The leaf blower machine is used to blow away leaves that have fallen in the autumn season. You can also use the device to dry wet surfaces. Therefore, it’s a machine that comes in handy in such activities, and you should understand how it works and precautions to take.
Leaf blower uses centrifugal force, where force directs from the center towards the edges. It contains a fan with spinning blades called the compeller. The compeller rotates; it sucks in air through a vent and forces it down a funnel. This moving air at high speeds blows your leaves in the garden or dries a wet floor.
While buying the machine for the first time, research the brands, models to purchase, and correct size for your yard. Again, you should be aware of the time to use it. It’s best to use the equipment when it’s calm and when the leaves are dry; this will make the task easy. Remember to plan where you want to pile the leaves and start blowing in one direction.
Always put on safety gear before operating the leaf blower as a precaution. Wear ear and eye protection for your safety. The machine generates loud noise harmful to your ears, and debris or leaves can also blow into your eyes.
Why won’t my Milwaukee leaf blower start
There are several reasons why a Milwaukee leaf blower may fail to start. Some of these reasons may apply to other problems as well, and they include;
- Check if there is power for an electric blower. Try to switch on the power socket to rule out the possibility of no power. Again, check if there is a faulty contact of the power switch. Lastly, inspect if there is a blown fuse.
- Check the fuel levels. If the levels are okay and the leaf blower won’t start, replace the fuel with another fresh mix. Stale fuel is a common reason why the leaf blower fails to start. Also, old fuel may clog the carburetor and cause blockage. Use a carburetor cleaner kit to clear the dirt if you spot any blockage.
- Engine issues. The engine may be flooded, and it’s an issue you can quickly solve at home. You can detect it if you notice engine fuel leakage. You can tilt the engine for some models and allow the fuel to drain.
- Lack of air for combustion. The engines require fuel and air for combustion, which gets in through the filter. It’s best to check if the air filter is clean or damaged. If the filter is dirty, clean it in soapy water, dry it, and fix it.
- Spark plug issues. Spark plugs with a cracked insulator, burned electrode, or carbon build-up may fail to work. Replace or clean up any spark plugs with the above problems.
- The battery may have low voltage. For cordless blowers, you should check the battery levels and, if low, allow it to charge and check if the leaf blower starts.
- If the weather is hot, a gasoline leaf blower may fail to start as pressure builds up in the fuel tank due to evaporating gasoline. It will help if you open the fuel cap to release the pressure.
- Restricted carburetor- dirty oil can leave a gummy residue inside the carburetor, causing a restriction. The issue results in a low fuel-air ratio making the engine have trouble starting.
- A broken flywheel key – it’s a metal piece that fits the crankshaft slot and engages with the flywheel. If the metal breaks in case of any obstruction, the leaf blower won’t start. You should check it out and replace it if broken.
Milwaukee M18 fuel blower trigger stuck
The leaf blower has a throttle rod that connects the trigger to the carb. If the trigger gets stuck, use your finger to check at the side of the carb and try to move the carb throttle spindle manually. Check if it moves freely and springs back to the small throttle idle. If it moves, unscrew the idle screw with a screwdriver until the machine idle is okay.
Cordless Milwaukee leaf blower battery not charging
The battery may fail to charge if worn out and it needs replacement. You may have used it for an extended period, and it’s time now to acquire a new one. Lithium batteries are very delicate. They require proper maintenance to work efficiently and have a longer shelf life. Ensure you carry out the following practices for your battery to function;
- Avoid hot conditions – don’t charge your battery while hot; it’s the fastest way of reducing its useful life. Also, always store it in a cool place for longer life.
- Don’t discharge the battery up to zero- draining a lithium battery cuts down the number of discharge cycles, and this ends up destroying your battery.
How to clean and maintain a Milwaukee cordless leaf blower
You should maintain the tool as follows;
- Clean dust and debris from the vents
- Check if the power cord is rigid
- Check out any weak cables and replace them.
- Always ensure the handles are clean and free from oil.
- Remember to remove the battery from the machine before cleaning or when carrying out any maintenance.
- Ensure that both the battery and charger are in good condition.
- Keep off the machine from any liquid getting inside.
- Read the manual carefully before operating the tool.
- Always store it in a cool, safe, dry place.
To clean the leaf blower, use a mild soap and a damp cloth only as some cleaning agents are harmful. It’s best to avoid using ammonia, chlorinated solvents, lacquer thinner, and other potent cleaning agents. Again, before cleaning, constantly disassemble the machine as recommended in the manual. As you clean various parts, do it gently and dry them before assembling the device.
How to clean and maintain a Milwaukee fuel leaf blower
To optimize your leaf blower’s shelf life and reliability, it’s always best to service it regularly. Have a schedule to carry out daily, weekly and monthly routines.
Monthly routines
- Flush the old gas and oil from the tool and replace it with a fresh mixture. After refilling the gas, add a fuel stabilizer.
- Clean the spark plugs, fan blades, exterior parts of the carburetor, mufflers, fuel filter, and fuel line
- Replace the spark plug if necessary.
Weekly routines
- Check if the anti-vibration mountings are functional
- Clean air filter, fan blades, carburetor space, air filter outside the spark plug.
- Check the state of the starter device, starter cord, and tension spring
Daily routine
- Clean the exterior of the leaf blower.
- Always ensure the screws and nuts are correctly tightened
- Check if the collection bag is intact
To clean the leaf blower, allow the engine to cool first. Later wipe the machine with a damp cloth and remove the dust debris with a soft-bristled brush. Remember to use soapy water and not any other cleaning agents, as some are harmful to plastics.
Why won’t my Milwaukee battery powered leaf blower not starting
For a battery-powered leaf blower, it may fail to start if;
- The battery is dead and can’t charge, and therefore you should replace it.
- The battery voltage is low- if you notice this, ensure you charge it for a more extended period before starting the leaf blower.
Why does my Milwaukee leaf blower keep shutting off?
Your leaf blower may keep shutting off due to the following reasons;
- A clogged spark arrestor makes the engine stall. You should remove the spark arrestor and clean it with a wire brush.
- Clogged carburetor results from leaving fuel in the leaf blower for extended periods, and the elements in the oil may evaporate, making the oil thick and sticky. The sticky oil clogs the carburetor and makes the leaf blower shut off. Try cleaning the carburetor or replace it with a new one.
- Clogged air filter- check your air filter for damage or debris build-up. A clogged air filter prevents the proper airflow into the blower’s engine and makes the equipment stall. Clean your air filter to remove any debris or replace it if damaged.
- Damaged gaskets- check if your gaskets are faulty and replace them.
- Carburetor kit issues- ensure you clean the kit if dirty or replace it if damaged.
Check this too: Ego Leaf Blower How to & Troubleshooting Guide
Milwaukee leaf blower overheating – causes and fixes
Overheating is a common problem in leaf blowers caused by various factors. One of the major causes leading to overheating is using poorly mixed fuel, which results in excessive friction in the internal engine’s component.
Another issue is dirty or locked engine cooling fins. If the cooling fins have a problem, airflow into the engine becomes impaired and can cause overheating. You should clean the fins using a regular brush to remove the debris and replace them if damaged.
