How to troubleshoot & fix common gas leaf blower problems

Nothing puts a damper on your productivity like a gas-powered leaf blower that won’t start or runs poorly. While it’s tempting to call a repair shop, many common issues can be fixed at home with a bit of know-how.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

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

Problem 1: The blower won’t start

This is one of the most frequent problems. Here’s what to check:

• Is there fuel in the tank? Start with the basics. If the tank is empty, refill it with the correct gas-oil mixture (typically 40:1 or 50:1, depending on your model).
• Is the fuel fresh? If there’s already fuel in the tank, but it’s been sitting for more than 30 days, drain it and refill with fresh fuel. Old fuel can degrade and leave deposits in the fuel system, causing clogs.
• Check the spark plug: Remove the spark plug and inspect it. If it’s dirty, clean it with a wire brush. If it’s damaged or heavily worn, replace it.
• Inspect the carburetor: Clogged carburetors are common culprits for starting issues. Use a carburetor cleaner to remove debris or consider a rebuild kit if it’s severely clogged.
• Check the recoil starter mechanism: If pulling the starter cord doesn’t engage the engine, the recoil mechanism could be faulty. Remove the blower housing to access the starter assembly. Inspect the cord for fraying and ensure the pulley and spring are working properly.
• Check for compression: If the engine still won’t start, there may be an issue with the engine’s internal components. Use a compression tester to measure the engine’s compression. Most leaf blowers need a reading of at least 90 PSI to start. If compression is too low, the piston rings, cylinder, or seals may be damaged and require in-depth repair.

Pro Tip: Use a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of your gas, especially if you don’t use your blower frequently.

Problem 2: The engine runs rough or stalls

If your blower starts but doesn’t stay running smoothly, here’s what might be going on:

• Dirty air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow. Remove the filter, clean it with soapy water (if it’s foam), or replace it (if it’s paper).
• Blocked fuel line: Inspect the fuel lines for cracks or clogs. Replace damaged lines or clean any blockages.
• Carburetor adjustment: If the blower still stalls, try adjusting the carburetor screws (usually marked “H” for high speed and “L” for low speed). Small adjustments can make a big difference.
• Check the spark plug: A faulty or dirty spark plug can cause inconsistent ignition, leading to a rough-running engine.
• Check for exhaust blockages: A clogged muffler or spark arrestor screen can restrict exhaust flow, making the engine stall or run unevenly.
• Check the recoil starter: If the engine runs rough immediately after starting, the recoil starter might not be engaging properly.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Leaf-Blowing

Problem 3: The blower lacks power

If the engine is running, but the performance feels underwhelming, here are some things to check:

• Clean or replace the air filter: A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which reduces the engine’s ability to generate power.
• Inspect the spark plug: A weak or inconsistent spark can result in reduced power output.
• Inspect the impeller and fan: The impeller and fan create the airflow needed for the blower to function. If these components are damaged or obstructed, performance will drop.
• Spark arrestor screen: This small screen in the exhaust can become clogged with carbon. Remove it and clean with a wire brush.
• Muffler buildup: Excess carbon deposits in the muffler can also restrict airflow. Remove the muffler and clean it thoroughly.
• Fuel system: Check for blockages or replace old fuel lines if they seem brittle or clogged.
• Check and clean the carburetor: The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel correctly. If it’s dirty or not adjusted properly, the blower may lose power.

Problem 4: Excessive smoke or strong fuel odor

This usually indicates a problem with the fuel mixture or exhaust:

• Check the fuel mix: Make sure you’re using the proper gas-to-oil ratio. Too much oil can create smoke, while too little oil can damage the engine.
• Inspect the exhaust: A clogged exhaust port can cause smoke. Clean it gently with a brush or small scraper.
• Clean the spark arrestor screen: The spark arrestor screen in the muffler can become clogged with carbon deposits over time, restricting exhaust flow and causing the engine to run inefficiently.
• Check the exhaust and muffler: Excessive smoke can also be caused by carbon buildup in the exhaust ports or muffler, which restricts the flow of exhaust gases.
• Check for fuel leaks: A strong fuel odor could indicate a leak in the fuel tank, lines, or connections.
• Inspect the piston and cylinder: If the blower continues to produce excessive smoke despite addressing the fuel and exhaust systems, there may be internal engine damage.

Problem 5: Unusual vibrations or noise

If your blower is vibrating excessively or making strange noises, don’t ignore it:

• Loose parts: Check screws, bolts, and fasteners to ensure everything is tight. Vibrations can loosen components over time.
• Damaged fan blade or impeller: Inspect the fan or impeller for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary to restore balance.
• Engine mounts: In rare cases, damaged engine mounts can cause excessive vibrations. These may need professional attention.
• Check the recoil starter assembly: The recoil starter can contribute to noise or vibrations if its components are worn or malfunctioning.
• Examine the crankshaft and flywheel: The crankshaft and flywheel work together to maintain engine balance. Damage or misalignment can cause severe vibrations and noises.
• Check for internal engine issues: Unusual noises or vibrations can sometimes indicate internal engine problems, such as worn piston rings or connecting rods, damaged bearings or excessive carbon buildup inside the cylinder.

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

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts, grab your model number and head to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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