May 20, 2017

Preparing a leaf blower for long-term storage

Preparing a leaf blower for long-term storage.
Preparing a leaf blower for long-term storage.

Among the great yard-care conveniences is a leaf blower. Not only does a leaf blower make it easier to clean up grass clippings after you mow, it also saves you from the tiring autumn task of raking what seems like an endless amount of fallen leaves.

When the trees are finally bare, it's time to winterize the leaf blower and store it. Getting your leaf blower ready for storage lengthens its life and helps ensure it's ready for next year.

  1. Remove the fuel from the blower completely. Drain the gas tank and replace the cap,  start the engine and let it run until all remaining fuel is gone, ensuring that the fuel lines and carburetor are empty

  2. Remove the spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil through the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug with a new one.

  3. Clean the air filter, or replace it if it’s worn.

  4. Thoroughly clean the exterior of the leaf blower and lightly oil external metal surfaces. Check the leaf blower for any loose, broken or damaged parts and replace if needed.

  5. Store the leaf blower in a clean, dry area with all safety guards in place.

Symptoms for gas leaf blowers

Choose a symptom to see related leaf blower repairs.

Main causes: damaged fan blade, engine needs a tune up, dirty carburetor...

Main causes: mixing too much 2-cycle oil with the gas, dirty air filter, clogged carburetor, engine needs tune up...

Main causes: cracked fuel lines, leaky carburetor seals, damaged fuel tank cap, cracked fuel tank...

Main causes: stale fuel, dirty air filter, bad spark plug, cracked fuel lines, clogged carburetor...

Main causes: bad gas, clogged air filter, cracked fuel lines, clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, wor...

Repair guides for gas leaf blowers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your leaf blower.

How to rebuild a leaf blower carburetor

How to rebuild a leaf blower carburetor

If the leaf blower engine won't start even though there's fuel in the tank, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow ...

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace a leaf blower carburetor

How to replace a leaf blower carburetor

The carburetor could be the problem If the leaf blower engine won't start even though there's fuel in the tank. Follow t...

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace leaf blower fuel lines

How to replace leaf blower fuel lines

Leaf blower fuel lines deteriorate with time and eventually can split or crack. You can remove and replace them yourself...

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less

Articles and videos for gas leaf blowers

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your leaf blower.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect....

Preparing a leaf blower for long-term storage

Preparing a leaf blower for long-term storage

Follow these easy steps to prepare you leaf blower for long-term storage....

Leaf blower common questions

Leaf blower common questions

From what kind of fuel to use to why your leaf blower won't start, here are the questions our experts hear most often ab...