Leaf blower common questions

These common questions about leaf blowers are the ones our experts hear the most often from our customers. You might also find the help you need by checking the common symptoms and solutions for leaf blowers. When you’re ready to make a repair, search your model number to find replacement parts. Sears PartsDirect has the part you need, no matter where you bought your leaf blower.

Why won't my leaf blower start?

Stale fuel is the most common cause when a leaf blower doesn’t start; that’s why it’s recommended that you use up all the fuel before storing the leaf blower at the end of the season.  Empty the gas tank and fill it with fresh fuel or 2-cycle gasoline/oil mix. If the leaf blower still won’t start, the engine might have a clogged carburetor, failed ignition system, or lack of compression.

Why won't my engine idle properly?

If your leaf blower is idling poorly, the idle speed is likely set too low or too high. You can adjust the idle speed on some leaf blower models by adjusting the idle set screw on the carburetor.  Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on adjusting the idle set screw on your leaf blower.

Why won't the engine accelerate?

The engine needs fuel and air mixed in the right proportions. A dirty air filter or clogged fuel filter can restrict air and fuel to the carburetor. Other possible causes include a cracked fuel supply line, low cylinder compression, dirty carburetor, or carbon buildup.

Why does the engine smoke excessively?

If the leaf blower smokes a lot, check the fuel mixture. Too much 2-cycle oil in the gasoline mixture causes excessive smoke. Most 2-cycle leaf blower engines use a 40:1 or 50:1 gasoline to oil mixture.

A dirty air filter can cause the engine in a leaf blower to smoke excessively. Clean or replace the air filter if it’s dirty.

Check the choke position on the carburetor. If the choke is partially closed, the engine can smoke too much.

Clean and adjust the carburetor if necessary to eliminate excessive smoke.

Why is the engine running hot?

An incorrect fuel mixture causes the engine in a leaf blower to overheat. Most 2-cycle leaf blower engines use a 40:1 or 50:1 gasoline to oil mixture. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with the proper fuel mix if necessary.

The wrong type of spark plug can also cause the leaf blower engine to run hot. If you recently replaced the spark plug, make sure that you installed the correct type for your model of leaf blower.

An improperly adjusted carburetor can cause the engine in a leaf blower to overheat. Adjust the carburetor according to the guidelines in your owner’s manual if necessary to prevent the engine from overheating.

Can I use E85 fuel in my leaf blower?

Most leaf blower engines cannot use E85 fuel, which contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Many leaf blowers can only use unleaded gasoline with up to 10% ethyl alcohol (E10). Check your owner’s manual for fuel specifications.

How should I store my leaf blower?

If you plan to store your leaf blower for 30 days or more, empty the fuel system by draining the gas tank into an approved container. Then start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel that has the gasoline-to-oil ratio specified in the owner’s manual.

What mix of gasoline and oil should I use in my leaf blower?

Check your owner’s manual for the proper ratio of gasoline to oil needed for a 2-cycle leaf blower. Most models require a 40:1 ratio. To achieve that mix, add a 3.2 oz. bottle of 2-cycle oil to each gallon of gasoline.

How often should I clean the air filter on my leaf blower?

Clean the leaf blower's air filter after every 5 hours of use. Clean a foam air filter by washing it in warm, soapy water. Rinse the foam air filter with clean water and let it dry completely before reinstalling it on the engine. If the air filter is damaged, replace it.

Why won't my leaf blower blow any air?

If the leaf blower doesn’t blow air, check the fan blade. A loose or broken fan blade won’t move air through the blower tube. Reattach the fan blade to the engine crankshaft if disconnected. Replace the fan blade if damaged.