While leaf blowing is time-consuming, it is much easier than raking all the leaves. And for this, an optimal-performing leaf blower is ideal. Having your leaf blower die on you while using it is inconvenient.
If you are lucky, you may only need to troubleshoot one of the potential causes. If you still need to, try all the suggested solutions until you resolve the issues.
Common Reasons Why Your Poulan Pro Leaf Blower Won’t Stay Running
Your leaf blower could be stalling because of one or multiple reasons. Common reasons include a clogged spark arrestor, air filter, fuel lines, or fuel filter. A damaged gasket, spark plugs, carburetor, and cylinders can also stall your leaf blower.
Clogged Spark Arrestor
The spark arrestor is a small screen that prevents the leaf blower’s engine from emitting sparks. If it gets clogged, it will cause the engine to stall every so often.
Potential Fixes
Clean the spark arrestor with a wire bush to remove dirt and debris.
- If this does not work, replace the spark arrestor.
- If replacing the spark arrestor does not work, move on to the next step.
Faulty Carburetor
The carburetor is responsible for mixing fuel and air so it combusts and powers the leaf blower’s engine. If your carburetor is clogged, improperly adjusted, or plugged, it will cause your engine to stall or die every so often. A clogged carburetor is mostly a result of old, sticky fuel.
Fuel left in the leaf blower can degrade and become thicker due to evaporation. Additionally, debris and disintegrated carburetor pieces can accumulate and clog in the carburetor.
Potential Fixes
- Inspect the carburetor to see if it is clogged.
- Clean the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner.
- If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild the carburetor with a carburetor rebuild kit.
- If that does not work, replace the entire carburetor.
Proceed to the next troubleshooting step if this does not work.
How to Clean the Carburetor
The best way to clean a carburetor is by using a carburetor cleaner. It usually comes in a spray form. Ensure you’re your leaf blower is not running before starting the cleaning process. Then, spray the carburetor cleaner into the carburetor. It will soften the debris and fuel residue in the carburetor. Once the carburetor is clean, you can power up your leaf blower and start using it immediately.
Clogged Fuel Filter
Old fuel in your leaf blower for over 30 days can get sticky and clog the filter. A clogged filter will prevent fuel from flowing through and getting into the leaf blower’s engine. This, in turn, will cause the engine to stall.
Potential Fixes
- Inspect the fuel filter to see if it is clogged.
- Clean the fuel filter with a brush and mild detergent.
- If cleaning the fuel filter does not work, replace it with a new one.
- Also, pour out the old fuel and replace it with clean fuel.
- Proceed to the next troubleshooting step if this does not work.
Clogged Air Filter
Dirt and debris may clog your leaf blower’s air filter over time. A clogged air filter will prevent the leaf blower’s engine from getting a proper air injection. Lack of air will prevent the leaf blower from combusting fuel, which will, in turn, prevent it from running continuously.
Potential Fixes
- Inspect the air filter to see if it is clogged.
- Clean the air filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If cleaning the air filter does not work or is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Proceed to the next troubleshooting step if this does not work.
How to Clean the Air Filter
If it is a sponge filter, wash it using water and a mild detergent, then let it air dry completely before putting it back in the leaf blower.
If it is a paper filter, clean it using a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. If it is worn out, replace it with a new one.
Check this too: My Poulan Pro Leaf Blower is Running but Not Blowing – Causes and Fixes
Damaged Gaskets
Leaf blowers usually have gaskets between the carburetor and the insulator. And between the insulator and the cylinder. Their main purpose is to stop air leakage in the leaf blower. If the gaskets are damaged, excess air will leak into the engine, causing it to stall intermittently.
Potential Fixes
- Inspect the gaskets to see if they are damaged.
- If the gaskets are damaged, replace them with new ones.
- Proceed to the next troubleshooting step if this does not work.
Faulty Spark Plugs
The spark plug produces the spark that starts the combustion process. A faulty spark plug will cause a weak spark, which may start up the engine and then cause it to stall almost immediately.
Potential Fixes
- Remove the spark plugs from the leaf blower and inspect them for wear and tear.
- You can use a deep socket and ratchet to remove the spark plug from the leaf blower.
- Look for carbon buildup on the electrode. If there is heavy carbon buildup, replace the spark plug.
- Check the gap between the spark plug and the ignition coil.
- Use a spark plug tester to check if the spark plug is still working. If the spark produced between the tester terminals is weak or too weak, replace the spark plug.
- Proceed to the next troubleshooting step if this does not work.
Damaged Cylinders
The cylinders hold the pistons connected to the crankshaft. The pistons move up and down, creating a vacuum that aids fuel combustion in your leaf blower’s engine.
The piston of your leaf blower is located inside the cylinder and is connected to the crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns, the piston moves up and down within the cylinder, creating a vacuum that allows combustion.
Potential Fixes
- Inspect the cylinders to see if they are damaged.
- If any cylinders are damaged, replace them with a new one.
- Proceed to the next troubleshooting step if this does not work.
Clogged Fuel Lines
Fuel in your leaf blower is carried from the fuel tank into the engine using fuel lines. Like the fuel filter and carburetor clogging, old fuel will also clog the fuel line in your leaf blower.
If they are clogged, your engine will not get a consistent fuel supply, preventing it from working continuously. The fuel lines can also become damaged over time and develop cracks, causing them to leak preventing fuel from reaching the engine.
Potential Fixes
- Inspect the fuel lines to see if they are clogged or damaged.
- Remove the fuel lines and clean them if they are clogged.
- Let the fuel lines dry completely before returning them to your leaf blower.
- If the fuel lines are damaged, you should replace them.
Notes:
- If this does not work, hire a professional to look at your leaf blower.
- If it is still under warranty, you can get it fixed and serviced by an authorized professional.
To avoid future stalling issues, regular maintenance will prevent your leaf blower from breaking down.
Leaf Blower Maintenance and Repair Guideline
Here are some basic maintenance steps to keep your leaf blower in working condition.
- Clean the leaf blower’s filters regularly to avoid the accumulation of fuel and debris residue
- Do not let fuel sit in the leaf blower tank for long periods. If you do, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent the oil from degrading.
- Clean and service your carburetor to ensure it doesn’t clog up on you when you least expect it
