Troubleshooting and Fixing a Leaf Blower that Won’t Start

Leaf blower trouble 

When it’s time to tackle yard work, a leaf blower can be your best friend – until it refuses to start. It’s frustrating to pull the cord again and again only to be met with silence. But don’t let the frustration of a silent machine hold you back from a well-kept yard.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons your leaf blower might be giving you the silent treatment and provide solutions to get it running again so you can get back to tackling those leaf piles. 

6 common reasons your leaf blower won’t start

When your trusty leaf blower suddenly becomes inoperative, several factors might be at play. Let’s dive into the potential culprits and see corresponding solutions that will breathe life back into your machine.

Before completing any of these steps, make sure you’re in a clean, dry area and that your leaf blower is disconnected from a power outlet. It’s also a good idea to lay a tarp or dropcloth underneath the leaf blower to catch any spills or debris that may fall out during disassembly.

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1. Clogged carburetor

If your leaf blower is making strange noises and stops suddenly just after starting, it might be because the carburetor is clogged. This blockage messes with how fuel flows, making it hard to start. To fix this, try cleaning the carburetor using a special cleaner. If the clog is more complex, you might have to take the carburetor apart to give it a more thorough cleaning.

2. Dirty or defective spark plug

If your leaf blower struggles to start and the engine isn’t working properly, the spark plug might be the source of the problem. The spark plug is a spark of electricity that ignites an air and fuel mixture in the combustion engine. 

To check the spark plug, take it out, inspect it, and clean it. You can also use a spark tester to see if the connection is producing a proper spark. If the spark is weak or doesn’t show up, it’s best to replace the spark plug.

3.  Ignition coil issues

If your leaf blower exhibits a lack of spark and doesn’t start, the problem could be related to the ignition coil, which is responsible for generating the electrical current needed to produce sparks for startup.

Closely examine the ignition coil for any visible signs of damage. Make sure that the air gap is correctly adjusted as required. If the coil is damaged,  be sure to replace it before attempting to operate your leaf blower.

4.  Damaged rewind spring

If your leaf blower’s pull cord won’t retract, the blower might be experiencing a rewind spring issue. This essential component provides the power needed to move the pull cord. If the rewind spring is broken or damaged, it can prevent the cord from retracting correctly.

Carefully examine the rewind spring for any indications of wear or breakage. If you find any damage, it’s best to replace the spring to help restore the functionality of your leaf blower’s pull cord.

5. Recoil starter pulley issues

If your pull cord is jamming or isn’t pulling smoothly on your leaf blower, there could be a problem with the recoil starter pulley. This pulley is responsible for enabling smooth movement of the cord. If the recoil starter pulley is damaged or out of alignment, it can disrupt the proper functioning of the cord. 

Carefully inspect the pulley for signs of wear or damage. If you see any issues, consider repairing or replacing the pulley to ensure your leaf blower’s pull cord operates smoothly and allows for hassle-free starts. 

6. Clogged spark arrestor

If your leaf blower’s engine is failing to start and lacks the power it should have, the spark arrestor may be clogged. The spark arrestor is responsible for preventing sparks from exiting the exhaust system. It can become obstructed by debris or buildup, which can prevent the flow of exhaust gases, resulting in starting and power problems. 

Try removing the spark arrestor and thoroughly cleaning it. This can often resolve the problem if the clog is minor. If the clog is severe, you might need to replace the spark arrestor to restore the proper functioning of your leaf blower’s engine and help it regain its full power.

Getting your leaf blower roaring again

Armed with a deeper understanding of the potential reasons your leaf blower may not start, it’s now time to make sure all parts are put back in place and start it up. We hope the troubleshooting steps and solutions outlined in this guide will help you diagnose and remedy any issues with starting your device.

Thanks for reading! Visit us at AppliancePartsPros.com to purchase any parts you may need. Be sure to have your model and serial tag on hand before placing an order so you can get an exact fit replacement part.