Leaf Blower Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Operating a leaf blower requires regular maintenance and care to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and safety. Neglecting maintenance needs can lead to frustrating breakdowns, costly repairs, and hazardous operating conditions. By following some essential do-it-yourself service steps, you can keep your gas or electric-powered leaf blower running smoothly all season long.

This comprehensive maintenance guide will walk you through the process in six key steps:

1. Preparing for Maintenance
2. Cleaning the Blower
3. Inspecting the Blower
4. Checking the Air Filter
5. Inspecting and Replacing the Spark Plug
6. Reconnecting and Testing

Preparing for Maintenance

Before conducting any maintenance tasks, adhering to some preliminary safety practices is essential.

Turn Off and Unplug the Blower

• For electric models, make sure the leaf blower is unplugged from any power source before servicing.
• For gas models, turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position and let the engine cool completely.

Important: Always let hot components cool fully before handling any parts of gas-powered units.

Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

• Conduct maintenance outdoors or in a garage or shed with the doors open. Never work on a blower in an enclosed space.
• Gas blowers emit toxic fumes. Proper ventilation protects you from breathing dangerous vapors.

Use a Protective Drop Cloth

Spread a cloth, tarp or thick layer of newspaper on your work surface area to catch and debris or spilled fluids. This keeps your maintenance area tidy and simplifies clean-up.

Read More: Leaf blower starts then stops – Reasons it won’t stay running

Cleaning the Blower

Over time, the exterior casing and ventilation openings of a blower accumulate dirt, dust, grass clippings, tree sap, and other gunk. Cleaning the external components helps prevent this debris from entering the inner workings. A build-up inside the unit leads to overheating and eventual failure.

Supplies Needed

• Small scrub brush or old toothbrush
• Mild soap like dish detergent
• Clean rags or paper towels
• Small vacuum or pressurized air (optional)

Instructions

1. Wipe Down Accessible Outer Surfaces
   Use a small scrub brush or toothbrush and mild soap diluted in warm water to gently clean the outer housing and handle grips. Take care around controls, cables, wiring or linkages.
   Pay special attention to the air intake screen and openings to remove blockages
2. Rinse With Fresh Water
   Wipe all surfaces with a clean damp rag to eliminate soapy residue. Let components air dry fully before reconnecting power.
3. Remove Embedded Debris (Optional)
   For cracks and crevices that are hard to reach, use a small vacuum hose or short bursts of pressurized air to dislodge packed-in gunk.

Regular external cleaning keeps the unit running cool, prevents clogs, and maximizes airflow. Plus, it just looks nicer without all that sticky buildup!

Inspecting the Blower

In addition to cleaning, conducting periodic inspections helps spot potential problems before they lead to breakdowns or failures. Some key things to check include:

Air Intake/Filtration System

Examine the air intake screen and surrounding housing. Look for cracks, damage, or obstructions. Make sure ventilation openings are clear and filters are clean. Clogged components cause overheating.

Fuel System (Gas Models Only)

Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb, gaskets and fuel tank for cracks or leaks. Look for discoloration or a heavy varnish build-up. Check and change fuel filters regularly.

Ignition System (Gas Models Only)

Examine spark plug wire, boot and connections. Loose components lead to hard starting and loss of power. Replace worn parts like spark plug caps.

Wiring, Controls and Linkages

Verify wiring is secure with no exposed copper or damaged insulation. Check control switches, speed selector, and throttle cable/lever assembly for wear, smooth operation and full range of motion. Lubricate linkages. Replace damaged parts.

Loose Fasteners, Gaskets or Seals

Shake the unit gently and watch/listen for rattles or air leaks. Examine hardware like screws, bolts, and nuts. Tighten any that are loose. Check the starter housing, gear cases, muffler cover, etc. have intact gaskets/seals and no gaps.

Regular inspections enable you to detect small problems before they lead to breakdowns. Identify and replace any worn, cracked or defective components now to ensure reliable operation down the road.

Checking the Air Filter

A critical component for maintenance checks is the air filter. This protective screen captures dust, dirt and other debris present in the intake air before it can enter the inner workings.

Over time, the filter gradually clogs with particulate. Excess buildup obstructs smooth airflow into the combustion chamber. Insufficient air circulation causes overheating which can lead to reduced power, sputtering, smoking or engine failure.

Most blower units feature replaceable primary air filters made of a fibrous mesh material. Typical service intervals are 25 hours of use or once per season. More frequent cleaning/changing is necessary if operating in extremely dusty conditions.

Supplies Needed

• Fresh replacement filter (if required)
• Small vacuum or pressurized air source (optional)

Instructions

1. Locate Filter Housing
   • Electric blowers: The filter is typically inside the main housing near the inlet grill
   • Gas blowers: Round cartridge style filter attached to engine body
2. Open Filter Compartment
   • Release retaining clips, screws or other fastener
3. Remove Filter
   • Avoid knocking the filter against surfaces to minimize dust spreading
4. Check Filter Condition
   Hold the filter up to bright light and peer inside screen mesh:
   • Slightly clogged: Light still visible through most mesh pores
   • Heavily clogged: Very little or no light visible through material → Requires cleaning or replacement
5. Tap Filter Gently to Dislodge Debris  (Optional)
   • For reusable filters only, gently rap against a hard surface to shake out some embedded dust and dirt
6. Use Pressurized Air to Blow Out Filter (Optional)
   • Use short bursts of air to clear packed-in particles
   • Take care not to damage delicate mesh
7. Rinse Out Reusable Filter (Optional)
   • Swish in warm soapy water and rinse clean
   • Allow to air dry completely before reinstalling
8. Install Clean or New Filter
   • Press firmly and evenly in place
   • Secure housing cover and retaining clips

Regular filter maintenance is absolutely essential. Check monthly during peak leaf season. Promptly swapping out a clogged screen prevents premature wear, this leads to optimal performance and prolongs the lifespan of your leaf blower.

Inspecting and Replacing the Spark Plug

Gas-powered leaf blowers rely on consistent sparking action from the tip of the spark plug to ignite the air/fuel mixture. This tiny component has a huge impact on overall functioning.

Problems with the ignition system lead to issues like:

• Hard starting
• Rough idle
• Loss of power
• Excessive smoke/vapors

Loose connections, corrosion, cracks, fouling or electrode erosion can prevent adequate sparking. Regular inspection and periodic spark plug replacement help avoid these frustrating issues. Recommended servicing intervals vary based on usage levels but every 100 hours is typical.

Supplies Needed

• Spark plug socket wrench
• Gapping tool
• Replacement plug(s)

Instructions

1. Locate Spark Plug
   On most handheld gas leaf blowers, the spark plug is externally accessible at the top of the cylinder near the choke/pull starter assembly.
2. Thoroughly Clean Components
   Use compressed air or a small wire brush to remove dirt and debris from around the spark plug vicinity including the rubber boot, housing and electrical contacts.
3. Disconnect Spark Plug Wire
   Pull firmly but gently on the rubber-encased end to detach the lead from the terminal.
4. Remove the Old Spark Plug
   Fit the proper-sized spark plug socket wrench over the hex base and turn counterclockwise. Place the old plug aside to inspect the electrode.
5. Inspect Spark Plug
   Check for fouling (oily black carbon deposits), electrode erosion and porcelain cracks. Minor oil residue can be cleaned but damaged electrodes or extensive carbon mean replacement is needed.
6. Check Spark Plug Gap
   For spark plugs in good visual condition, check the gap between the center and side electrodes using a gap gauge. Adjust the gap to match equipment specifications, typically 0.020-0.030 inches.
7. Install New Spark Plug
   Gently thread by hand until tight to prevent cross-threading then use wrench to finish tightening. Use a torque wrench to avoid overtightening.
8. Replace Spark Plug Cap
   Firmly push the encased end of the wire over the terminal for a solid connection.
9. Connect Spark Plug Wire
   Reattach the opposite end of the lead to the ignitor assembly. Listen for a snug click.

Replacing worn spark plugs ensures your gas powered leaf blower delivers consistent, robust ignitions for peak engine performance.

Reconnecting and Testing

After all maintenance steps are thoroughly completed, reconnect all components before testing equipment.

For Electric Blowers

1. Make sure the blower is completely dry if components were rinsed during cleaning
2. Check that any shields or housing covers removed during servicing are properly reattached
3. Confirm all screws/external fasteners are tightened securely
4. Examine air intake and ventilation ports – Verify openings are fully clear and unobstructed
5. Plug the electrical cord into a power source
6. Turn blower ON momentarily – Listen for any odd sounds like rattling which could indicate loose debris inside
7. Conduct full test run outdoors – Verify smooth operation and maximum airflow power

For Gasoline Blowers

1. Check to see if the spark plug seals tightly against the cylinder head
2. Check that any detached rubber grommets or gaskets during maintenance are resealed properly
3. Make sure the air filter cover is securely latched shut
4. Examine fuel lines and primer bulb – Confirm no cracks or disconnected fittings
5. Refill fuel tank with fresh stabilizer-treated gasoline
6. Turn ignition ON – Flip the choke lever if the engine is cold
7. Pull the starter cord with a quick, firm tug – Check for immediate ignition after 1 to 2 pulls when the choke is closed
8. Let engine fully warm up – Gradually move choke lever towards OPEN position
9. Test at full throttle – Verify maximum airflow strength & velocity

Following proper maintenance procedures for your electric or gas leaf blower ensures the equipment operates safely at peak performance season after season.

Implementing this comprehensive maintenance guide on a regular basis helps prevent frustrating mid-project breakdowns. Conducting minor upkeep repairs promptly extends the operating lifespan so your machine stays in service for years to come.