Leaves in your yard sometimes look bad. However, there are ways to clean your yard. You can either use a hand rake, or a leaf blower to get rid of the fallen leaves. So, if you have a leaf blower, once in a while, you might find that it is not working properly. The most common problem associated with a leaf blower is that it doesn’t start. So, how to fix a leaf blower that won’t start?
You need to make sure that you check out the common problems first. Let’s have a look at the common reasons why a leaf blower wont start or the parts malfunction and then the repair solutions required.
Methods of How to Fix a Leaf Blower that Won’t Start
Spark Plug
If your leaf blower spark plug is damaged, you will see little or no sparks. So, you need to check what is wrong with your spark plug. Your spark plug can be damaged in several ways. For example, if the porcelain insulator is cracked, chances are there that one of the electrode has been burnt or has eroded.
Additionally, there can be a heavy carbon buildup, which might cause the spark plug to malfunction. In both the cases, you would need to change the spark plug to get your leaf blower started.
If you are unsure if your spark plug is working or not, use a spark plug tester. While using it, you would see a strong spark between the terminals of the tester when the engine is working. If there is no spark, then you need to replace the spark plug.
Carburetor
The carburetor is responsible for mixing the correct amount of air and gasoline so that a combustible gas is formed. When the carburetor is not working properly, your leaf blower wont start. However, if you also see the engine sputtering during start, or stopping in the middle, due to apparent lack of fuel, the carburetor is the part that you need to look into.
There are two options available for carburetor. The first is you can replace the carburetor, and the second is you can rebuild the carburetor. If you do not have any knowledge about carburetors, it is cost effective to replace the whole thing. However, if you have a knack of using your screwdrivers, you can check out the carburetor rebuild kits, which consists of seals, gaskets and diaphragms.
Rewind Spring
How a leaf blower works? If your rewind spring is broken, your leaf blower might not work. So, what is the function of the rewind spring? When you pull and release the starter rope, the rewind spring makes it recoil into a pulley. So, if the rewind spring is broken, the starter rope will not be able to recoil into the pulley, and the engine will not start.
So, you will need to replace the rewind spring. Most leaf blowers have individual rewind spring, which you can replace. However, if you don’t have any idea of how it is done, you can check in with a mechanic.
Fuel Filter
If the fuel filter is clogged, then the engine won’t start. So, what causes a clogged fuel filter? When you leave the fuel in the leaf blower for long period of time, without using it, some ingredients of the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a sticky liquid. This can clog the filter. If you have stored the leaf blower for long period of time, make sure that you drain the fuel first, clean the fuel filter, and then try starting it.
Spark Arrestor
The spark arrestor prevents the engine from creating sparks, and is a small screen. Due to repeated use, the spark arrestor can become congested with soot, and clog. If it is clogged the engine might malfunction or not even start.
So, you need to take out the spark arrestor and clean it if you see that your leaf blower is not starting. If your spark arrestor is broken or malfunctioning (other than clogging), then you will need to change it.
Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is responsible for sending voltage to the spark plug when the engine is running. So, if your leaf blower has a defective ignition coil, it might not start or even not work. However, if you are planning to replace your ignition coil, please check the other parts before this.
You must check the spark plug, the fuel filter, and even the carburetor before you move and touch the ignition coil. Also, you need to have an ignition coil tester to know if your ignition coil is malfunctioning or not. Once you find out that it is malfunctioning, you can replace it.
Recoil Starter Pulley
The recoil starter pulley is responsible for winding up the starter rope when it is not being used. So, if your recoil starter pulley is broken, it won’t be able to recoil the rope and hence, your engine will be unable to start. If you find that it is broken, or malfunctioning, you need to replace it, as there is no option of mending the pulley.
When it comes to leaf blowers, you might also find that there are other symptoms of malfunction. For example, your leaf blower can have excessive vibration or even leave behind excessive smokes. Or it might even run rough. Depending on the different symptoms you will need to troubleshoot, so that you don’t have a dispensable leaf blower in your hands.
Final Words on How to Fix a Leaf Blower That Won’t Start
Other than the causes mentioned above, your leaf blower wont start if the engine is at fault. However, that is not something you can troubleshoot yourself, even if you have a knack for using screwdrivers. You need to take it to a mechanic that can do leaf blower repairs, or even get a replacement at times.
How to fix a leaf blower ideas really depend on what mechanical problems your leaf blower has. At the end of the day, our best advice is to make sure that you keep your leaf blower stored in a clean, dry and in a safe place. Also, if you are not using a gas powered model regularly, it is better to drain the fuel, rather than allowing it to evaporate.
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