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How To Start A Leaf Blower in 9 Simple Steps

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A leaf blower is by far the most time-saving and beneficial item you can purchase if you frequently deal with a yard full of leaves. The ground is likely to be covered in rotting leaves from trees and plants, especially during the winter.

The strewn leaves give the yard an untidy and shabby appearance. Instead of spending hours raking leaves into a pile, employ a leaf blower, which can complete the task in a flash. So, let’s save time and energy by learning how to start a leaf blower.

A Guide on How To Start A Leaf Blower

The leaf blower is a crucial item for any yard. It enables you to get rid of leaves accumulated in the yard. Leaf blower vacuums come in various styles, each with its own set of instructions for starting.

While electric cordless or corded blowers are quite easy to use, gas-powered blowers are a little more difficult.

A 2-cycle engine is found in the majority of gas leaf blowers. This is because this engine is both compact and strong. A gas-powered leaf blower is a little more difficult to start and requires more effort. Let’s see the steps on how to start a leaf blower.

 Step 1: Prepare the Oil and Gas Mixture

  • Check the fuel tank of the leaf blower for oil and gas levels. If the gasoline tank of the leaf blower is empty, fill it with gasoline before trying to start it.
  • Fill up the oil tank with the recommended oil.
  • To run, 2-stroke engines require a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil.
  • Most units run on a solution of one part oil to 50 parts gas, or a 1:50 ratio.
  • This equates to 212 ounces of oil per gallon of gasoline.
  • However, it would be best to double-check your model’s handbook to ensure that this is the exact ratio.
  • Add these ingredients in precise proportions in a gas can and give it a good shake to ensure they’re well combined.
  • Make sure you measure the amounts correctly, as using the incorrect proportions could cause your blower to smoke and perhaps harm it.

 Step 2: Pour In the Mixture Slowly

  • Once you’ve produced the oil-gas mixture in a can, please give it a good shake to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed throughout the gas.
  • Slowly pour this combination into the leaf blower’s gas tank, filling it to the specified level.

 Step 3: Check the Oil and Gas Level

  • Remove the choke knob of the leaf blower located on its side.
  • Pull out the starting cord of the leaf blower, and pull it slowly three times to generate a spark.
  • Check for the presence of oil in the small window on the side of the leaf blower.
  • If oil is visible in the window, remove the starting cord from its sheath, and pull it.
  • If oil is not visible or you don’t see a fuel mixture, check the engine’s oil level window.
  • Add a little more oil to the gas mixture if it appears full.
  • If it appears empty, pour in some more combinations until you see oil in the window.
  • If you can’t see any oil, call a professional.

 Step 3: Make Certain the Starter Switch is Turned On

  • There is an “on” switch on some blowers. If it is not in the proper position, the blower will not start.

Step 4: Move the Choke to the Run Position

Once you’ve filled your leaf blower with the proper fuel mix, put the choke back in its original position. If you’re beginning the leaf blower from scratch, you’ll need to complete this step. To determine the location of the choke and turn it off, consult the user’s manual.

Step 5: Priming the engine

  • Push the primer bulb 3 to 4 times to prime the engine. If the choke has been opened, move the lever halfway between “open” and “close” to partially close the choke.

 Step 6: Pull the Starter Cord

  • This is an important step in using a leaf blower. Hold the starter cord firmly in one hand while keeping the blower’s body in the other.
  • Pull the cable as hard as you can now.
  • You’ll need to pull one to five times to start the engine.
  • Ensure that the cord does not snap back into place after each tug.
  • Slowly feed it instead.

Step 7: Let the Engine Run for Sometime

  • Allow the engine to run for 10 to 30 seconds after starting.
  • If your machine has a manual choke, you should set it in the “run” position after the engine has been running for a bit.
  • Some types feature a semi-automatic choke that automatically returns to the run position.
  • You don’t have to be concerned if you own one of these models. 

Step 8: Fully Open the Choke

  • When you feel that your machine is running smoothly, fully open the choke.
  • Shut it off if the engine starts to overheat.
  • Turn it back on after a few minutes.
  • Note: Some units have a “decompression” handle.
  • Pushing this handle will assure that you can pull the starter cord easily when you start the leaf blower in the future.
  • If your machine features this, pull it and release quickly two or three times to start the engine without using the electric starter.
  • Afterward, release the handle.
  • If your leaf blower has a rapid-start cup, fill it with oil and pour in two teaspoons of gasoline.
  • Attach the cup to the tip of the blower, and pull the starter cord for about five seconds.
  • This will compress the cup, creating pressure.
  • Let the handle return to its original position before pulling the cord again.

Step 9: Always Take Care of Your Leaf Blower

  • Always make certain to turn off the leaf blower when you’re not using it.
  • Don’t store the machine with gasoline inside.
  • You should also read the leaf blower’s manual if you do not understand any part of it.

A 4-stroke gas leaf blower appears to be the same as a 2-stroke gas blower. The only change is the power source. A 2-stroke gas blower needs a mixture of gas and oil to operate, whereas a 4-stroke variant needs gas. To begin a 4-stroke model, all preceding procedures should be followed except the first.


Final Remarks

A leaf blower comes in handy throughout the winter and autumn months as a seasonal item. Resuming it requires extra caution, particularly if you use it after a long period. Before starting your machines, make sure you read the user’s manual.

Read the manual of your leaf blower. Every model is different and has its unique starting procedures, so there’s no way to precisely describe them all. Do not ever smoke while using a leaf blower.

The hot engine can cause gasoline vapors to ignite, causing grave harm to the user. If you are using an electric or battery-powered leaf blower, ensure that the extension cord is plugged in correctly to avoid combustion.

When you are done with your leaf blower, always drain the carburetor. This should be performed regularly to avoid stopping difficulties.

Now that you know how to start a leaf blower, you can easily get rid of the pile of leaves in the garden. If you follow the steps above, you should be able to start your machine fast, easily, and with minimal fuss.

If you’ve followed these steps and your leaf blower still won’t start, there may be a problem with the carburetor. In this case, it is best to have a professional service the leaf blower for you.