If you often face a yard filled with leaves, a leaf blower is the most time-saving and useful tool that you can own. Especially during winters, the ground is most likely to be filled with rotten leaves dropping off from the trees and plants. The scattered leaves give a quite messy and tardy look to the yard. Instead of spending so many hours raking the leaves into a pile, use a leaf blower which does this work in a blast within no time. So here is a comprehensive guide on how to start a leaf blower that will save your time and energy.
There are many types of leaf blowers available in the market and the process to start them is slightly different. Electric leaf blowers are available in corded and cordless models. They are quite easy to operate. However, gas leaf blowers are slightly complicated. No matter which model you own, we will guide you to start it.
Corded Electric Leaf Blower
A corded leaf blower is the easiest one to operate. Nonetheless, do read the instructions mentioned in the user manual before starting it for the first time. No matter which brand of corded electric blower you have, it requires you to plug the cord in the switch and turn it on.
If the leaf blower still does not start do not forget to try plugging it into another switch. If this does not work contact the seller, for there can be a manufacturing fault.
Cordless Electric Leaf Blower
A cordless electric leaf blower works almost in the same way as a corded blower. the only difference is in their power source. A corded blower uses direct electricity while a cordless blower works with batteries.
Before starting a cordless blower, make sure to read the user’s manual. In the next step, look if the batteries are appropriately placed in the bower. Now go into your yard and press the “Start” or “ON” button on the blower.
2-Stroke Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
A gas-powered leaf blower is a bit complicated and requires a little extra effort to be started. Below is a step-wise guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Prepare the Gas-Oil Mixture
2-stroke gas blowers run on a mixture of gasoline and oil. Read the user manual to know the correct proportion of gas and oil needed for your model. Most of these blowers require one part oil to 50 parts gas i.e 1:50. It means that you need 2.5 ounces of oil for every 1 gallon of gas. Make sure to correctly measure the amounts before mixing them. An inappropriate amount of oil when mixed with gas can result in permanent damage to the machine and would ruin the spark plug. It would also cause the machine to smoke while running.
Step 2: Pour in the Mixture
Once you have prepared the oil-gas mixture in a can, make sure to shake it well so that the oil is well incorporated in the gas. Slowly pour in this mixture in the gas tank of the leaf blower and fill it to the indicated level.
Step 3: Fix the choke on the starting position
This step should be done if you are starting the leaf blower from the cold. Look into the user’s manual to find the location of the choke and turn it off.
Step 4: Priming the engine
To prime the engine, push the primer bulb three to four times. If you have opened the choke, partially close the choke by moving the lever and fixing it halfway between “open” and “close”.
Step 5: Pull the Starting Cord
This step is a crucial step in starting a leaf blower. Firmly grip the starting cord in one hand and keep hold of the body of the blower with the other hand. Now pull the cord as strongly as you can. You will have to give one to five pulls to start the engine. Make sure that you do not let the cord snap back into it’s place after each pull. Rather feed it slowly.
Step 6: Let the Engine Run
Once the engine has started, let it run for 10 to 30 seconds. Then turn off the choke. If the engine dies out, repeat the steps and let the engine run for an additional 20 30 seconds before turning off the choke.
Your leaf blower is ready to catch the leaves!
4-Stroke Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
A 4-stroke gas blower is apparently no different than the 2-stroke gas blower. The only difference is in the source of power. The 2-stroke gas blower requires a mixture of oil and gas to run whereas a 4-stroke model requires only the gaseous fuel. Except for the first step, all the above-mentioned steps should be followed to start a 4-stroke model.
Here is a video that shares some secrets for starting a leaf blower:
How to Troubleshoot a Leaf Blower?
If your leaf blower is not working properly even after following the above-mentioned steps, a few things should be checked.
Check if you have used the fresh fuel
The engine might not work if the fuel is more than 30 days old. Make sure to pour the fresh fuel and repeat the steps.
Clean the air filter
A clogged air filter is another reason for a nonfunctional leaf blower. Take out the panel and inspect the air filter. Clean it if it is just a little dirty. If it is too dirty, it is better to replace it than just cleaning.
Check the spark plug
Inspect the spark plug. Clean it if it looks dirty. It is a better idea to replace the spark plug if it looks damaged.
Check the fan
The engine might not work if the fan is blocked. Clean the fan and make sure that there is no debris or leaves stuck in the fan.
Concluding Note
A leaf blower is a seasonal tool that is most needed in winter and autumn. Special care is required to start it especially if you are starting it after many seasons. Make sure to read the user’s manual to start your machines. However, we believe that this guide will surely come to your use.
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