DIY leaf blower ignition coil replacement: When & how to do it

Is your leaf blower giving you grief right when the yard needs a cleanup? It might be that the ignition coil is acting up. Swapping it out might sound tricky, but with a bit of help, you’ll have your leaf blower purring again before you know it.

Heads up: This guide might not align perfectly with your leaf blower model. We try our best to give helpful tips for a range of DIY repairs, but different makes and setups can mean steps, error codes, and parts can vary. For spot-on advice, it’s a good idea to check out your device’s manual or reach out to us if you’re scratching your head.

Why replace the ignition coil?

The ignition coil’s pretty much the heart of your leaf blower’s spark. It’s what gets the fuel ignited in the engine. If it’s on the fritz, your blower might run rough or just refuse to start. Knowing when to swap it out can save you a lot of hassle.

• Running rough: If your leaf blower’s sputtering or acting up, the ignition coil might not be giving consistent sparks.
• No spark: If there’s no spark, the engine won’t start at all, pointing to a possible ignition coil problem.

Tools you’ll need

Before you jump into the fix, round up the tools you’ll need to make the job go smoothly.

• Torx bits: You’ll likely need T-20 or T-27 Torx bits to get those screws out.
• Spark plug wrench: A ¾-inch socket or a special spark plug wrench to yank out the spark plug.
• Spark tester: Handy to see if the ignition coil’s sparking.
• Business card or thick paper: Great for setting the right air gap between the coil and flywheel.
• Pliers: Useful for pulling out grommets and messing with wires.

Safety first

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.

Test the ignition coil

Before you go swapping out the ignition coil, it’s good to double-check that it’s the issue. Here’s how to test it:

Use a spark tester

A spark tester lets you see if the ignition coil’s making a spark to get the engine going.

1. Hook up the spark tester: Connect the tester between the spark plug boot and the spark plug.
2. Try starting the engine: Give the starter cord a pull like you usually do.
3. Watch for spark: Keep an eye on the tester’s window for a spark while you’re cranking.
4. Check what you see: If there’s a good spark, the ignition coil’s probably okay. No spark? The coil might be toast and needs replacing.

If you don’t see a spark, make sure the spark plug’s in decent shape and hooked up right. Also, check the stop switch and its wires to see if they’re messing things up.

Replace the ignition coil step by step

So you’ve figured out the ignition coil’s the culprit. Here’s how to swap it out:

1. Remove the spark plug

1. Unplug the spark plug wire: Carefully pull off the spark plug boot.
2. Take out the spark plug: Use your spark plug wrench or that ¾-inch socket to remove the spark plug. This keeps the engine from starting by accident.

2. Disassemble the leaf blower

1. Take off the blower housing: Grab your Torx bit (probably T-20 or T-27) and unscrew the housing.
2. Remove the cylinder cover: Undo any extra screws and set the cover somewhere safe.
3. Remove the fan impeller: Carefully unthread the bolts holding the impeller so you can get to the ignition coil.

3. Disconnect the ignition coil

1. Unscrew the ignition coil: Find the coil and remove the screws holding it down.
2. Detach the ground wire: You might need pliers to disconnect the ground wire from the coil.
3. Remove the grommet: Gently take off any grommets or sleeves from the wires.
4. Take out the ignition coil: Lift out the faulty coil from the blower.

4. Install the new ignition coil

1. Transfer wire sleeves: If your new coil doesn’t have the wire sleeve or grommet, move them over from the old one.
2. Position the new coil: Place it in position, lining up the mounting holes.
3. Reattach the ground wire: Connect the ground wire to the new coil.
4. Set the air gap: Slip a business card or some thick paper between the coil and flywheel to set the right gap.
5. Screw down the coil: While holding it against the card and flywheel, tighten the screws.
6. Remove the card: Rotate the flywheel to pull out the card without moving the coil.

5. Reassemble the leaf blower

1. Put the fan impeller back: Secure the impeller assembly onto the engine.
2. Replace the cylinder cover: Put the cover back and tighten the screws.
3. Reattach the blower housing: Line up the housing and screw it back on with the Torx bit.
4. Reinstall the spark plug: Screw the spark plug back in and tighten it. A dab of dish soap can help the spark plug boot slide on easier.
5. Reconnect the spark plug wire: Push the boot back onto the spark plug until it’s snug.

6. Test the leaf blower

1. Switch on: Make sure the on/off switch is set to “on.”
2. Start it up: Pull the starter to fire up the leaf blower.
3. See how it runs: Check that it’s running smoothly and responding like it should.

Additional tips

• Use the right tools: Having the correct tools helps avoid messing up screws and parts.
• Keep track of everything: As you take things apart, keep screws and small bits organized to make reassembly easier.
• Check your manual: For specific steps for your leaf blower, look at the manufacturer’s manual. If you’re not sure where to find your model number, see our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

You’re all set!

And that’s it! You’ve tested and swapped out your leaf blower’s ignition coil. Keeping up with regular maintenance and fixing things when they break can make your gear last longer and work when you need it.

For more how-tos, quality parts, and expert tips, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to back you up on your DIY repair adventures.

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If you’ve got questions or need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to help you get the most out of your gear.