Why Does My Leaf Blower Keeps Bogging Down?

Why does my leaf blower bog down?

The reason your leaf blower keeps bogging down is because of a clogged air filter, which allows dust and debris to be sucked in, or a fuel filter issue that starves the engine from fuel. An exhaust system blockage or carburetor problems, which does not allow the correct air and fuel mixture, are other reasons for a leaf blower to bog down.

 

 

Clogged air filter

The small engine in your leaf blower generates power through controlled combustion. This process requires the correct mixture of compressed air and gas with a perfectly timed ignition. However, air filters were put in place to prevent the engine from sucking in dust, insects, leaf debris, and sands.

Over time, in the process of fulfilling its role, an air filter gets clogged up. In fact, you are meant to replace it as much as possible to prevent this. You starve the engine of air when an air filter is blocked. This causes it to bog down both at rest and during revving.

 

Fuel filter issues

A tiny mesh screens out dirt and other small particles inside the fuel line between your tank and carburettor. These particles are more common in low-quality gas or one sitting around for a long time.

When this filter gets blocked or has a reduced opening, only a tiny amount of gas can pass. As a result, the engine is starved of fuel and bogs down, especially when you press the throttle to increase the rev.

 

Exhaust system blockage

The exhaust system of your leaf blower consists of a muffler and spark arrester. The spark arrester is a mesh-like device(screen) that prevents the carbon residues from your engine and other combustion products from entering the environment.

However, the mesh can get clogged up after repeated use of your blower. This is more common with low-quality oil or an engine not combusting efficiently. Because the engine cannot efficiently get rid of heat, it builds up in the machine and causes it to overheat. This heat can cause your leaf blower to bog down during use.

 

Carburetor problems

Carburetors are present between your tank and engine to mix air and fuel in the right proportion. However, over time, impurities from bad fuel can cause the carburetor to clog, reducing its efficiency.

Also, the metering diaphragm can get hard over time, even if you use fresh premium fuel. The stiff diaphragm pushes down the metering lever and keeps the needle valve open up all the time, causing a constant flow of fuel to be fed to the engine.

The inefficiently mixed fuel and the air are not primed for combustion in the engine. This inefficiency can cause your leaf blower to bog down, especially when you press the throttle.

 

How to fix a leaf blower that keeps bogging down?

You can change the air and fuel filters, clean the spark arrestor and carburetor, or install a new carburetor set to fix a leaf blower that keeps bogging down.

How to replace the air filter of a leaf blower

You should regularly check your air filter and replace it at least once a year. Follow these steps to replace your air filter easily:

1. First, remove the air filter cover by turning the thumbscrew on the back.
2. Next, assess the air filter for any damage or blockage.
3. Next, remove the old filter and install a new one. Air filters are available on Amazon for around $10 for a pack of 5.
4. Finally, reinstall the air filter cover onto your trimmer and secure it tightly with the screw.

 

How to fix a clogged fuel filter

Your leaf blower will bog down if it is starved of fuel. Follow these guides to troubleshoot and replace a faulty fuel filter correctly.

1. Drain your fuel out of the tank into a container.
2. For safety measures, remove the black wire boot from the spark plug to prevent accidental ignition.
3. Remove the fuel cap and set it aside.
4. Bring out the fuel line from the gas tank using a hook or long wire. The fuel filter is present at the tip of the fuel line.
5. Unhook the securing wire and remove the fuel filter from the hose.
6. Insert the filter in a strong solvent like lacquer thinner. This will dissolve the impurities clogging it.
7. If it is due for a change, replace it with a new one. It is readily available on Amazon and costs around $9 for a pack of 5.
8. Insert the new fuel filter to the end of the fuel line, securing it with the wire.
9. Push the fuel line back into the tank.
10. Fill it up with gas and thread the tank cap.

 

Clean out the spark arrester

Your leaf blower may be bogging down because of a blocked spark arrester. Follow this step-by-step guide to clean it.

1. Ensure you turn off your leaf blower.
2. Flip it onto its side to gain access to the muffler.
3. Next, loosen the bolts that hold the muffler and spark arrester. You need a steel wrench or T25 screwdriver to do this. The plate should be prominent as it is usually covered in dark soot.
4. Gently remove the mesh-like substance underneath the plate. This is the screen of the spark arrester that you need to clean.
5. Brush off the debris on it using an old toothbrush. Do that until the mesh is clean and you can see through its holes.
6. Use a needle to poke through the holes to remove any leftover soot.
7. If you have one, you can also use a blowtorch to burn it off. Ensure you hold the screen with a needle nose plier to avoid burning your hand.
8. Once the screen is clean, replace the mesh and the muffler.
9. Secure them with the screws you removed earlier.

 

Fix the carburetor problems

A dirty or clogged-up carburetor could cause the repeated bogging down of your leaf blower. Follow these step-by-step guides to troubleshoot and fix this.

1. Ensure the engine is off.
2. Lay down a piece of rag to catch fuel spills.
3. Remove the air filter cover by unscrewing the T25 screws that secure it.
4. Remove the carburetor by unscrewing the two 5/32’’ Allen screws holding the carburetor and plastic cover.
5. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen the four small Philips screws that hold the metal cover of the diaphragm in place.
6. Gently pull on the diaphragm and set it aside. If the diaphragm is dried out, you need to replace it—a carb replacement kit costs around $8 on Amazon.
7. Remove the screw that holds down the pivot that secures the needle.
8. Remove the primer bulb. This could also be dry. A replacement costs around $5 on Amazon.
9. Use a carburetor-specific cleaner to spray and wash the outside and inside of the carburetor. Then, use a torch tip cleaning set to clean the tiny passages.
10. Allow everything to dry for some time.
11. Reassemble the carburetor and replace all the screws you removed.
12. Suppose the carburetor is spoilt and needs more than just cleaning. Replace the carburetor using a carb kit.

 

Why does my leaf blower bog down at full throttle?

Your leaf blower bogs down at full throttle because of a clogged air filter, fuel problems, exhaust system blockage, and carburetor problems. This can be summarized as cooling system failure or fuel-related issues.

To fix this, follow the troubleshooting steps highlighted above.

• Cut off power to the leaf blower by turning it off.
• Start by cleaning or replacing the air filter.
• Then, replace the fuel filter if it is clogged.
• Clean the screen of the spark arrester.
• If that doesn’t work, clean the carburetor or replace its component with a new kit.

 

Why does my Eco leaf blower keep bogging down?

Your Eco leaf blower is bogging down because of a clogged air filter, fuel filter issues, exhaust system blockage, or carburetor problems. To fix it, follow these steps:

1. For safety measures, ensure you turn off your leaf blower before you start.
2. If you have not replaced the air filter in a while, follow the steps highlighted above to remove and reinstall a new air filter.
3. Also, your fuel filter is a common source of problems. Replace it using the step-by-step guide above.
4. Clean the screen (spark arrester).
5. Clean out the carburetor by following the guide above.
6. Replace the damaged part of the carburetor using a carb replacement kit.

 

Why does my Ryboi leaf blower keep bogging down?

Your Ryboi leaf blower is bogging down because of a clogged air filter, fuel filter issues, exhaust system blockage, or carburetor problems. To fix it, follow these steps:

1. First, for your safety, ensure the engine is turned off before you start.
2. If you have not replaced the air filter in a while, follow the steps highlighted above to remove and reinstall a new air filter.
3. Also, your fuel filter is a common source of problem. Replace it using the step-by-step guide above.
4. Clean the screen (spark arrester).
5. Clean out the carburetor by following the guide above.
6. Replace the damaged part of the carburetor using a carb replacement kit.

 

Why does my STIHL leaf blower keep bogging down?

Your STIHL leaf blower is bogging down because of a clogged air filter, fuel filter issues, exhaust system blockage, or carburetor problems. To fix it, follow these steps:

1. For safety measures, ensure the engine is turned off before you start.
2. If you have not replaced the air filter in a while, follow the steps highlighted above to remove and reinstall a new air filter.
3. Also, your fuel filter is a common source of problem. Replace it using the step-by-step guide above.
4. Clean the screen (spark arrester).
5. Clean out the carburetor by following the guide above.
6. Replace the damaged part of the carburetor using a carb replacement kit.