How to Troubleshoot A Leaf Blower That Won't Start?

21 minutes read

When a leaf blower fails to start, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and potentially fix it. Here are some things you can check:

  1. Fuel: Ensure that the leaf blower has enough fuel by checking the fuel level in the tank. If it's low, fill it up with fresh fuel. Make sure the fuel mixture matches the manufacturer's specifications.
  2. Spark Plug: Examine the spark plug for any signs of damage or wear. If it appears dirty or corroded, clean it using a wire brush. Checking the spark plug's gap and adjusting it to the manufacturer's recommendation is also essential.
  3. Air Filter: Inspect the air filter for clogs or buildup of dirt and debris. A dirty air filter can prevent the engine from starting or running smoothly. Clean or replace the air filter if necessary.
  4. Carburetor: The carburetor can sometimes get clogged or dirty, hindering smooth engine operation. Remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly with carburetor cleaner. Pay attention to small passages and jets that may be blocked.
  5. Fuel Lines: Inspect the fuel lines for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or blockages. Replace any damaged fuel lines, and ensure they are properly connected.
  6. Primer Bulb: Check the primer bulb to ensure it is not cracked or damaged. A faulty primer bulb can cause issues with starting the leaf blower. Replace it if necessary.
  7. Ignition Module: Test the ignition module or coil with a spark tester. If there is no spark, the ignition module may be faulty and in need of replacement.
  8. Compression: Low compression can also prevent the leaf blower from starting. Perform a compression test using a gauge to determine if the compression is within the manufacturer's recommended range.
  9. Safety Switches: Ensure that all safety switches, such as those on the throttle or handle, are properly engaged and not malfunctioning. These switches are designed to prevent the engine from starting in unsafe conditions.
  10. Professional Help: If you have followed these steps and the leaf blower still won't start, it may be time to seek assistance from a professional repair service. They will have the expertise to diagnose and fix any more complex issues.


Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific troubleshooting steps and safety guidelines for your leaf blower.

Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums of 2024

1
EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

  • Turbo button delivers 650 CFM, up to 180 MPH with tapered nozzle attached
  • Up to 90 minutes of average runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery
  • Variable speed dial from 225 CFM to 470 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
  • High-efficiency brushless motor
  • IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
  • 64 dB noise level
  • Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
  • Spread and tapered nozzle attachments included
  • 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
2
Husqvarna 970466901 150BT Gas Leaf Blower, 51-cc 2.16-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, 765-CFM, 270-MPH, 22-N Powerful Clearing Performance

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Husqvarna 970466901 150BT Gas Leaf Blower, 51-cc 2.16-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, 765-CFM, 270-MPH, 22-N Powerful Clearing Performance

  • Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower combines a high powered gas leaf blower with state-of-the-art ergonomic design, a perfect gift for dad
  • Powerful Clearing Performance: 2-cycle, 51-cc, 2.16-HP engine has a powerful blowing force (765 CFM, 270 MPH, 22 N), reduces emissions up to 60%, and increases fuel efficiency up to 20%
  • Ergonomic Harness System: Gas leaf blower backpack features a padded harness, hip belt and weight-leveling load management system for optimal comfort
  • Easy Operation: Air purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for trouble-free starting, plus the variable speed throttle with cruise control allows for easy operation without the need to regulate the blower's speed
  • Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: Gas leaf blowers simplify the process of regular yard maintenance and more demanding lawn care tasks, like cleaning up heavy, wet leaves and debris
3
EGO Power+ LB5302 3-Speed Turbo 56-Volt 530 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

EGO Power+ LB5302 3-Speed Turbo 56-Volt 530 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

  • Turbo button delivers 530 CFM, up to 110 MPH to power through heavy debris
  • Up to 75 minutes of runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery
  • Variable speed dial from 260 CFM to 400 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
  • High-efficiency brushless motor
  • IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
  • 64 dB noise level
  • Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
  • 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
4
Cordless Leaf Blower - Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger - 2 Speed Mode - 21V Battery Powered Leaf Blowers for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves and Snow

Rating is 5 out of 5

Cordless Leaf Blower - Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger - 2 Speed Mode - 21V Battery Powered Leaf Blowers for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves and Snow

  • 【Up to 2x Batteries】Tired of the time consuming of leaf raking and the back pain? Tired of the limitation of cord, the noise from the bulky blowers? Consider getting the LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower with two batteries for tackling your lightweight jobs. Within 30 mins, you can get your work done in any terrain, even for roofs and gutters.
  • 【Faster Charging and No Hassles】 Sometimes customers got annoyed by waiting too long to charge the battery. But with the LAZYBOI leaf blower, you will get the convenience of 1-hour fast charging. The cordless leaf blower set comes with a fast charger and two 2.0ah 21v batteries which keeps 40-min work for the low speed mode and 30-min work for the high speed mode.
  • 【Advanced Motor with Turbo Tech】LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower uses advanced turbo technology, which effectively boosts the maximum air speed to 150MPH. Although the turbo mode uses a lot of power (which drains the battery faster), it is quite useful for loosening up those stubborn patches of debris that get stuck and otherwise refuse to budge. Our LAZYBOI blower is absolutely a lightweight and cordless leaf blower that brings a better user experience than others'.
  • 【Lightweight and Portable】 Lightweight design makes it perfect for one-handed operation for easy maneuverability. Weighs only 3.38 lbs and features an ergonomic body that naturally moulds to the direction of blowing, you will experience 30% less user fatigue during operation. The upgraded rubber grip of the leaf blower is not only non-slip when used, but also provides you with just enough support to make your work easier.
  • 【Battery Maintenance】 Product Safety is Top 1 to consider, we've implemented overheat protection in our batteries to ensure consumer safety. To prolong battery life, please wait 5-10 minutes after discharge before charging, and fully charge the battery before storing it for 3+ months. The LED indicator shows red while charging and green when fully charged.
  • 【12 Month Waranti】 We offer you 12 months of free warranti service to make your leaf blower more durable and reliable. If you have any problems with our cordless leaf blower, please feel free to contact us, and we will answer it within 24 hours.
5
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)

  • Up to 450 CFM of air volume and up to 125 Mph with concentrator
  • Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time
  • Low noise during operation - 66 dB(A), ideal for noise sensitive regions and properties
  • High-efficiency brushless motor helps extend run time and motor life
  • Lightweight and ergonomic design allows for easy control and arm movement
6
VacLife Leaf Blower Cordless with Battery and Charger-350CFM 150MPH 20V Electric Leaf Blower, Perfect for Lawn, Yard, Garage, Patio & Sidewalk Red (VL717)

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

VacLife Leaf Blower Cordless with Battery and Charger-350CFM 150MPH 20V Electric Leaf Blower, Perfect for Lawn, Yard, Garage, Patio & Sidewalk Red (VL717)

  • POWERFUL MOTOR & EFFICIENT CLEANING: VacLife cordless leaf blower is equipped with a copper motor which makes the appliance durable, energy-saving, and less noisy. In addition, the turbo booster helps to provide stronger airflow, which is up to 280 CFM. Plus the strong wind speeds up to 120 MPH, VacLife can work efficiently in helping you clean the target area.
  • CORDLESS DESIGN & LONG BATTERY LIFE: This battery powered leaf blower is cordless and portable. It's convenient for you to carry around. The 20V 4.0Ah battery can support the blower to work for 25 mins in high-speed mode and 15 mins in turbo-speed mode. What's more, it only takes 2h to fully charge the battery. You can monitor the remaining battery and charging process by the indicators.
  • VARIABLE SPEEDS: This cordless leaf blower features variable speeds. The harder you press the power switch, the stronger the wind is. By pressing the turbo-speed button at the same time, the wind reaches its strongest speed. Thus, this blower can not only blow away leaves, fragments, and dust but also snow and stubborn debris. You can choose suitable speeds freely to solve your problems.
  • WIDE-APPLICATION: This electric blower is suitable for many different uses. It is not limited to the function of a lawn vacuum or a yard vacuum. It can be used to clean the garage, patio, sidewalk, porch, car, balcony, deck, and hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, this electric blower works effectively in cleaning damp leaves, snow, dust, and fragments as well as drying your car surface.
  • USER-FRIENDLY & ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The handgrip of this blower for lawn care is wrapped with elastic rubber which makes it non-slip and comfortable to hold. Meanwhile, the assembly of the appliance can be finished easily in a few steps by referring to the user manual included in the package. ( Note: Please read the manual carefully before using the electric blower. )
7
Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp,Red

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp,Red

  • Superior blowing and mulching proven by controlled laboratory testing.This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
  • Powerful up to 250 mph degree. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM Vac mode
  • Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, cord storage hook, shred-all shred ring and time-saving oscillating tube included; Extension cord Sold separately
  • Variable speed control for better control in both blower and vac mode
  • This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.
  • 3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
  • 340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode
  • 3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
8
WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower

  • [TURBINE FAN TECH] Worx engineers figured out how to get a jet engine-type motor inside of a leaf blower. Super powerful, yet not so loud that you’ll think it’s getting ready for takeoff
  • [TWICE AS FAST AS PRO BLOWERS] Professional-grade gas blowers rely on outdated tech. The Turbine is cutting edge, and spins twice as fast as the blowers used by commercial grounds crews
  • [2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS] Go slow for pavement or tight corners. On the open lawn, switch to speed 2 and see what the 110 mph Turbine can do
  • [600 CFM] We named the Turbine 600 after the 600 Cubic Feet per Minute of high-capacity air volume that shoots out of its wide-mouth nozzle. That’s a wide, strong path of air that allows you to clear large areas with fewer passes
  • [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
  • [HYPER-STREAM AIR NOZZLE] We didn’t just stop designing once we were finished with the Turbine engine. We added an attachable nozzle, optimized to direct all that volume in a concentrated area for tougher jobs
  • [ONE-HANDED OPERATION] All the power and only 6.4 lbs. The Turbine 600 is designed to be controlled with just one hand. The ergonomic design funnels the wind in a way that’s easy to handle
  • [EXTENSION CORD RETAINER] The electrical cord comes with a retainer attached, so when using an extension cord it won’t disconnect, even when it gets snagged


How to check the flywheel key for damage in a leaf blower?

To check the flywheel key for damage in a leaf blower, follow these steps:

  1. Safety first: Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting of the engine.
  2. Remove the cover or housing: Usually, the flywheel key can be accessed by removing the cover or housing that encloses the flywheel.
  3. Locate the flywheel: The flywheel is typically located on the top of the engine, either exposed or covered by a plate or shroud.
  4. Remove the flywheel nut: By using a socket wrench or a suitable tool, carefully remove the flywheel nut. Keep the nut in a safe place to avoid misplacing it.
  5. Inspect the flywheel key: The flywheel key is a small metal piece that fits into a groove on both the crankshaft and the flywheel. Examine the key for any signs of damage, such as bending, shearing, or wear and tear. If damaged, it may need to be replaced.
  6. Check the keyway and crankshaft: Inspect the keyway (slot on the crankshaft where the flywheel key fits) and the crankshaft itself for any signs of damage. If the keyway or crankshaft is damaged, repairs may require the assistance of a professional.
  7. Reassemble: If everything is in good condition, carefully place the flywheel key back into the keyway, aligning it with the groove on the crankshaft. Then, reinstall the flywheel nut and tighten it securely.
  8. Test the leaf blower: After reassembling, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug. Start the engine and ensure it runs smoothly without any abnormal noises. If the engine starts and runs fine, the flywheel key is likely intact and functioning correctly.


Remember, if in doubt or if you are uncomfortable performing these checks yourself, it's recommended to consult the user manual or a professional for assistance.


How to identify a damaged or worn-out piston in a leaf blower?

To identify a damaged or worn-out piston in a leaf blower, you can look for the following signs:

  1. Decreased Power: If you notice a significant decrease in the power or performance of your leaf blower, it may indicate a damaged or worn-out piston. A piston that is not functioning properly can lead to reduced compression, resulting in a loss of power.
  2. Difficulty Starting: A damaged piston can cause difficulties in starting the leaf blower. If you experience consistent problems starting the engine, it could be a sign that the piston is worn out or damaged.
  3. Engine Misfiring: A piston in poor condition can cause engine misfires or irregular combustion. If you notice the leaf blower is running rough, sputtering, or having inconsistent acceleration, it can be an indication of a faulty piston.
  4. Excessive Exhaust Smoke: A damaged piston can result in increased oil consumption or improper oil burning, leading to excessive smoke from the exhaust. If you notice an unusual amount of smoke or oil coming from the leaf blower's exhaust, it may indicate a piston issue.
  5. Metallic or Knocking Sound: A worn-out piston can produce a metallic knocking sound while the leaf blower is running. If you hear any abnormal noise from the engine, it could be a sign of a damaged piston.
  6. Loss of Compression: Lack of compression is a common symptom of a damaged piston. You may experience difficulties maintaining consistent power output, reduced fuel efficiency, or a general lack of performance. A compression test can help determine whether the piston has lost its sealing capability.


If you observe any of these signs, it is recommended to take your leaf blower to a professional for inspection and repair. They will be able to diagnose the exact issue with the piston and provide the necessary repair or replacement.


What is the correct spark plug type and heat range for a leaf blower?

The correct spark plug type and heat range for a leaf blower can vary slightly depending on the specific make and model. However, most leaf blowers typically use a spark plug with a short reach and a projected tip. The most commonly recommended spark plug type for leaf blowers is an RCJ6Y or RCJ7Y.


Regarding the heat range, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's specifications or the leaf blower's user manual for the correct heat range. The heat range of a spark plug refers to its ability to dissipate heat. It is crucial to use a spark plug with the correct heat range to prevent engine damage. Using the wrong heat range spark plug can result in overheating or fouling of the spark plug.

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