How to tell if your leaf blower choke is causing problems

Having a hard time firing up your leaf blower on a frosty morning? If you’re fighting with it to start, the choke could be to blame. Getting a grip on how the choke works and spotting the signs that it’s acting up can help you get back to cleaning up your yard pronto.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Common symptoms of choke problems

1. Leaf blower just works on full or half choke. If your blower only hums along when the choke’s on, doesn’t matter if it’s full or half, and then quits when you flip it to “run,” that’s a pretty good hint there’s something up with your choke or carburetor.

2. The engine sputters and conks out when you turn off the choke. If the engine coughs and dies right after you take off the choke, it might mean there’s trouble with fuel getting through or airflow. That can seriously mess with your blower’s mojo.

3. Still needs choke even when warmed up. If you gotta use the choke again to keep things running, even after the engine’s warmed up, chances are something’s off with the carburetor or fuel lines.

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.

How to fix choke problems

Figuring out choke problems might seem tricky, but with some basic tools and a little elbow grease, you can get your leaf blower back in action. Here’s what to do:

Make sure you’re using the right fuel mix

Running the wrong oil-to-gas mix can wear out the engine and mess with how it runs.

1. Double-check what fuel mix your blower needs according to the manufacturer.
2. Measure out the fuel and oil carefully using a measuring cup or ratio bottle.
3. Always go with fresh, clean fuel to keep things running smoothly.

Check out intake gaskets and air filters

Air leaks and dirty filters can throw off the air-fuel mix.

1. Look over the intake gaskets for any wear or damage, and swap them out if needed.
2. See if the air filter’s clogged with dirt or gunk.
3. Clean it up or replace the air filter to keep the air flowing.

Take a look at the spark arrestor screen

A clogged spark arrestor screen can block the exhaust, hurting the engine’s performance.

1. Find the spark arrestor screen, it’s usually by the exhaust outlet.
2. Gently remove it and clean off any carbon buildup or crud.
3. Pop the clean screen back in place nice and snug.

Tweak the carburetor settings

If your carb has adjustable screws, dialing in the idle and high-speed settings can fix fuel flow problems.

1. Grab a carb adjustment tool to turn the idle (L) and high-speed (H) screws.
2. Adjust them slowly while the engine’s running to find the sweet spot.
3. Check your blower’s manual for how to adjust things properly.

Look over and swap out fuel lines and filters

Damaged or rusty fuel lines and filters can block fuel flow, making the engine stall when you turn off the choke.

1. Inspect fuel lines for cracks, stiffness, or rust. Using ethanol-resistant lines is a smart move to keep them from breaking down.
2. If you spot any damage, change out the old fuel lines and filters for new ones.

Give the carburetor a good cleaning

Residue can gunk up the carb over time, especially if you’re running gas with ethanol. That buildup can mess with fuel flow.

1. Take the carb off your leaf blower. Check your manual for how-to details. If you’re not sure where to find your model number, swing by our handy guide.
2. Use some carb cleaner to clear out the residue and deposits.
3. Wash and dry all the carb parts well before putting it back together.

Test the engine compression

Low compression can stop the engine from running right.

1. Get a compression tester to check the engine’s compression.
2. Take out the spark plug and hook up the tester as per the instructions.
3. Pull the starter a few times and check the numbers. Look up your manual to see what the readings should be.
4. If the compression is low, some internal engine parts might need attention.

Need more help?

If you’ve tried all this and your blower’s still giving you grief, don’t sweat it, we’re here to help. Swing by AppliancePartsPros.com for more repair tips and all the parts you might need to get your leaf blower buzzing like new.

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