My Leaf Blower Won’t Start
The leaves are starting to fall, and you’ve taken your leaf blower out of hibernation only to find out it won’t start! There is nothing more frustrating than equipment that doesn’t start, especially right when you need it. Before fall is in full swing, this is the best time to give your blower a test drive and make sure all these important components are functioning as they should.
Before troubleshooting any specific components of your leaf blower, first, make sure your leaf blower has enough gas in the tank and that you have primed it. If it still won’t start, you will want to start inspecting this list of components.
The Spark Plug
A dirty or defective spark plug is one of the most common reasons for a leaf blower that will not start. The spark plug is what takes the electrical current from the ignition module and creates a spark to ignite the fuel to get the engine powered. Clean the spark plug and test it using a spark plug tester. If it still isn’t working properly or appears damaged, you will need to replace it.
The Carburetor
The carburetor is an essential part of your leaf blower’s ignition system. It provides the specific amount of fuel and air needed to start the engine. If the carburetor is clogged this can cause the engine to sputter when trying to start it or it will stop completely. The carburetor can be cleaned using a special carburetor cleaner. If when you try and start the engine again, it is still not starting, you may want to disassemble the carburetor and give it a more thorough cleaning.
Rewind Spring
If the rewind spring is broken, the starter rope won’t be able to recoil into the pulley. Inspect the rewind spring for damage and replace it if necessary.
Spark Arrestor
The spark arrestor has a screen that helps heated gases from escaping. It is located inside the muffler and can get clogged up with soot. Give it a thorough cleaning and if it’s too gummed up to get clean, it should be replaced.
Ignition Coil
Inspect the ignition coil for damage or wear and measure the air gap between the magnetic coil and the flywheel. If the air gap isn’t to the manufacturer’s specified spacing, you may not get a proper spark to start your leaf blower.
Recoil Starter Pulley
If the recoil starter pulley is malfunctioning or broken, you won’t be able to pull start the leaf blower. When it is functioning as it should, the rope will retract back into the equipment after it is pulled. If this does not happen, you will not be able to pull the rope, which means it will be impossible to start the engine. When this happens, it is usually due to one of the components of the starter assembly, so replacing the entire starter is the best and most simple way to fix it.
We hope after going through this checklist of important components you were able to get your leaf blower back up and running again. If any of these parts require replacing, use your model number to search our extensive library of OEM leaf blower parts. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more troubleshooting and repair tips!
