How to Troubleshoot a Two-Cycle Leaf Blower That Will Not Start
Two-cycle leaf blower equipment needs maintenance, particularly with regard to dust which can block air flow and foul the equipment. If you follow the recommended maintenance schedule, you are less likely to encounter starting problems.
However, if the engine does fail to start, you can follow some troubleshooting steps to fix it.
Tip
Clean the air filter, exhaust port, muffler, spark arrestor and vacuum bag regularly on a two-cycle leaf blower. The fuel cap has a filter that also needs cleaning. When storing any two-cycle engine-driven equipment for longer than a month, drain all the fuel from the tank.
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Check that there’s fuel in the tank if the two-cycle leaf blower won’t start. Fill it if there isn’t any. Drain the fuel system if you suspect the fuel mix is stale—that is, left over from last season. Replace the fuel.
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Take a look at the ignition lead and make sure it’s not detached from the spark plug. Re-attach it if necessary.
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Take a look at the spark plug itself. Pull the ignition lead wire off the spark plug. Hold it by the spark plug cap holder when you pull it. Don’t just pull on the wire. Use a socket set to remove the spark plug and look for fouling, cracked porcelain or broken electrodes. Replace the spark plug with a new one.
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Un-flood the engine if you suspect it’s flooded. Let it drain on its own, or simply remove the spark plug and drain the engine by tilting it.
The Drip Cap
- Two-cycle leaf blower equipment needs maintenance, particularly with regard to dust which can block air flow and foul the equipment.
- Take a look at the ignition lead and make sure it’s not detached from the spark plug.
- Re-attach it if necessary.
Writer Bio
Patrick Nelson has been a professional writer since 1992. He was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication "Producer Report" and has written for a number of technology blogs. Nelson studied design at Hornsey Art School.
Photo Credits
- leaf blower image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
- leaf blower image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
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