The leaf blower is one of many tools used to keep landscapes clean and beautiful. They are designed ergonomically and are highly efficient. But, despite its widespread usage, not many people know how to clean the carburetor on leaf blowers properly!
Generally, leaf blowers are of two types; those are electric powered and the gasoline powered variety. The gas leaf blower is the one we’ll consider in this article. Why? Because an electric powered blower doesn’t have (or need) a carburetor.
In other words, for a blower to function efficiently, the carburetor must be kept in top condition. Unfortunately, carburetor maintenance is an often-overlooked part of the routine cleaning of a leaf blower.
Why Carburetor Cleaning is So Important
The function of the carburetor is to control the amount of fuel (fuel to air ratio) that gets into the combustion chamber of the engine. Over prolonged usage, dirt gets stuck in the carburetor. If it is left unchecked, the dust will accumulate until it eventually hinders the engine from functioning optimally.
In case there’s dirt in your carburetor, it will lead to fuel inefficiency as the combustion of the fuel will not be total, which means that there will be more carbon emissions. It would also be more challenging to do a cold start.
Proper maintenance of the carburetor would not only improve the functioning of the leaf blower. It also ensures the longevity of the engine.
You shouldn’t wait until your blower doesn’t start before you have the carburetor checked. There ought to be a detailed schedule for the maintenance of this vital engine element.
Who Should Clean My Carburetor?
It would be inaccurate to say this activity is a no-brainer. However, it’s necessary to say that it isn’t rocket science. Are you wondering if you need to have a background in engineering to perform the task successfully? You don’t!
Your ability to identify simple components of the internal combustion engine would undoubtedly help, though.
A man who drives an automobile should be able to identify simple engine parts when he sees one, such as a spark plug, air filter, and even a carburetor. If you’re such a man, you have what it takes to try!
How to clean a leaf blower carburetor without removing it?
A leaf blower carburetor typically needs to be cleaned every season, or after 25 hours of use. If you notice your leaf blower isn’t running as smoothly as it used to, is emitting black smoke, or just won’t start at all, it’s probably time for a cleaning.
You can clean a leaf blower carburetor without removing it by following these simple steps:
- Remove the air filter and housing. This will give you better access to the carburetor.
- Use a small brush or toothpick to remove any debris from the fuel line and needle valve seat inside the carburetor bowl. Be careful not to damage any delicate parts with the brush.
- Soak all of the removable parts in a bowl of Carb Cleaner for about 15 minutes (following manufacturer’s instructions). This will help loosen any stubborn deposits on these parts.
- Use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris from within the carburetor body and fuel line.
- Reassemble everything and test run your leaf blower before using it again.
Clean a leaf blower carburetor by removing it
The carburetor is where the air and fuel mix before entering the engine. Over time, this mixture can become gummed up or dirty, causing the engine to run poorly or not at all. That’s why it’s important to clean the carburetor on your leaf blower regularly (at least once a year).
Cleaning a Carb Leaf Blowers Isn’t Hard – but You Need to Take Your Time
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of cleaning your leaf blower’s carburetor – it’s actually pretty easy to do. Just make sure you take your time and follow these instructions carefully:
Gathering All The Tools
Here is a list of the tools you’ll need to complete the carburetor cleaning.
- Carburetor cleaner
- A small container
- Screwdrivers or Allen keys (as your specific blower may require) to loosen the bolts
- Spark plug spanner
- Compressed air blower or fan blower
Leaf Blower Carburetor Cleaning Process:
Step-1: disconnect spark plug
First things first: disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug so that there is no chance of accidental starting while you’re working.
Step-2: Locating The Carburetor
Follow the supplied fuel lines from the gas tank if it is a gas leaf blower. The tail end would lead you to the carburetor. Using your screwdriver, uncover the protective covering over this chamber. Once that is done, you see an air filter. Behind the air filter is where the carburetor is.
Step-3: Uncoupling The Carburetor
It’s always easier to dismantle a tool than it is to recouple. This is truer when you’re performing the task for the first time. So, pay attention when dismantling. Make sure you keep in mind where every pipe or bolt fits.
You may record a video of the process and playback it when it’s time to recouple it. Meanwhile, small bolts can easily get lost. You’d be safe to keep them in a container.
Step-4: Removing Carburetor
Now it’s time to remove the carburetor from the leaf blower. There are usually just a few screws holding it in place.
Step-5: Cleaning The Carburetor
Now you need a carburetor cleaner to clean the carburetor. Some carburetors have specified cleaners. Check your blower’s manual to see which one is specified for you to use. If there’s none, then you’re permitted to be generic in your selection of cleaner.
Carburetor cleaners have tiny pipes that are designed to help focus the spray of the aerosol in the can. Fix the pipe and spray the cleaner on the carburetor methodically. Make sure no spot is missed. These high-pressure spray jets will force the dirt out of the carburetor.
After using the cleaner, you may use a compressed air blower to force out the gummed solvents that remain.
Step-6: Final Step & Test run
Re-install the clean/dry carburetor onto the leaf blower. Replace any shrouds or covers that were removed during disassembly. And don’t forget to reconnect the spark plug wire!
Before putting the blower away in the garage for safekeeping, start the engine and make sure that the blower is working correctly.
Your leaf blowers should now be ready for action this season and next!
STIHL blower carburetor cleaning process
It’s important to keep your STIHL blower’s carburetor clean to ensure peak performance and prevent costly repairs.
Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the carburetor on your STIHL blower:
- Disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug.
- Remove the screws that secure the housing cover over the carburetor (typically two screws). Be careful not to lose these small screws!
- Gently remove the housing cover and diaphragm assembly, taking care not to damage any of the delicate parts inside. The diaphragm may be attached to either or both of these pieces, so take note of how it was positioned originally before removing anything.
You may need a small flathead screwdriver or other tool to help with this step since everything is tightly fit together. If there are gaskets present, make sure not to damage them as they will need reuse later on reassembly.
Some models also have a primer bulb attached here. Be very careful not detach or damage this part as well! - Use compressed air or soak all loose parts in cleaner specifically designed for cleaning out carbs (do NOT use brake cleaner!). Follow instructions carefully for soak time if using this method. Typically, no more than 15 minutes should be sufficient.
- Once all parts are clean, inspect each one closely for cracks, holes, wear etc. Any damaged parts will need replaced before continuing.
- Carefully dry all cleaned/inspected parts with compressed air or lint free cloths/towels.
- Using new gaskets (if applicable), begin reassembling in reverse order.
- Once everything is back together, reconnect the spark plug boot and give it a few pulls to make sure everything is in working order before taking it out for use.
FAQs
Can you clean a carburetor without removing it?
Yes, you can. Actually we’ve covered it above how you do it. Please check again if you missed it.
Can you spray carb cleaner on leaf blower?
Yes, any professional grade carb cleaner can be used on leaf blowers.
Will sea foam clean a gummed up carburetor?
Yes, sea foam will clean a gummed up carburetor.
How do you know if your carburetor is clogged?
The symptoms of a clogged carburetor are:
-Engine hesitates when accelerating.
-Engine stalls frequently.
-Rough idle.
Final Words
A leaf blower carburetor typically needs to be cleaned every few months, depending on how often it is used. A telltale sign that your carburetor needs cleaning is if the engine starts to run rough or bog down when under load. Another symptom is if the leaf blower engine dies soon after starting.
Cleaning a carburetor is a pretty simple process that anyone can do with just a few tools and some elbow grease. The most important thing to remember is to be careful with the small parts and to make sure everything goes back together correctly.