If you are a homeowner or a working professional looking for daily lawn maintenance tasks, using suitable lawn care equipment is necessary to receive the desired results. In addition, leaf blowers are a range of essential tools for regularly maintaining gardens and lawns, useful for both professional gardeners and homeowners.
However, like all machines, this equipment sometimes stops working and malfunctions. One of the common problems homeowners face is when their leaf blower won’t start. There are various reasons why your Stihl equipment is facing starting issues, as many of these problems can be resolved through general troubleshooting.
This blog focuses on why your leaf blower won’t start and examines various steps to fix a leaf blower that won’t start.
Primary Reasons Why Your Leaf Blower Won’t Start
Several issues can prevent your leaf blower from starting, ranging from fuel-related problems to spark plug issues. Let’s inspect each of the primary reasons and their solutions.
Empty Or Old Fuel In The Fuel Tank
One of the primary causes of a leaf blower not starting is fuel-related problems. When you have not used the leaf blower from a reliable Stihl equipment dealer in a while, there is a possibility that the fuel has wholly evaporated or become old.
With long duration, gasoline breaks down and loses its volatility, which can affect how the engine operates. Older fuel for more than 30 days can stick with the engine and clog parts of the carburetor, which prevents your leaf blower from starting.
How To Fix This Issue?
Drain the old fuel perfectly from the carburetor and the fuel tank.
Refill the blower with fresh and unleaded gas fuel that contains an average amount of ethanol.
If you store your leaf blower for an extended period, you can use a fuel stabilizer to help keep the fuel fresh.
Clogged Fuel Filter Or Air Filter
A blocked air filter can also be the primary cause when your leaf blower won’t start. The air filter operates to prevent contaminants, dirt, and debris from entering the engine, but over time, it can become clogged and restrict airflow. This process can cause the engine to run inefficiently or cause starting issues.
How To Fix This Issue?
You can clean the filter with warm, soapy water or compressed air when it gets dirty.
If it is heavily blocked, replace it with a new air filter for the Stihl lawn equipment.
Remove the air filter and check for dust, dirt, and debris.
Faulty or Dirty Spark Plug
The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinder. A faulty spark plug can prevent the blower from starting because it won’t be able to create the necessary spark. If the spark plug is damaged, your leaf blower won’t start. In this manner, you can protect yourself by preventing dirty spark plugs as a safety precaution.
How To Fix This Issue?
Remove the spark plug and inspect it properly.
Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it’s dirty.
When the spark plug becomes damaged, replace it with a new one from a Stihl equipment dealer.
Carburetor Issues
The fuel filter or carburetor is a crucial component in a two-stroke engine because it mixes the fuel with air in the proper ratio for combustion. When your leaf blower won’t start, the carburetor might become dirty, blocked, or improperly adjusted. For instance, ethanol-based fuels can leave a residue that sticks to the carburetor and prevents the engine from running.
How To Fix This Issue?
Remove the carburetor from the leaf blower and clean it using a dedicated carburetor cleaner.
Redesign the carburetor by replacing the gasket and other internal parts whenever necessary.
Consider replacing the carburetor with a new one when it is beyond repair.
Faulty Ignition Coil
When you have checked the fuel, air filter, and spark plug for errors and your leaf blower won’t start, the primary ignition coil is the major issue. The ignition coil generates the electrical charge needed to ignite the spark in the spark plug. When the ignition coil is faulty, there is not enough power to start the blower.
How To Fix This Issue?
Test the ignition coil using a dedicated device multimeter to ensure it’s functioning appropriately.
When the coil is faulty, it needs to be replaced.
Flooded Engine
A flooded engine is another common reason your leaf blower won’t start. This problem happens when too much fuel enters the combustion chamber of the Stihl lawn equipment, essentially submerging the spark plug.
It is an essential factor to avoid when choosing a Stihl leaf blower for your lawn care routine. This issue occurs when you try starting the engine multiple times without success or accidentally leave the choke on for too long.
How To Fix This Issue?
Remove the spark plug and examine for signs of fuel saturation.
Turn off the leaf blower for 15-20 minutes to allow the excess fuel to evaporate.
Reinstall the new spark plug and start the engine again.
Recoil Starter Problems
The recoil starter turns the engine over when you pull the starter cord. When the cord is rugged to pull or doesn’t retract properly, your Stihl lawn equipment won’t start. This issue happens due to a broken spring, a jammed pulley, or a problem with the starter cord itself.
How To Fix This Issue?
When the starter cord is broken, you can easily replace it.
Check the recoil starter assembly for any visible damage.
Consider replacing the entire coil starter assembly when the pulley or spring is damaged.
Preventative Maintenance Tips For Leaf Blowers
After learning how to fix a leaf blower that won’t start, it’s essential to maintain the Stihl equipment to avoid future problems regularly. There are some tips to keep the blower in the top position.
Clean the Air Filter: To increase the efficiency of your leaf blower, routinely clean or replace the air filter to ensure the engine gets sufficient airflow.
Check the Spark Plug: It is best practice to check the spark plug periodically for routine wear and tear and replace it if it is damaged.
Regularly Inspect The Fuel: Use fresh fuel and avoid leaving gasoline in the blower for long periods. Consider using a fuel stabilizer when you store a blower for more than 30 days.
Service the Carburetor: For more working efficiency on the Stihl lawn equipment, clean the carburetor regularly to prevent blockages.
Check The Recoil Starter: Inspect the starter cord and assembly for signs of wear and replace them as necessary.
Store Properly: When storing the blower for an extended period, empty the fuel, clean it, and store it in a dry place.
Get Effective Lawn Care Maintenance By Preventing Leaf Blower Starting Issues
A non-starting leaf blower can be frustrating, but major issues can be easily identified and resolved. By understanding the common reasons why your leaf blower won’t start, including fuel problems, a dirty air filter, or a faulty spark plug, you will be well-equipped to troubleshoot and resolve these issues independently.
Searching for Stihl parts near me when replacement parts are needed can ensure you find the right components quickly. With regular maintenance and proper care, your leaf blower will remain a reliable tool for keeping your lawn yard clean for future years.
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