How to replace the air filter on your leaf blower to keep it working well

Is your leaf blower not kicking up leaves like it used to? A dirty or busted air filter might be dragging it down. Keeping that filter clean isn’t just about performance, it’s about making sure your blower lasts. Let’s go through how you can easily pull out, clean, or swap the air filter on your leaf blower so it runs like a champ.

Heads up: This guide might not match your exact model to a T. We try to dish out helpful advice for all kinds of DIY fixes, but different models can throw some curveballs. For spot-on info, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s manual or give us a shout if you’ve got questions.

Why you need a clean air filter

Your leaf blower’s air filter does more than you might think, it keeps the engine’s air and fuel mix just right. A clean filter lets air flow smoothly, helping the engine burn fuel efficiently and prevent damage. But over time, dirt and debris can clog things up, making the engine work harder than it should.

Signs your air filter needs some attention

Before firing up your blower, it’s a good idea to check the air filter. Here’s what to look out for:

• The filter looks dirty, dusty, or grimy
• You see any tears, holes, or damage in the filter material
• The blower’s losing power or not running like it used to
• You’re having trouble getting the engine started

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If working indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious risk.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Never attempt to service or repair while it is running or when the engine is still warm. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
• Exercise extreme caution when working near blades, augers, or any other moving parts. Keep your hands, fingers, and clothing clear of these areas at all times.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any hot parts to cool down before working on it.
• Empty the gas tank before beginning any work. Refill using fresh fuel.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• When not in use, store the machine in a safe and dry location.

Read more: Troubleshooting and Fixing a Leaf Blower that Won’t Start

Change or clean your air filter

Swapping out or cleaning the air filter is pretty straightforward and doesn’t need any special tools. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Remove the air filter cover

The air filter usually hides behind a plastic cover on the side or back of the engine. If you’re not sure where it is, check your user manual or look up your model number.  Use a screwdriver or your hands to loosen any screws or clips holding the cover in place. Gently remove the cover to get to the air filter inside.

Step 2: Check out the air filter

Carefully pull out the air filter. Give it a good look, if it’s torn, has holes, or is super dirty, it’s time for a new one.

Step 3: Clean the air filter (if you can)

If the filter’s in decent shape but just dirty, you might be able to clean it:

• Pleated paper filters: Gently tap it to shake off loose dirt. Use a soft brush to get rid of stubborn grime. Don’t use compressed air or water, it can wreck the filter fibers.
• Foam filters: Wash it with warm water and a bit of mild soap. Rinse well and squeeze out the excess water (but don’t wring it). Let it air dry completely before putting it back.

Step 4: Put in the new or clean filter

If you’re replacing it, make sure you’ve got the right filter for your blower model. Pop the new or cleaned filter back into its spot, making sure it fits snugly without any gaps.

Step 5: Reattach the cover

Line up the air filter cover and secure it with the screws or clips you took off earlier. Make sure it’s on tight to keep debris out of the engine.

Step 6: Hook up the spark plug wire

Reconnect the spark plug wire to get the engine powered up again. Your leaf blower should be good to go with its clean air filter.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Leaf-Blowing

Extra tips to keep your blower running smoothly

Regular upkeep can make a world of difference. Here are some quick tips:

• Fuel system: Check fuel lines for any cracks or wear. Swap them out if they look damaged to avoid leaks.
• Spark plugs: Take a peek at the spark plug for any signs of wear or buildup. It’s a good idea to replace it once a year or as your manual suggests.
• Protect the engine intake: When the air filter’s off, make sure nothing falls into the carburetor’s air intake. Cover it up if you need to.
• Keep it clean: Wipe down the outside of the blower to get rid of dirt and debris that can pile up over time.

What if you’re still having problems?

If the blower’s still acting up after you’ve cleaned or replaced the air filter, here are some things to check:

• Fuel mix: Make sure you’re using the right gas-to-oil ratio if your blower needs mixed fuel.
• Muffler issues: A clogged muffler can block exhaust flow. Clean it out or replace it if needed.
• Carburetor troubles: If the carburetor’s dirty or out of whack, it can affect performance. Cleaning or adjusting it might help.
• Ignition system: If the engine won’t start or runs poorly, the ignition coil or spark plug might be the culprit. You can use a multimeter to check the ignition coil’s resistance. Remember, a simple continuity test won’t cut it, you need to check for specific resistance values to see if the coil’s doing its job.

For more help, swing by our repair help section or check your leaf blower’s manual.

Read more: How to fix a leaf blower that starts and then stalls

We’re here for you

If you’ve got questions or need help finding the right parts for your leaf blower, AppliancePartsPros.com has your back. Our team can guide you through and make sure you get exactly what you need.

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