Leaf Blower Not Running? 5 Things to Check

If you’re having trouble getting your blower to start or stay running, don’t worry—most blowers are pretty simple machines, and there are only a handful of common issues that could be causing the problem. Here are the five things you should check if your blower isn’t cooperating.

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1. Pull Rope Assembly

The first thing to check, and often the source of the issue, is the pull rope assembly.

This is usually the number one failure point on blowers. Over time, the rope can get worn out or tangled, lose tension, or even break off entirely. If you’re finding that the pull rope feels slack, is difficult to pull, or won’t retract properly, this is likely your issue. You can usually remove the pull rope assembly with just a few screws to inspect it. If everything looks fine, you can reinstall it and move on to other potential problems. However, if the rope is frayed, broken, or jammed, it’s a good idea to replace the entire assembly. New pull rope assemblies are inexpensive and can be easily swapped in, often fixing the problem entirely.

2. Spark Plug

If the pull rope assembly looks good, the next thing to check is the spark plug. Spark plugs are crucial to starting the engine, and if they’re dirty, corroded, or faulty, they can prevent the blower from running.

Locate the spark plug, usually found on top of the engine under a rubber cap. Remove the cap, use a spark plug tool to unscrew the plug, and inspect it. If it’s covered in corrosion, soot, or appears wet, you’ll likely need to replace it. A new spark plug is an easy and inexpensive fix—just screw it in, tighten it down, replace the cap, and you’re good to go. If the spark plug was the issue, your blower should start up much easier now.

3. Air Filter

Next on the checklist is the air filter. It might seem obvious, but because blowers are constantly moving air and debris, the air filter can quickly become clogged with dirt and dust.

The air filter is usually housed in a small plastic compartment on the side of the blower. Open it up, remove the foam or paper filter, and inspect it. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement. Clean filters ensure that the engine gets proper airflow, which is critical for smooth operation. Replace the filter, close the housing, and give the blower another try.

4. Spark Arrestor Screen

One commonly overlooked area is the spark arrestor screen on the muffler. This little screen is designed to catch any sparks or debris coming out of the exhaust system, preventing potential fire hazards. However, it’s notorious for getting dirty and clogged with soot over time.

To check the screen, locate the muffler on your blower (usually on the side or front of the engine). Remove the screen, which may be held in place by a screw or clamp, and inspect it. If it’s covered in soot and debris, clean it off with a wire brush. If the screen is too dirty to clean, consider replacing it. A clogged spark arrestor screen can prevent the engine from breathing properly, causing it to run rough or not start at all.

5. Carburetor

The last thing to check, and often the trickiest, is the carburetor. Fuel and carburetor issues are responsible for the majority of problems with small engines like those found in blowers. If your blower is running, but running poorly, it could be due to a misadjusted carburetor.

Most blowers have two carburetor adjustment screws labeled "L" and "H" for low and high settings. These screws control the fuel mixture at different engine speeds. Adjusting them may fix the issue, but the exact process will depend on your specific model. Be sure to consult your operator’s manual for guidance on how to adjust the carburetor correctly.

If adjusting the carburetor doesn’t fix the issue, the carburetor might be clogged with old fuel or debris. At this point, it’s a good idea to either clean the carburetor or replace it entirely with a new one or a carburetor repair kit. This is usually a straightforward fix and will resolve most fuel-related problems.

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In summary, by checking these five key areas—the pull rope assembly, spark plug, air filter, spark arrestor screen, and carburetor—you can troubleshoot most issues with your blower. Small engine problems are usually easy to resolve with a little patience, and following these steps will likely save you a trip to the repair shop. Once everything is clean, adjusted, and in place, your blower should be back up and running smoothly.