Leaf blower starts then stops – Reasons it won’t stay running

Leaf blowers stop and die after starting due to simple issues like old gas, a dirty carburetor, or a clogged fuel filter. Diagnose the problem by checking these common culprits. With a few troubleshooting tips, you can get your gas leaf blower running smoothly again quickly.

Why Does My Leaf Blower Stall After Starting?

Before diving into the common issues that cause 2-cycle or 4-cycle leaf blowers to start up and then die, let’s look at what needs to happen for your gas leaf blower to run properly.

When you pull the starter cord on your leaf blower, it draws fuel from the fuel tank into the carburetor. Here, the fuel is mixed with air drawn through the air filter. This fuel-air mixture then moves into the combustion chamber where it is ignited by the spark plug.

This small engine ignition creates the power to spin the impeller fan inside the leaf blower which generates a strong stream of air. The spark arrestor screen prevents dangerous sparks from exiting the muffler.

If any part of this essential leaf blower engine sequence fails, it can cause the engine to die shortly after starting up. Below are the most common issues that prevent proper operation:

Read More: Troubleshooting a Leaf Blower that Will Not Start

4 Most Common Reasons a Leaf Blower Starts Then Stops

1. Clogged Spark Arrestor Screen

The spark arrestor is a small screen inside the muffler that prevents sparks from the combustion process from leaving the muffler. Over time, this screen can become clogged with carbon deposits and debris.

When clogged, the exhaust from the leaf blower engine is restricted, preventing proper operation and causing it to stall.

Clean or replace the spark arrestor screen. Use a wire brush to carefully clean debris from the old screen. You may need to replace it entirely if cleaning does not resolve the issue.

2. Blocked Fuel Line or Carburetor

The carburetor on your leaf blower mixes air and fuel to power the engine. If the passageways become blocked with sediment, residue, or varnish left behind from stale fuel, it restricts proper fuel flow. This results in the engine stalling shortly after starting up.

Clean the carburetor passages and jets with a carburetor cleaner spray. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for proper carburetor cleaning guidance specific to your leaf blower model.

For more serious clogs, you may need to rebuild or replace the carburetor. Fuel filter replacement is recommended as well, as contaminants may have been drawn into the fuel line from old gas.

3. Bad Fuel Mix

Gas-oil mixtures and old gasoline that has surpassed its shelf life are common culprits of leaf blower start-then-stall issues.

Stale fuel can gum up the fuel filter and carburetor. Using fuel that has been stored for longer than 3-6 months or an improper gas-to-oil ratio in 2-cycle engines can result in the engine dying shortly after starting.

Use only fresh gas with the exact gas-to-oil ratio specified in your owner’s manual. Check that your fuel has no water or sediment from your gas can. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to keep gas fresh longer when storing your leaf blower.

You may need to drain the old fuel from your leaf blower, replace the fuel filter, and add new properly mixed gas for optimal results.

4. Dirty Air Filter

Just like changing the oil in your car, cleaning or replacing your leaf blower air filter is crucial maintenance to keep your engine running well. The air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other debris from entering the carburetor.

Over time, residue can build up and clog the air filter. This restricts airflow into the carburetor, resulting in a lean fuel mixture that causes the engine to stall.

Check your leaf blower’s air filter and replace it if dirty. Most air filters need replacement annually or more often with heavy use. Be sure to use the exact make and model air filter for your unit.

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Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

If your leaf blower is still stalling after you’ve tried the steps above, a few more advanced troubleshooting tips may help narrow down the issue:

• Check/replace spark plug – Faulty or old spark plugs can prevent ignition in the combustion chamber. Replace annually or check manufacturer recommendations.
• Thorough carburetor cleaning – Remove the carburetor and spray all jets, valves, and passages with carb cleaner following the details in your owner’s manual.
• Fuel line inspection – Look for cracks/blockages in the fuel line that may restrict fuel flow to the carburetor. Replace any deteriorating fuel lines.
• Engine compression test – Use an engine compression tester to find loss of compression that can cause a lack of power and stalling.
• Ignition coil/magneto inspection – Faulty ignition system components can prevent spark. Test and replace as needed.

Read More: Your Winter Checklist for Prepping Outdoor Equipment

Preventing Future Leaf Blower Stalling Issues

Here are some tips for keeping your gas blower running smoothly season after season:

• Only use fresh fuel mixed with stabilizer and the specified gas-to-oil ratio
• Replace the fuel filter and spark plug annually
• Clean/replace the air filter regularly
• Inspect fuel lines and spark arrestor for debris buildup
• Follow all maintenance tips outlined in your user manual
• Store properly off-season to avoid gummed-up carburetor
• Clean the leaf blower after each use to prevent debris buildup

Taking time for preventative maintenance and proper storage keeps those fall leaves blowing quickly with no stalled engines!

Time To Fix Your Leaf Blower!

Following the troubleshooting sequence outlined above helps narrow down the true cause, saving you time and frustration. With a few simple tools and supplies, you can often get your stalled gas-powered leaf blower running like new again.

If you have further questions or need replacement parts for your leaf blower or outdoor power equipment, have your model and serial number ready and visit us at AppliancePartsPros.com. Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel!