Troubleshooting low airflow in your leaf blower

Imagine you’re ready to tackle those pesky leaves in the yard, but your leaf blower isn’t pushing out the powerful gusts it once did. Weak airflow can turn a simple cleanup into a real headache. Don’t stress, by figuring out common issues and knowing how to fix them, you can get your leaf blower back to its old self in no time.

Important: The info in this article might not match your specific leaf blower model. While we aim to give helpful tips for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, different models and setups can mean differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, part replacements, etc. For the most accurate advice, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s documentation for your model or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Safety precautions

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

• Before performing any maintenance or repair tasks, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting of the engine.
• 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.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule including checking fluid levels, inspecting belts and cables, and cleaning or replacing filters.
• When not in use, store the machine in a safe and dry location.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Leaf-Blowing

Troubleshooting step guide

Check for blocked air vents

Clogs in the air vents can choke the airflow, making the blower underperform.

How to clear out the air vents:

1. Turn off the leaf blower: Make sure the blower’s off and cooled down before you start poking around.
2. Look over the air vents: See if leaves, dirt, or gunk are stuck in the intake or exhaust vents.
3. Clean the vents: Use a soft brush or compressed air to clear out any debris. Be gentle to avoid messing up the vents. Keeping those air vents clean helps maintain good airflow through the blower.

Inspect the impeller for damage

The impeller (or fan) moves air through the blower. If it’s damaged or worn out, airflow can drop big time.

How to check the impeller’s condition:

1. Get access to the impeller: Remove the blower’s housing or cover as per the manual.
2. Look for damage: Check for cracks, chips, or wear on the impeller blades.
3. Test its movement: Gently wiggle the impeller to see if it’s loose, which might mean a faulty connection.

How to replace the impeller if needed:

1. Grab your tools: You might need screwdrivers, wrenches, or whatever tools your blower’s maker suggests.
2. Take out the old impeller: Follow the manual’s steps to safely remove it.
3. Pop in the new impeller: Line it up right and secure it as specified.
4. Put the blower back together: Reattach any covers or parts you took off. Make sure you’re using the correct replacement part. If you’re not sure where to find the right impeller, give us a shout , we’re happy to help.

Clean a dirty or clogged air filter

A clean air filter lets the engine get the air it needs to run properly. A dirty filter can choke off airflow, making the engine run badly and cutting down the airflow output.

How to swap out the air filter:

1. Find the air filter: Look for the air filter cover, usually on the side of the blower. Remove the cover by unscrewing or unclipping it.
2. Check the filter: See if it’s dirty, torn, or clogged up.
3. Clean or replace it:
   • If it’s reusable: Gently tap out loose dirt, or wash it if that’s allowed.
   • If it’s disposable or damaged: Stick in a new air filter.
4. Put it back together: Install the clean or new filter. Secure the air filter cover. Regularly checking the air filter keeps your leaf blower humming along nicely.

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

Replace an old or faulty spark plug

The spark plug ignites the fuel-air mix in the engine. If it’s worn out or not working right, it can cause poor combustion, leading to less power and airflow.

How to Change the Spark Plug:

1. Find the spark plug: Usually on the engine cylinder head. Pull off the spark plug boot by pulling it straight off.
2. Take out the old spark plug: Use a spark plug socket and wrench to turn it counterclockwise.
3. Inspect it: Look for wear, carbon buildup, or damage.
4. Install the new spark plug: Check the gap is set according to the manufacturer’s specs. Screw in the new spark plug by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it with the socket wrench, but don’t go overboard.
5. Reconnect the spark plug boot: Push the boot back onto the spark plug until it clicks. Swapping out the spark plug is an easy fix that can boost engine performance.

Clean a clogged spark arrestor

The spark arrestor is a small screen that stops sparks from shooting out the exhaust, which helps prevent fires. Over time, soot and dirt can clog up this screen, restricting exhaust flow and cutting engine power.

How to clean or replace the spark arrestor:

1. Find the spark arrestor: Usually at the exhaust outlet. You might need to remove a cover or shield.
2. Remove the arrestor screen: Carefully take out the screen without damaging it.
3. Clean the screen: Gently scrub away soot and deposits with a wire brush. For stubborn grime, soak it in carburetor cleaner for a bit before brushing.
4. Reinstall or replace: If the screen’s damaged or too clogged, replace it. Reassemble any parts you took off. Handle all parts carefully, and always refer to your blower’s manual for specifics.

Replace a clogged fuel filter

The fuel filter keeps impurities out of the gasoline. If it’s clogged, it can restrict fuel flow, causing the engine to starve and lose performance.

How to swap out the fuel filter:

1. Locate the fuel filter: Usually inside the fuel tank or along the fuel line.
2. Remove the old filter: If it’s in the tank, use a hook to pull out the fuel line. Detach the filter from the fuel line.
3. Install the new filter: Attach it securely to the fuel line.
4. Put it back in the tank: Return the fuel line and new filter to the tank. Using fresh, clean fuel helps prevent clogging and extends the filter’s life.

Clean a dirty or gummed-up carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and fuel for the engine. Old fuel can leave sticky residues that clog up the carburetor, messing up this mix and causing the engine to run poorly.

How to clean the carburetor:

1. Drain old fuel: Empty the fuel tank and properly dispose of the old gas.
2. Access the carburetor: Remove covers or parts blocking access.
3. Use carburetor cleaner: Spray cleaner into the intake and on external parts.
4. Clean the ports and jets: If you’re up for it, take apart the carburetor to clean inside components. Use cleaner and compressed air to clear passages.
5. Reassemble and test: Put it all back together. Add fresh fuel with a fuel stabilizer. If cleaning doesn’t do the trick, you might need to replace the carburetor. Always check your manual or reach out to resources like AppliancePartsPros repair help.

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

Need more help?

Taking on DIY repairs can be rewarding and save you some cash. For more detailed guides and troubleshooting tips, swing by our repair help section. We’ve got step-by-step instructions and videos to help you out with various appliance repairs. If you need help finding specific parts for your leaf blower, our team is here for you. Remember, knowing your appliance’s model number is key to finding the right parts. If you’re not sure how to find it, check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Keep your leaf blower running like new with these DIY tips. For more advice and resources, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’re always sharing helpful stuff to make your DIY repairs easier. Got questions or need a hand? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at AppliancePartsPros.com is ready to help you get the most out of your appliances.