How to clean or replace a clogged leaf blower carburetor

Is your leaf blower acting up, won’t start or just running rough? A clogged carburetor might be to blame. Don’t stress, we’ll guide you through cleaning or replacing it, so you can get back to keeping your yard looking sharp.

Heads up: The tips in this article might not match your specific leaf blower model. While we aim to offer helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, different models and setups can mean variations in steps, error codes, part swaps, etc. For the best info, we recommend checking your model’s manual or contact us with any questions.

Why carburetors get clogged

Understanding what clogs a carburetor can help you avoid issues later. Here’s what’s often at fault:

Stale or bad fuel

Gasoline doesn’t stay fresh forever. Let it sit too long, and it’ll leave sticky gunk inside the carburetor, causing blockages. Ethanol in modern gas speeds this up by attracting moisture, leading to rust and more residue.

Clogged fuel filter

Your fuel filter catches debris before it hits the carburetor. Over time, it can clog up, blocking fuel flow and hurting engine performance.

Dirty air filter

A clean air filter ensures your carburetor gets enough air. A filthy filter cuts airflow, leading to a fuel-heavy mix that can foul spark plugs and cause the engine to chug or stall.

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

What you’ll need

• Socket wrench set
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Carburetor cleaner spray
• Clean rags
• Small brush or old toothbrush
• Gloves and safety glasses

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

How to clean a clogged carburetor

Prepare the blower

1. Turn off the blower and allow it to cool completely.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts.
3. Drain the fuel tank to avoid spills while working.
4. Place the blower on a clean, flat surface in a well-ventilated area.

Access the carburetor

1. Locate the carburetor, which is usually near the air filter.
2. Remove the air filter cover and the air filter to expose the carburetor.
3. Use a screwdriver or wrench to detach the carburetor from the blower. Carefully disconnect the fuel lines and throttle linkage, noting their positions for reassembly.

Disassemble the carburetor

1. Place the carburetor on a clean work surface.
2. Remove the float bowl (the bottom part of the carburetor) by unscrewing the bolts. Check for dirt, varnish buildup, or debris inside the bowl.
3. Take out removable parts, such as the float, needle valve, and jets, if accessible. Keep track of these small components to avoid losing them.

Clean the components

1. Spray carburetor cleaner generously into all openings, jets, and internal passages. Be thorough but avoid spraying on rubber seals or gaskets unless the cleaner is safe for them.
2. Use a small brush, toothbrush, or soft cloth to remove any stubborn debris.
3. Clear clogs in the jets with a thin wire or needle. Push gently to avoid damage.
4. Blow compressed air through the passages to ensure they are completely clear.

Remove the old carburetor if necessary

1. Use a screwdriver or wrench to detach the carburetor by loosening its mounting screws or bolts.
2. Carefully disconnect the fuel lines and throttle linkage. Take note of their positions to make reassembly easier.
3. Inspect the gasket between the carburetor and engine. If it’s worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.

install the new carburetor

1. Position the new carburetor in place, aligning it with the mounting holes.
2. Reconnect the throttle linkage and fuel lines to their corresponding positions. Ensure the connections are secure to prevent leaks.
3. Attach the carburetor to the blower using the mounting screws or bolts. Tighten them evenly but avoid overtightening.
4. Replace the air filter and secure the filter cover.

Adjust the carburetor settings

1. Consult your blower’s manual for the correct idle speed and air-fuel mixture settings.
2. Use a small screwdriver to adjust the idle and mixture screws on the carburetor if necessary. This ensures the blower runs efficiently.

Test the blower

1. Refill the fuel tank with fresh fuel.
2. Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the blower.
3. Let the blower run for a few minutes, listening for smooth operation and checking for fuel leaks. Adjust the carburetor settings further if needed.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Leaf-Blowing

Keep that leaf blower humming

Dealing with carburetor issues doesn’t have to be a pain. With the steps above, you can clean or replace your carburetor and keep your leaf blower running like a champ. Remember, a bit of regular upkeep can prevent bigger problems down the line.

If you need replacement parts or more help, we’re here for you. Visit AppliancePartsPros.com for quality parts and expert advice.

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If you’ve got questions or need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help with your appliance repair needs.