Andreas STIHL AG & Co. manufactures different lawn and garden equipment, including leaf blowers. STIHL brand leaf blowers are lightweight, simple to use, and very powerful. STIHL has both battery-powered and gas-powered blowers with enough power to clear light to heavy leaf coverage. However, like other machinery, it is not usual for the STIHL leaf blowers to have problems.

The good thing is leaf blower problems are easy to notice, such as the engine not starting, a stalling engine, the engine is running roughly, or bogging down during acceleration. Your work now is to identify the source of the problem and troubleshoot the issue.

We have looked at the most common STIHL leaf blower problems and suggested ways to fix them and avoid them, and to help save you time and money on repairs.

How to start a STIHL leaf blower BG86

STIHL leaf blowers have a specified starting procedure, and missing a step or messing up the sequence for the buttons will prevent the engine from starting altogether. So make sure you’re using the following steps to begin your STIHL leaf blower BG 56, 66, 86, SH 56, 86.

• Go outdoor with your BG85 blower and start your engine away from people, pets, and electrical appliances.
• Refill the fuel tank with fresh fuel up the “full” line. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Then wipe the exterior dry with a clean rag.
• Start your leaf blower away from any fuel spots to avoid causing a fire in case a spark from the blower escapes.
• Flip the stop switch on the leaf blower to the ‘I’ position to set it on.
• Squeeze the throttle trigger beneath the handle while simultaneously pressing the throttle trigger lockout button on the side of the handle next to the throttle trigger to the choke position.
• Release the throttle trigger and immediately follow with releasing the throttle trigger lockout button. It ensures the engine remains in the run or “I” position.
• Locate the primer button on the side near the carburetor. Press the primer button about five or six times to release fuel into the carburetor. Do not press the primmer bulb more than six times as it will flood the engine with fuel, making it difficult to start until the flooding subsides.
• If you just used the leaf blower and it is still warm, move the choke lever to “/,” which is the warm engine start position. If your leaf blower is just out of storage, move the choke lever to “－,” which is the cold engine start position.
• Place the leaf blower on the flat ground, hold the throttle trigger handle firmly with one hand, and grasp the starter rope with your other hand.
• Pull up the starter rope grip slowly until you feel it engage or a slight resistance, and then pull the starter handle quickly to start the engine.
• Allow the starter rope to retract into the housing gently. Do not pull the entire starter rope out of its housing as it might break the rope.

If your leaf blower doesn’t start after several attempts, then there is a faulty component.

How do you fix a STIHL leaf blower that won’t start

The leaf blower makes menial jobs like raking more convenient. There are several problems that can hinder your STIHL from starting. The following steps will guide through pinpointing the faulty part and repair tips.

Fuel problem

First, check if there is fuel in the fuel tank. If there is no fuel, you need to refill the tank with a clean fuel supply. If there is fuel, check the quality of the fuel. If your leaf blower is recently out of storage or for more than 30 days, the fuel is probably rancid and causing the engine to start or not start properly.

You will have to drain the fuel and replace it with fresh fuel. Then use two-cycle, air-cooled engine oil and regular gasoline in the mixture ratio of 50:1. It is also important to drain fuel from the leaf blower before putting it back in storage.

Spark plug

The spark plug is probably dirty or damaged if the fuel is okay, and your leaf blower will not start. First, remove the spark plug and clean it with a clean rag. Return it and then crank the engine several times; if it still won’t start, the spark plug is damaged and requires a replacement.

You can also use a spark plug tester to determine if it is defective. There should be a strong spark between the tester’s terminals cranking the engine. If there is no spark, replace the blower spark plug.

Carburetor

The carburetor in your STIHL leaf blower ensures the right amount of fuel gets into the engine every time. However, if the engine still doesn’t start, it means the carburetor has clogged. This typically happens when you leave fuel in the leaf blower for a long time.

Over time, some fuel components evaporate and leave behind a thick fuel sludge. This thick residue will clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.

You can solve this problem in three ways: clean the carburetor, rebuild it using a carburetor repair kit, or replace the entire carburetor. The solution will depend on the severity of the clogging.

Recoil starter

The recoil starter spins the flywheel and crankshaft fast enough to start internal combustion. If the recoil starter breaks, the leaf blower won’t start. Remove the recoil starter assembly and inspect it.

Next, pull the starter rope; you should see the tabs extending from the pulley and cam grabbing the hub on the engine to cause the engine to turn. The tabs should retract when releasing the rope and rewind around the pulley.

If the recoil doesn’t function as explained, replace the entire recoil starter assembly.

Clogged air filter

The air filter in your STIHL leaf blower prevents debris, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the carburetor. However, a clogged air filter will cause the engine in the blower to receive too much fuel and insufficient air, therefore leading to a false start or no start at all.

If the air filter is not too clogged, you can soak in soapy water, scrub it, rinse and allow it to air dry. However, if the clogging is extensive, you need to replace it. To avoid this issue, inspect the air filter regularly and replace it.

How do you fix a STIHL leaf blower that doesn’t rev up

All leaf blowers depend on the proper functioning of the engine to work. An engine that doesn’t rev up could be due to a number of reasons. The engine requires air, a spark, and fuel to run smoothly.

Anytime any of these components are deficient or completely absent, the engine will not rev. Here are the most common reasons that will prevent your leaf blower engine from accelerating and their solutions.

Insufficient airflow into the engine

There should be adequate airflow in the leaf blower for proper combustion to occur in the engine. Consequentially, the leaf blow will not start. The air filter is the component that ensures sufficient clean air gets into the engine.

When dirt and debris clog the air filter, it restricts proper airflow, rendering the leaf blower ineffective. Remove the air filter and clean it. If it is too clogged, replace the air filter.

Incomplete exhaust removal from the engine

The by-products of combustion in the engine need to come out of the leaf blower. The carbon dioxide produced from the engine leaves through the muffler. The muffler has a metal screen that, when clogged with dirt, restricts carbon dioxide from escaping the engine.

This leads to the gradual build-up of carbon, which eventually blocks the exhaust, causing low power and preventing the engine from starting.

Check the screen, and if it is congested, you can clean it or will have to replace it. After cleaning or replacing the muffler three times, we recommend removing the muffler completely and cleaning out the export ports of the engine.

If you have to clean or replace the muffler more than once a year, there is likely a more significant issue such as incorrect gas and oil mixture that is causing the overproduction of carbon.

Defective spark plug

Over time, the spark plug in the engine of your leaf blower wears down. This damage then leads to the leaf blower failing to rev. Remove the spark plug, and you will notice a cracked or damaged electrode, carbon build-up, or insulator. If the spark plug looks defective, replace it.

Clogged carburetor

If you mistakenly left fuel in your leaf blower for too long, it becomes thick and sticky. This viscous substance can block the carburetor, making it hard to engage the crankshaft fully.

Check the carburetor and clean it if the clogging is not severe, rebuild if the problem is a little extreme, or replace the carburetor entirely if it is beyond salvageable. To avoid this problem in the future, always drain out the fuel tank after each use.

Compression issues

Pressure is essential in the performance of the leaf blower. The rotating fan creates pressure inside the leaf blower casing, which shoots air out of the blower tube at a very high speed.

Sometimes when there is little to no pressure in your STIHL leaf blower, it can cause an engine hiccup or prevent it from starting. In addition, leaks near the piston and crankcase can cause reduced air pressure. The best solution for the leaks is to refill the leak spots.

Quality of fuel

The STIHL leaf blower requires quality fuel to perform effectively. Using contaminated fuel will prevent the leaf blower from starting. If you suspect the fuel is not fresh, drain it and replace it with better quality fuel. We recommend using a commercial premix fuel instead of gas from the pump station.

Primer not pumped

When starting the STIHL leaf blower, you must pump the primer bulb about five times before pulling the starter cord to release fuel from the fuel tank and into the carburetor. Therefore, not priming your leaf blower will cause it not to start.

Clogged spark arrestor

The spark arrestor in your STIHL leaf blower is a screen that prevents the leaf blower from emitting sparks. But if the spark arrestor becomes clogged with dirt, the engine will not start. So check the spark arrestor periodically, remove it, and clean it.

Why does my STIHL leaf blower bog down?

When a leaf blower bogs down, it means it’s choking out or dying out when you try to run it at full throttle. There are a few reasons that can explain this leaf blower problem, they include:

Air filter problems

This is the first place to look when your leaf blower is dying out. The STIHL leaf blower is a two-stroke, air-cooled engine with an air filter that traps dirt, dust, and contaminants from the incoming air.

Unfortunately, the air filter clogs up over time and starts suffocating your leaf blower by preventing air from entering the engine. Therefore, if the engine doesn’t get enough air, it will affect combustion and cause loss of power.

Remove the air filter from your leaf blower and wash it with dishwashing soap and lukewarm water. Allow the filter to air dry thoroughly before placing it back in the leaf blower. STIHL recommends replacing their leaf blower fuel filter once a year for the best maintenance.

Fuel filter problems

The fuel filter in your STIHL leaf blower is between the fuel tank and carburetor to prevent any dirt from entering the engine through the fuel line. Unfortunately, the fuel filter will clog with dirt or old fuel over time.

The best solution is to replace the fuel filter, but if it is not too clogged, you can get away with cleaning it with dish soap and lukewarm water. You should inspect the fuel filter regularly and replace it once a year.

Carburettor problems

The carburetor is one component in your leaf blower that will deteriorate from regular use. The carburetor has the task of creating the perfect ratio between fuel and air. But if the carburetor is defective, it will affect the fuel to air ratio and result in the leaf blower bogging down.

If the leaf blower air filter and fuel filter are okay, check the condition of the carburetor. Here is a list of common carburetor problems that can cause the blower to run so slowly that it dies during operation.

• If it is dirty, empty the leftover fuel and clean it with carb cleaner.
• If it has cracked, replace the entire carburetor.
• If it is out of adjustment, you will need to tune it to the appropriate level using the adjustment levers.

Spark arrestor issues

Ignited fuel in the combustion chamber can use up the high-temperature particles. In addition, these particles are fire hazards if they contact dry leaves or wood. Although spark arrestors tend to lower the engine’s performance, they also cause engine stalling when dirty. If unclogged, remove it and clean it with a wire brush. If the clogging is severe, replace the spark arrestor.

STIHL leaf blower starts then dies

If your leaf blower dies immediately after warming up, you can use our troubleshooting and repair guide to fix the issue. The leaf blower engine is overheating and automatically shutting down to prevent further damage, which causes premature engine shut-off.

Vapor lock

The carburetor in your STIHL leaf blower has a gas cap with a vent that allows the fuel vapors to escape, preventing the fuel inside the tank and in the system from overheating. However, when this vent becomes clogged, the fuel inside your leaf blower’s carburetor overheats, and the vapors make the fuel pump lock up. This creates the vapor lock.

When the engine shuts down, loosen the gas cap slightly and try starting the engine again to determine the vapor lock. If it runs continuously without shutting down, vapor lock is causing the issue. Replace the gas cap or clean it with a brush dipped in fresh gasoline to unclog the vent.

Blocked air supply

When the air filter in your leaf blower becomes clogged, it results in too much fuel and insufficient air inside the engine. This will cause your engine to stall immediately after starting as there is not enough air to support the continuous combustion of the fuel. Also, if the air filter of the muffler is blocked, the engine will overheat and shut off shortly after starting.

You can clean the air filter, but consider replacing it if it is damaged or won’t unclog after cleaning.

You can also clean the muffler with a brush, exhaust port, and fins around the cylinder.

Warped diaphragms inside the carburetor

The carburetor in your leaf blower has several plastic diaphragms that bring fuel into the carburetor, mix and measure the fuel then push it to the cylinder in the engine. Over time, these diaphragms warm from use which affects the fuel movement, causing the engine to shut off. When the diaphragms are damaged, you will have to replace the entire carburetor.

Improperly adjusted carburetor

A poorly adjusted carburetor will cause your leaf blower to start but die immediately. Although the carburetors in STIHL leaf blowers come adjusted at the factory, sometimes they may lose adjustment during use. You will also have to adjust a new replacement carburetor so that the engine can receive an optimum air-fuel mixture for all operating conditions.

Damaged gaskets

The STIHL leaf blowers have gaskets between the carburetor and the insulator and between the insulator and the cylinder. When these gaskets wear down, they will not seal properly and will allow excess air into the engine.

Excess air will cause the leaf blower to start and then stall out immediately. Inspect the gaskets and replace them if necessary.

STIHL leaf blower is not running full speed

If your STIHL leaf blower fails to run at full speed, it means that the starting mechanisms work, but there is an engine issue preventing it from running fast. Below is a repair guide in case your leaf blower won’t accelerate.

Air filters

A clogged air filter in your leaf blower will allow just enough air to idle but not enough for the engine to throttle. Remove the air filter and clean it. If it is damaged or too clogged, replace it.

Fuel filter

If the fuel filter in your leaf blower is partially blocked, it will allow just enough fuel to start and idle but not to run at full speed. When operating the leaf blower, it requires to throttle and blow air. You will need to take out the fuel filter and clean it or replace it.

Clogged muffler

Over time, carbon deposits from the engine will accumulate on the muffler. This prevents the exhaust gases from the engine from being expelled out of the leaf blower. This causes your engine to die at full throttle. The solution is to clean your muffler and spark arrestor during routine maintenance of your leaf blower.

Carburetor

If the carburetor has clogged with dirt or old fuel, it will cause the engine to run but die when set on full throttle due to limited fuel supply. You will need to remove the carburetor from the leaf blower and clean it to fix this issue.

How to clean and adjust a STIHL carburetor

Cleaning the carburetor is routine maintenance for your STIHL leaf blower. Cleaning removes dirt, debris, and old fuel from the carburetor to allow it to perform efficiently and ensure the engine’s longevity.

You will need a carburetor cleaner of your choice, which is the correct formulation to remove all kinds of dirt in the carburetor. Follow the instructions below to properly clean and adjust the carburetor in your STIHL leaf blower.

Cleaning a STIHL leaf blower carburetor

Follow the steps below to learn how to regularly clean the carburetor in your leaf blower.

Things you’ll need

• Carburetor cleaner
• Compressed air
• Clean rags
• Metal pan

Instructions

• Take out the carburetor from your leaf blower.
• Spray compressed air to remove dust and dirt from the carburetor.
• Pour the carburetor cleaner into the metal and place the leaf blower carburetor in the pan to soak for several minutes.
• Lift the carburetor, allow as much cleaner to drain off as possible, and wipe the exterior with a clean, dry rag.
• Use a pressurized can to blow out any cleaner remaining from the insides of the carburetor.
• Close the low and high mixture screw holes with your fingers, then spray carburetor cleaner through the pickup opening.
• Then blow air through that opening to dry it and reassemble the leaf blower.

Adjusting a STIHL leaf blower carburetor

Due to regular use of your leaf blower, the carburetor may become out of adjustment, causing your engine to lose power or run erratically. Adjusting the carburetor allows it to mix the right amount of fuel and air, which helps your engine run smoothly or idle without shutting down. Here’s how you can properly adjust the carburetor on your STIHL leaf blower.

• Place the leaf blower on a stable workbench. Start the blower and run the engine for about two minutes to reach operating temperature.
• Locate the three carburetor adjustment screws on the side of the carburetor or just below the air filter. You should see two screws side by side, marked “H” for full-throttle adjustment and “L” for the low-speed adjustment. Below the “H” and “L” screws is a screw marked “C” for idle.
• Use a screwdriver and turn the “L” screw clockwise until the screw seats with the screwdriver. Then turn the same screw back counterclockwise one complete turn.
• Crank the engine and allow it idle for two minutes. While the engine is running, turn the “L” screw again counterclockwise by 1/8 of a turn until the engine runs smoothly, then turn off the engine.
• Turn the “H” screw clockwise until the screw seats. Then turn the “H” screw counterclockwise, one complete turn.
• Start the engine and run it on full throttle. While it’s running, turn the “H” screwdriver by 1/8 of a turn until the engine starts running smoothly on full throttle position.
• Rev the engine. If the engine is slow to get to full throttle, turn the “C” idle screw clockwise 1/8 of a turn and rev the engine again. Repeat this step until the engine revs smoothly to the full throttle position without stalling or dying.

How do you fix a STIHL electric leaf blower that won’t start

STIHL electric leaf blowers do not require much maintenance as gas-powered blowers as they have fewer moving parts. Therefore if your electric leaf blower won’t start, follow the troubleshooting steps below to identify the issue and fix it.

• Ensure there is power in the socket the electric blower has plugged into. You can plug in another appliance like a lamp to check if the socket is working. If the lamp doesn’t light up, check the circuit breaker for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Reset the breakers and replace any blown fuses if necessary. If the circuit breaker is okay, replace the socket. If the lamp works, the problem must be with the leaf blower itself.
• Check the plug and cable on your leaf blower. Check if the terminals in the plug are loose and reconnect them if necessary. Inspect the cord for damage. If worn, it is causing a short circuit or no circuit preventing the blower from starting. A damaged cable will need replacing.
• If your STIHL electric blower is cordless, check the batteries. If the batteries are faulty, replace them.
• If the battery is good, the issue could be the on/off switch that requires a professional to fix.
• Unplug the leaf blower and check that an object does not jam the impeller or fan. Next, try turning the impeller by hand. If it can move, listen for grinding noise. If there is noise, pour some lubricant. If the impeller doesn’t move, it indicates the bearings are worn and causing them to lock up when you plug in the blower.

How to mix gas for a STIHL leaf blower

All STIHL gas-powered leaf blowers run on a 50:1 gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil mixture. Knowing the proper way to mix fuel for your leaf blower ensures it works efficiently and for longer. It also reduced the occurrence of breakdowns. Before mixing your leaf blower fuel, there are a few tips you need to consider.

• Only use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. fuel with a lower octane rating may cause the engine to overheat.
• STIHL recommends using STIHL premium quality 2-cycle, air-cooled oils. Do not mix water-cooled or mix engine oils in your leaf blower.
• Mix your oil and gas into a clean, fuel-approved container.
• Only mix small quantities that you can use over several days and store any remaining fuel in a gas-approved container.
• STIHL recommends pouring the oil into the container first, followed by the gasoline.
• Keep the container with fuel tightly closed during storage to avoid moisture getting into the fuel.

The chart below will help you mix your leaf blower fuel correctly.

Gasoline in gallons	Oil in fluid ounces
1 gallon	2.6 fluid ounces
2.5 gallons	6.5 fluid ounces
5 gallons	12.8 fluid ounces

If mixing the leaf blower fuel is too hectic, you can always purchase the STIHL Motomix premixed fuel to avoid making fuel ratio mistakes.

STIHL leaf blower is not getting a spark

If the spark plug in your leaf blower engine doesn’t produce a spark, the engine will not start. This is because the combustion in the engine relies on the spark for the leaf blower to work. The spark from the ignition coil goes through a lead wire to the spark plug.

If there is no spark reaching the spark plug, you need to find the source of the faulty component, which could be the spark plug, the ignition coil, or another engine electrical component that is faulty. Then, you can test the parts using an ignition tester.

• Take out the ignition coil and boot from the spark plug.
• Connect the ignition tester clip to the spark plug and insert the opposite tester clip into the boot.
• Try starting the engine but stay away from the tester to avoid a shock.
• If a spark discharges across the terminals, in the tester window, or the engine starts, the spark plug and ignition coil are working correctly.
• If there is no spark, unclip the tester from the spark plug and attach it to a suitable grounding area like a bolt on the engine valve cover.
• Start the engine again.
• If there is a visible spark, the spark plug is defective and needs replacing.
• If there is no spark, it indicates the ignition coil has failed, or there’s another problem in the leaf blower’s electrical system. Either way, a professional should work on the ignition module or identify the electrical issue in your leaf blower.

Why is my STIHL leaf blower hard to start?

There are several reasons making it hard for your STIHL leaf blower to start. Check the factors below to identify the source of the problem on your leaf blower.

Broken choke lever

A broken choke lever will give you a hard time starting your leaf blower. During the starting process of your leaf blower, when you engage the choke, it restricts airflow to the carburetor, therefore, creating a rich fuel mixture that will start the engine seamlessly.

If the choke lever is damaged, you will not be able to choke the engine, therefore, making starting it difficult. If it is cracked or broken, you will need to replace it.

Dirty carburetor

A clogged carburetor will make it difficult to start the engine. The internal rubber and plastics in the carburetor can also harden and prevent the carburetor from functioning correctly.

You should take out the carburetor, clean it and inspect it for damaged. Then use the carb kit to replace all the broken carb parts.

Air filter and fuel filters

Clogged filters in your carburetor will affect the amount of air and fuel mixture in your engine, affecting the combustion process and making the engine hard to start.

Cleaning and replacing the filters should be routine maintenance to prevent them from clogging and causing more issues.

Defective spark plug

With frequent use of your leaf blower, the spark plug inside it that ignites the fuel and air mixture becomes worn or damaged.

A damaged spark plug will make it difficult to start the engine as it will not produce a spark properly or no spark at all.

Test your spark plug and replace it if necessary. If the spark plug is just dirty, you can wipe it down with a clean rag and return it to your leaf blower.

Primer bulb

The primer bulb in your STIHL leaf blower is responsible for purging the air out of the carburetor to help start the engine. However, if the primer bulb is cracked or broken, it will cause difficulty when starting the leaf blower engine. Assess the damage to the primer bulb and replace it.

How to fix the pull string on a STIHL leaf blower

The pull string on your gas-powered STIHL leaf blower cranks and starts the engine. The pull string also has a rewind spring mechanism that allows the cord to retract after pulling it.

However, the pull or starter string sometimes gets stuck and won’t pull or retract. It is best to replace the pull cord and recoil starter assembly when this happens.

Things you will need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Replacement starter cord and recoil starter assembly
• Needle-nose pliers
• Utility knife

Instructions

• Remove the starter cover from the blower using a screwdriver.
• Pull out the spark plug wire using the pair of needle-nose pliers.
• Pull out the old starter cord through the handle.
• Use the knife to cut the pull rope below the rubber, T-shaped pull handle.
• Locate the old recoil starter assembly with the screwdriver under the side cover of the blower and remove it from the leaf blower.
• Attach the new starter cord to the new recoil starter assembly. Slip one end of the pull cord through the middle of the mechanism and make an overhand knot.
• Position the new recoil starter assembly over its housing and it into place.
• Rotate the recoil starter assembly counterclockwise by hand to wind up part of the pull rope. Stop turning the recoil starter when you feel the spring inside tightening. Instead, spin the starter assembly one complete turn clockwise after the spring tightens.
• Slip the other end of the starter cord through the hole on the blower’s cover. Secure the cover back into place on the leaf blower with screws.
• Direct the other end of the starter rope through the T-shaped handle of your leaf blower and tie an overhand knot on the end of the rope to secure it to the handle.
• Return the spark plug wire and start your leaf blower to test it.

How often do I have to change the oil on my STIHL 4-cycle leaf blower?

There is one unique difference between other leaf blower brands with the four-stroke engine and the STIHL brand. Other leaf blower brands have a four-stroke engine with a separate oil compartment and gas compartment.

However, the STIHL 4-MIX engine runs on a gas-oil mix similar to the 2-stroke engine models. Therefore, STIHL recommends changing the fuel in the leaf blower after every 50 hours of use. Also, do not leave fuel in the leaf blower for more than 30 days.

How to replace a STIHL BG85 leaf blower primer bulb

When starting the STIHL BG85 leaf blower, you have to press the primer bulb at least fives times, even when the bulb is full of fuel. This is because priming helps deliver the appropriate gas-to-oil mixture to the engine to help start the leaf blower.

When the primer bulbs stop drawing fuel from the tank and injecting it into the carburetor, you need to replace it using the steps below.

• Detach the spark plug from the spark plug and ensure they do not come into contact. It prevents the leaf blower from accidentally starting during repairs.
• Remove the screws that hold the filter cover in place. Next, remove the air filter and its housing to access the primer bulb.
• Disconnect all the fuel lines from the back of the primer bulb housing and discard them.
• Unscrew the screws that hold the primer bulb assembly and remove them from the blower.
• Push the primer bulb backward out of the housing.
• Insert the new primer bulb into the bulb holder.
• Reconnect new fuel lines correctly. Changing the fuel lines with the primer bulb ensures both parts are in good working condition.
• Return all the other parts in reverse order.
• Push the primer bulb several times to ensure it is working. You will feel some resistance in the bulb and the sound of fuel flowing through the fuel lines to indicate that it is working well.

Where to use starter fluid on STIHL leaf blower

Starter fluid is a chemical spray that helps start a stubborn engine, especially when you rarely use your equipment or are on cold-starts for leaf blowers. However, you must be careful when using starter fluid on your leaf blower.

You should not use it every time your leaf blower struggles to start. Misusing the starter fluid can cause damage to the engine since it has no lubricating properties. It can also cause injury due to its flammable properties.

Check this too: Leaf Blower 101: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

For a cold start, you should spray a light dose of the starter fluid directly into the carburetor chamber of your leaf blower. Another location is to spray a short burst directly into the spark plug port of the cylinder.

Note that too much starter fluid will strip away oil from the engine, which is for lubrication in the engine.

Do not also use the starting fluid when the leaf blower engine is on to avoid a fire hazard.

Where is the spark plug on a STIHL leaf blower?

The spark plug on a STIHL leaf blower is in plain view; however, the location varies depending on the model. For some STIHL leaf blower models, the spark plug is inside the spark plug boot, typically near the carburetor adjusting screws.

In other models, you have to open the leaf blower housing, which will be under the spark plug cap.

Conclusion

Leaf blower problems are unavoidable; however, with proper care and maintenance of your STIHL leaf blower, you can prevent unnecessary hitches and have a long-lasting performance. While some issues may require professional assistance, our post will help you familiarize yourself with the more common leaf blower problems so you can troubleshoot the issue as quickly as possible.