2. Move choke to START/FULL
3. Set throttle to FAST
4. Prime 3 times (push bulb fully)
5. Pull recoil cord OR press electric start
6. Once running, move choke to RUN after 30 seconds

Cold weather (below 20°F):

1. Same as above but prime 5-7 times
2. May need multiple pull attempts
3. Let warm up longer before moving choke

Won’t Start Diagnosis

Engine doesn’t turn over:

• Pull cord stuck → Check for ice in recoil
• Electric start dead → Check outlet/extension cord
• Engine seized → Oil in cylinder or mechanical failure

Turns over but won’t fire:

• No fuel reaching engine → Carburetor clogged
• No spark → Bad plug or ignition coil
• Flooded → Wait 15 minutes or remove/dry spark plug

Starts then dies:

• Choke issue → Clean or adjust choke linkage
• Carburetor dirty → Passages partially blocked
• Air leak → Check intake gasket

Spark Plug Check

The Power Clear uses a standard small engine plug.

Spark plug specs:

• Type: Champion RCJ6Y or NGK BPM7A
• Gap: 0.030 inches

Checking spark:

1. Remove plug
2. Ground plug body against engine fins
3. Pull starter cord
4. Look for blue spark at electrode

Plug conditions:

• Wet with fuel = Flooded or no spark
• Black and sooty = Running rich, clean carb
• White/light tan = Normal combustion
• Oil fouled = Engine issue (rare on new machines)

Paddle Replacement

The rubber paddles are wear items. They contact the ground and wear down over time.

When to Replace

Check paddle clearance:

1. Tip machine back
2. Measure gap between paddle edge and housing
3. Gap should be less than 1/4 inch
4. Replace if gap exceeds 1/4 inch

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear paddle wear measurement]

Other replacement signs:

• Chunks missing from paddles
• Machine won’t self-propel
• Snow left behind after pass
• Visible wear line on paddles

Paddle Part Numbers

Model	Paddle Kit	Includes
518 ZE	38261	2 paddles, hardware
721 E/R/QZE	38262	2 paddles, hardware
821 QZE	38264	2 paddles, hardware

Aftermarket options: Oregon and Stens make compatible paddles at lower cost.

Paddle Replacement Steps

Tools needed:

• Socket set (10mm, 13mm)
• Wrench set
• Screwdriver

Time: 30-45 minutes

Step 1: Prepare Machine

1. Disconnect spark plug wire
2. Drain fuel or run tank dry
3. Tip machine back to access underside

Step 2: Remove Scraper Bar

1. Locate scraper bar at bottom front
2. Remove 2-4 bolts holding it
3. Set scraper bar aside

Step 3: Remove Old Paddles

1. Note paddle bolt pattern (usually 3 per paddle)
2. Remove all paddle bolts
3. Slide paddles off auger shaft
4. Clean any debris from shaft

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear paddle removal process]

Step 4: Install New Paddles

1. Slide new paddles onto shaft
2. Align holes with auger
3. Install bolts hand-tight first
4. Tighten in alternating pattern
5. Verify paddles spin freely

Step 5: Reinstall Scraper Bar

1. Position scraper bar
2. Install bolts
3. Adjust height if needed (should nearly touch ground)

Step 6: Verify Installation

1. Spin auger by hand
2. Check for interference
3. Reconnect spark plug
4. Test run briefly

Carburetor Issues

The carburetor is the most common problem area after storage.

Carburetor Location

The carburetor sits on the right side of the engine behind the air filter cover.

Accessing the carburetor:

1. Remove air filter cover (1-2 screws)
2. Remove air filter element
3. Carburetor is now visible

Symptoms of Carburetor Problems

Symptom	Likely Cause
Won’t start	Clogged main jet
Starts then dies	Clogged pilot jet
Runs only on choke	Lean condition, dirty jets
Surges at idle	Partially clogged passages
Black smoke	Rich condition, stuck float
Leaks fuel	Float needle worn

Carburetor Cleaning

Quick cleaning (without removal):

1. Remove air filter
2. Spray carb cleaner into intake
3. Spray into all visible ports
4. Let sit 10 minutes
5. Try starting

Full cleaning (recommended):

1. Shut off fuel valve
2. Remove air filter housing
3. Disconnect fuel line (have rag ready)
4. Disconnect throttle linkage
5. Remove 2 mounting bolts
6. Remove carburetor
7. Remove float bowl (1 bolt)
8. Clean all passages with carb cleaner
9. Clear jets with thin wire
10. Reassemble with new gaskets
11. Reinstall on engine

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear carburetor parts diagram]

Carburetor Replacement

When cleaning fails, replacement is straightforward.

Carburetor part numbers:

Model	Carb Part Number	Price Range
518 ZE	127-9008	$35-50
721 Series	127-9289	$40-60

Aftermarket carburetors cost $15-25 and work fine for most users.

Electric Start Problems

Electric start models have a separate starting system.

How Electric Start Works

The Power Clear uses a 120V electric starter motor. You plug into a household outlet with an extension cord.

Components:

• Starter motor (mounted on engine)
• Power cord receptacle
• Extension cord (not included)

Electric Start Won’t Work

Check order:

1. Outlet - Test with another device
2. Extension cord - Try different cord, check length rating
3. Connection - Clean receptacle on machine
4. Starter motor - Listen for click when pressing button

Extension cord requirements:

• 50 feet max: 16 gauge minimum
• 100 feet max: 14 gauge minimum
• Use outdoor-rated cord only

Starter Motor Replacement

If recoil works but electric doesn’t, starter motor may be bad.

Testing:

1. Check for voltage at starter (multimeter)
2. If voltage present but no spin, motor is bad
3. If no voltage, trace wiring issue

Starter motor part numbers vary by model year - check parts catalog for your specific model.

Chute and Deflector

Controlling where snow goes is important for efficient clearing.

Chute Rotation Problems

Chute hard to turn:

• Ice buildup in mechanism
• Gears dry/stuck
• Cable kinked (cable-operated models)

Fix:

1. Clear ice from chute base
2. Spray lubricant on rotation mechanism
3. Work chute back and forth
4. Check cable routing on QZE models

Deflector Adjustment

The top deflector controls throwing distance.

Adjusting:

• Rod on left side controls angle
• Pull back for distance
• Push forward for close work

Deflector stuck:

• Ice in hinge
• Rod bent
• Spring broken

Maintenance Schedule

Keep your Power Clear running reliably with regular maintenance.

Before Each Use

• Check oil level
• Check fuel level and freshness
• Inspect paddles for damage
• Clear any debris from chute
• Test chute rotation

Monthly During Season

• Check paddle clearance
• Lubricate chute mechanism
• Inspect scraper bar position
• Check all fasteners
• Clean exterior

End of Season

Fuel system:

• Run engine dry OR
• Add stabilizer and run 5 minutes

Engine:

• Change oil
• Check/replace spark plug
• Clean air filter

Storage:

• Clean entire machine
• Store in dry location
• Cover to prevent dust buildup

Parts Reference

Quick reference for common Power Clear parts.

518 ZE Parts

Part	Part Number	Price
Paddle kit	38261	$25-35
Scraper bar	55-9250	$15-20
Carburetor	127-9008	$35-50
Spark plug	RCJ6Y	$3-5
Air filter	81-3250	$8-12
Primer bulb	66-7460	$5-8
Pull cord handle	115-1949	$10-15

721 Series Parts

Part	Part Number	Price
Paddle kit	38262	$30-40
Scraper bar	55-9251	$18-25
Carburetor	127-9289	$40-60
Spark plug	RCJ6Y	$3-5
Air filter	81-3320	$10-15
Primer bulb	66-7460	$5-8
Chute gear kit	75-8780	$20-30

Maintenance Items

Item	Part Number	Notes
Oil SAE 5W-30	38908	20 oz capacity
Fuel stabilizer	38914	Essential for storage
Spray lubricant	Any	For chute mechanism

Related Guides

• Toro Snowblower Manual
• Snowblower Won’t Start
• How to Clean a Carburetor
• Small Engine Fuel Problems

Summary

The Toro Power Clear 518 and 721 are solid machines that last for years with basic care. Paddle wear is the main maintenance item - check clearance regularly. Fuel system issues cause most starting problems - use fresh gas with stabilizer.

Keep the chute lubricated and the air filter clean. Store properly at season end and your Power Clear will start reliably year after year.