Leaf cleanup can be a painful task if you don’t have the proper equipment or if your equipment simply won’t work properly. If you want your leaf blower to work effectively each time you start it, there are certain maintenance steps to take to ensure your machine is in great condition. Maximize the life of your leaf blower with these troubleshooting tips.
Check the carburetor
A common problem that affects the starting and performance of your leaf blower is a clogged carburetor, which is commonly a result of leaving fuel in the machine for a long period of time. Over time, ingredients in the fuel evaporate and leave a thick, sticky substance. That sticky substance can clog up the carburetor, preventing the engine from starting.
If the carburetor is clogged, clean it with carburetor cleaner. If this is not effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
Inspect the spark plug
Another common problem that affects the performance of your leaf blower is a defective spark plug. If your machine won’t start, inspect the spark plug for damage. To check if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. When testing the plug, you should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, the spark plug is defective and you need to replace it.
Also inspect the spark plug for any signs of wear. If you notice heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, a burned away or damaged electrode, or a cracked insulator, it’s time to replace the spark plug.
Replace filters
If the air filter and fuel filter are not well-maintained, your leaf blower will not work properly. If your machine won’t start, the air filter may be clogged. With a clogged air filter, the engine will get too much fuel and not enough air. If the air filter is clogged, replace it.
The fuel filter may also be clogged if the engine won’t start. Similar to the carburetor, a clogged fuel filter is usually the result of leaving fuel in your machine for a long period of time. Again, a thick, sticky substance forms, clogging the fuel filter. If old fuel was left in your leaf blower, drain the fuel and replace the fuel filter.
Check the recoil starter and ignition coil
The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine so if the recoil starter assembly is defective, your leaf blower will not start. Remove the starter assembly to inspect it and determine if it’s working properly. Pull the starter rope. Tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine and cause the engine to turn. Release the rope. The tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly is not working properly, you need to replace it.
The ignition coil on your leaf blower sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine won’t start. Test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it.
Staying on top of routine maintenance will increase the performance and life span of your leaf blower. If you have additional questions about issues with your machine, contact us for more information.
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Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
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Cedar Springs, MI 49319
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