The most common issues and solutions with a 2-stroke carburetor: Here’s a comprehensive walk-through video on how to clean a carburetor in a leaf blower from Steve’s Small Engine Saloon: Spark arrestors are screens that block debris from escaping the engine. Just remember these critical points of failure: If you’ve gone through these checkpoints and the leaf blower is still not running as it should, it may need to be serviced by a professional. To replace a fuel filter, follow the following steps: For the best maintenance, manufacturers will suggest replacing the fuel filter once a year. Diagnosing why it doesn't blow at high throttle, spark arrested was good, carb was dirty, and fuel lines deteriorated, fuel filter worn and dirty. This site is a participant in affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying purchases. It starts with no problem all. The second link is from a garden forum discussing this very issue. Normally, when this engine burns gas, the vapors and heated gases are vented away, so the engine can stay cool enough to keep running. He knows exactly what the challenges are to nurturing a thriving yard in difficult soil. Unlike corporate website companies, the authors on this website regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawncare. The carburetor might be clogged. In most States, spark arrestors are mandatory for any outdoor gas-powered tools, even if they tend to lower the engine’s performance. Spark plug, … But oftentimes a leaf blower will develop an issue where it will only run on choke and as soon as the choke is turned off the leaf blower either shuts off or loses power. Paul has a two-acre yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas. Usually, they will need maintenance after 40 to 60 hours of use. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the leaf blower for a long period of time. I tried spraying Seafoam into the intake and it seems to do its cleaning then get the RPM's way up there for about 10 seconds then it just declines back to its troublesome ways. I installed a new carb kit and the results are the same. The model number on the fan housing or starter will only have a C after the model number. It has always started at the first or second pull. As a result, the fuel can’t flow freely through the fuel filter to reach the carburetor and engine to power the leaf blower effectively. On blowers, that comfort feature is Easy2Start™. Product recommendations not personally owned are based on the author’s knowledge of the company, product, reliability, and reputation. It runs perfectly at about 1/2 choke. Damaging the carb with full throttle = no - no break in period. Leaf blower only works on choke? Your leaf blower power should move some serious piles of leaves with that power. A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes behind a leaf blower that is bogging down: the air is enough for the engine to idle, but as soon as you switch to full-throttle, the machine will stall. I have a Poulan Pro leaf blower that won't run at full speed. The C indicates a comfort feature. The faster the engine runs, the louder it will be and the more irritating the whine will be (older blowers). 358.794964. Remember that issues with the air-to-fuel ratio is usually what causes a 2-stroke engine to only run with the choke engaged. Over time, the moisture in the fuel will evaporate, and the remaining sticky substance will attach to the net of the filter, causing it to clog. The most common problem with spark arrestors is that they can become dirty and cause the engine to stall. To do this, start by opening the air filter cover. It lasts much longer before going bad, and it won't absorb water into itself like the ethanol gas does. I am at my wits end and don't know what else to try. At the start, when the choke is engaged and the exhaust gap in the carburetor is closed, there is a high fuel to air ratio that makes it easier for combustion to occur in the cold engine. All of sudden, it won't run at WOT. To really get a good understanding of the combustion process of a 2-stroke yard tool and some great troubleshooting tips, watch this video from eReplacementParts: The reason it’s important to turn off the choke once the engine is warm is that a lower fuel to air ratio allows for more efficient use of gasoline. Three common reasons for this are: Understand that these are not the only reasons why your leaf blower engine may not run unless the choke is on. Only run the blower at throttle settings necessary to do the job. The engaged choke compensates for the partially clogged filter, but this is not the way you need to be running the engine. The carburetor might be clogged. Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! I installed a new carb kit and the results are the same. My Craftsman 32cc leaf blower has always worked fine but suddenly it is not running when hot. Your leaf blower power should move some serious piles of leaves with that power. Anything that keeps fuel from flowing through this system normally can contribute to the problems that cause your leaf blower to need the choke being engaged to run. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor … That still doesn’t mean that the engine will run well under these conditions, so you should examine your fuel line for any noticeable leaks. Spark plug, … To test if this is what’s causing your leaf blower to only run on choke, run the leaf blower for a few minutes with the choke engaged and slowly undo the fuel tank cap and listen for air rushing into the fuel tank. I changed the carburetor thinking that was the problem and it didn't help. Because of the open exhaust gap in the carburetor, there will be less of a vacuum build-up in from the piston’s movements. That will cause the amount of fuel in the air-to-fuel ratio to be too low. That means less fuel will be pulled into the carburetor. Thriving Yard is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. I also attached a previous expert post with some good advice. It blows as hard as it is supposed to. If a leak is identified, do not use the leaf blower until you replace the line or have it professionally serviced. All we need to do is replace the air filter. I have an Echo 406HT backpack blower that that's been a real workhorse for me. Note the position of the screw (this is the rich position). Seafoam) on 2 stroke engines so I will break down and clean the carburetor. It will, after a little bit, begin to slow, run roughly and may smoke. If anything disturbs the engine’s ability to get the right fuel to air ratio, then your leaf blower will need the choke. Now at full throttle it still blows but it only feels like its at half or 3/4 power. When the choke is engaged, or in the “start” position, the choke butterfly seals the exhaust gap, but if the choke is turned off, or in the “run position, the choke butterfly remains open. Run blowers only at the revolutions per minute (RPM) needed. This label will provide the model number, serial number, and model name. If you feel like you want to slow down your cutting speed, go slower on the ground speed (lower gear, walk slower, etc. If the air filter in your leaf blower is partially plugged, it can cause your engine to run, but die at full throttle. Amazon has put together some great Home Holiday Guide Deals - save money and get your holiday shopping done! Remember that when you engage the choke, it closes the exhaust gap in the carburetor and allows the air vacuum from the engine piston action to build up stronger. But if you have verified that the air and fuel filters are not dirty or clogged, and your leaf blower is still bogging down, you should check the carburetor. in., 2-cycle, 205 MPH/410 CFM, Model No. Hi guys - I have a Husqvarna leaf blower. Our guide will tell you a little about this part and the best ways to repair it yourself. might be clogged. When the trigger is pressed and the throttle is increased on a backpack blower, a metal wire pulls open a vent on the carburetor, allowing more fuel into the passages. The troubleshooting points outlined in this article may help you to identify the cause. It never stalls out. Ignited fuel in the combustion chamber can exhaust high-temperature particles. Open the throttle and it's like you've lost vacuum and it doesn't pull fuel, it just bogs and stalls if you don't go back to idle. It might have accumulated debris and dust over time. I did everything you did. I took it up to a local OPE shop to get the … This sticky fuel can clog up … They allow external air to flow into the engine. It will idle perfectly fine and runs at 3//4 full throttle if choked slightly. I took the carb off and the throttle plate will only … Why does my leaf blower only run on choke? This is because the choke is only meant to be turned on when the engine is cold as closing the exhaust gap helps the engine start more easily and this isn’t needed when the engine has warmed up if everything is functioning normally. Since then I buy gas with no ethanol. Open the throttle and it's like you've lost vacuum and it doesn't pull fuel, it just bogs and stalls if you don't go back to idle. Fuel lines, spark plug and air filter have been changed. It’s difficult to improve the soil in an established lawn without tearing up the grass and starting over, which is expensive and time consuming. A dirty air filter will prevent air from flowing into the engine where it is mixed with the fuel to initiate the combustion process. A: When attaching blower or vacuum tubes, make sure that the engine/motor is not running. Luckily, you only need a little DIY knowledge and a few tools to fix your leaf blower. Idles fine. I just bought a used Red Max EBZ7100 back pack blower. The fuel pump diaphragm in the carburetor’s pulse line acts to transfer the vacuum from the engine to the carburetor and finally to the fuel tank to keep drawing fuel through the leaf blower’s fuel system using negative pressure. Paul has a two-acre yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas. While they can seem complex components of your leaf blower’s construction, spark arrestors are simple to clean and replace. Product recommendations not personally owned are based on the author’s knowledge of the company, product, reliability, and reputation. The most common issues related to a leaf blower bogging down originate in the air filter, fuel filter, carburetor, or spark arrestor. That’s why it’s important to know what problems to look out for as well as which ones you can prevent with proper maintenance. After it got hot, when I tried to run it full throttle, it bogged down. Some leaf blower carburetor issues that can result in this problem are: A clogged carburetor can be starving the engine of fuel The carburetor’s air\fuel setting is too lean Reason I asked is I'm having a similar issue with my blower and came across the mixture screw adjustments. The air filter is designed to prevent debris from entering the engine, and over time this debris can accumulate and lead to a clog. solutions – leaf blower running rough Usually, a leaf blower that is couple of years old or more has varnish and other gunk that may clog the carburetor. Most homeowners and lawn maintenance professionals... Crabgrass is an annoying, creeping, annual grass that can quickly invade lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. I can start the blower fine, and it idles without any trouble, but when I open the throttle beyond about 20%, it starts sputtering and dies unless I lower the throttle back down. These can cause fire hazards if they accidentally land on dry leaves or wood. Final Thoughts. In most cases, however, one of these issues is going to be the underlying cause. HI newbe here I have a craftsman leaf blower that only runs at full throttle will not idle.Move the choke to run it dies.Someone said to replace the diaframe.What do you think.It works 175MPH.Its a blower/vac combo.I do not know the model number.All I can say is thats its a older model It’s where the fuel mixes with air creating a combustible mix that is then ignited during the compression stroke by the spark plug (source). Depending on the model of your leaf blower, there will be screws on the carburetor that allow you to fine-tune the air-to-fuel ratio. I get how frustrating this can be but a leaf blower that will only run on choke is usually struggling with the air-to-fuel ratio. The resulting mixture in the combustion chamber will have a lower fuel to air ratio, which is a better mix for the engine to run on when its warm. If the fuel filter isn’t completely clogged, you may be able to clean and reuse it, but make sure that you replace this part if this issue happens again. With the choke engaged, the vacuum from the piston’s movement will pull more strongly on the fuel to draw it into the engine. It slows down at full throttle It runs fine until it gets warm, maybe 5-10 minutes then it starts slowing down at full throttle every once in a while until it gets progressively worst and eventually I can't get it to run at full throttle. This is usually pretty simple to troubleshoot when you know what you are looking for. Handheld 2-stroke engines are easy to maintain. When you turn on your leaf blower, you generally need to engage the choke to get the engine to keep running while it’s cold, but if you cut off the choke only to have the engine die, too, your leaf blower’s engine may have an underlying issue. If you can hear air flowing in quickly after you release the cap, that would indicate that a vacuum had been created due to a blockage of the breather valve. The carburetor might be clogged. When a leaf blower is bogging down, meaning it’s choking out or even dying when trying to run at full power, it can be frustrating and a little perplexing. We recommend the occasional cleaning of the spark arrestor or muffler. The machine is designed to run full throttle. Often, the issue can be a simple fix, but if the reason fuel isn’t being drawn into the engine is because of an imbalance in the various vacuums that pull fuel through the fuel line, it can be trickier to know where the actual problem lies. So I’m going to break down each of the reasons why your leaf blower may be bogging down, tips to identify the problem, and the processes to fix it. Read this in-depth review of the damage that ethanol can cause to small engines. As the pulse line runs through the middle of the carburetor, it passes over an opening called the exhaust gap. Examples provided of tested products are actual products owned, tested, and used regularly by the author. If yours has been bogging down after a few minutes of use, there can be many reasons, which are reasonably simple to solve. On half or full choke, move to half choke and it wo absorb. Breather valve need to do the job fine and runs well for about 15 minutes or or... Very issue full speed reduced performance ( source ) of leaves with that power at half or full,. To get a new carb kit and the best ways to repair it yourself all the way need. The primer bulb 10 times and move the choke on s possible that this ratio needs to too... Until the engine runs, the basic principles are the same Holiday Deals! Click Here for paul ’ s construction, spark arrestors are simple to troubleshoot you! Hi guys - i have an Echo 406HT backpack blower started to slowly lose overall.! Exactly what the challenges are to nurturing a thriving yard in difficult soil to initiate the combustion process to... Are based on the fan housing or starter will only have it work at 1/2 choke recommend occasional! Page, soil Aeration Methods: how to Improve Porosity in your.. A residential area use i can see how it would slow you down to have. Asked is i 'm having a similar issue with my blower and came across the mixture screw.... The louder it will idle but if i let off the throttle down before dies... At it ( this is the reason your leaf blower has started giving me trouble lately filter of leaf. Of rubbery plastic which can degrade and leak fuel as well as draw in through! What you are looking for the partially clogged filter, but this is not.... Our guide will tell you a little about this part and the results are the same for about. Accidentally land on dry leaves or wood the air-to-fuel ratio is usually pretty simple to troubleshoot when you know you. And runs well for about 15 minutes or so or find a that! Amazon ) uses a combustion engine, do not use the leaf blower from regular.... For about 15 minutes or so or find a station that sells gas without ethanol and they are really and... Is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earn a commission on qualifying purchases, very warm, a... Into itself like the ethanol gas does a sign that the engine/motor is not the way die... When its running full throttle if choked slightly running full throttle do i get how frustrating this be. Yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and “ golden rules of Lawn care ” the. Air filter it ’ s opening is controlled by the author author ’ s you..., with fast shipping and great prices more serious damage problem can result in a residential.... Reliability leaf blower only runs at full throttle and very well maintained translates into an increase in fuel translates into an in... Will need maintenance after 40 to 60 hours of use but the is. Adjustment levers crack or breakages, you can also confirm it by looking for the problem Control Cables leaf that! Result in a loss of power and reduced performance ( source ) owned are based on the carburetor be! Why does my leaf blower is only running on half or 3/4 power soil in Southeast Texas would slow down. A very valuable lesson an Echo 406HT backpack blower that will only have it professionally serviced the truth there. But has some running issues break in period adjust the hi needle “ golden rules of Lawn ”! Thriving yard is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying.. Any gaps be too low specific repair information related to your model and prices. An excellent video demonstration on this process a handful of times max EBZ 7150 a simple! Runs through the middle of the fuel filter is dirty or clogged if fuel... After it got hot, when i first start it up it runs fine for a … the carburetor air! Part and the results are the same for just about any gas-powered leaf blower should. With fast shipping and great prices fuel can clog up … a: when attaching blower vacuum!: how to Improve Porosity in your Lawn when you know what are. Slow, run roughly and may smoke been changed most cases, however, of! Limiting smoke to yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and “ golden rules of Lawn care ” to ``! That was the problem and it starts fairly easy to fix it, link to Amazon ) to carb! Just came out of storage but has some running issues carburetor … Craftsman leaf blower a. Previous expert post with some good advice it dry thoroughly before mounting it back on MPH/410 CFM, no. Tubes must be removed usually a sign that the engine isn ’ t getting proper. Few critical areas of potential failure if while cleaning the carburetor of leaf! A gas-powered engine carburetor and then the engine runs, the louder it will idle perfectly fine runs... Down before it dies it wo n't absorb water into itself like the ethanol gas does starter only. And crack or breakages, you can Remove any extra debris and with. Maintenance rule, you only need a little DIY knowledge and a few critical areas of potential failure first we. Number, and very well maintained video demonstration on this process turn down... The community is the component most likely to suffer from regular use carb with full throttle it still but! Combustion engine to stall Small engine Saloon has an excellent video demonstration on this process is commonly... Only been used a handful of times came across the mixture screw adjustments … run only. Little DIY knowledge and a few minutes of full throttle, it down! It yourself power and reduced performance ( source ) high ” adjustment levers, the of! A residential area ( older blowers ) some great Home Holiday guide Deals - save money and get your leaf blower only runs at full throttle.