How to Repair a Leaf Blower

A leaf blower is an equipment which propels air out of a nozzle to blow away unwanted materials, such as fallen leaves in the lawn. It is most often used to clear the lawn of dry leaves, and hence is referred to as a leaf blower. This self contained equipment is usually hand-held, but some units are designed to be carried on the back as a backpack, with the wand blowing air to be held in the hand. The equipment is usually powered by a two-stroke engine, but environment concerns have made the manufacturers come up with leaf blowers powered by a four stroke engine. The air blows at a speed of 180 miles per hour from this machine, and blows dry leaves away, thus clearing your beautiful lawn.

Guide to the Diagnosis and Repair of a Leaf Blower

The mechanical problems with your leaf blower may range from simple vacuum tube clogging to impeller malfunctioning, and repair it doesn't require much of a technical expertise. One of the most common problem which you are likely to encounter is that of vacuum tube clogging, wherein grass or such material goes inside the vacuum tube and chokes the tube. In such a case, you are required to remove the tube, to clean it. If you see any debris stuck inside it, remove and clean the tube properly. Sometimes, you may notice your leaf blower making too much of noise or vibrating. The problem here might be some loose part, which needs to be fixed. Check all the components of the blower, as well as all the screws which connect them - and fix them if you find any.

Leaf Blower Starting Problem
In many cases, power problem is the main reason for leaf blower not starting. In such a case, check whether there is enough gas, and refill if necessary. If you have a decent amount of gas and still the machine is not working, check all the cords, switches and power outlets. If you feel any of these components are worn out, you should replace them with new parts. If all these components are in good condition, but still your leaf blower is not working, then it may be a motor problem or some engine malfunctioning. In this case, it is better to seek professional help instead of trying your hand at lawn blower troubleshooting.

Leaf Blower Malfunctioning
Over the period, you may notice that the performance of your blower diminishes - which is usually the case of a faulty impeller. The impeller draws air into the machine and blasts it through the blower tube at a tremendous speed. If the impeller housing is cracked, it has to be repaired, as these faults hamper the performance of the machine. In case of a cracked impeller housing, clean the affected area with a brake cleaner, and rough it up, using a sandpaper. Fill the area with metal-impregnated epoxy or fiberglass resin, and allow it to dry, once the filling has dried smooth up the rough area. If the impeller has worn out, you will need to replace it with a new one. To replace the impeller you need to open the leaf blower. Wear gloves and remove the impeller using a socket wrench to keep it steady. Replace the worn out part with a new one with the same specifications, and refit the blower.

Leaf blower is a must have gardening equipment, if you want to keep your garden free of dry leaves. While proper maintenance can help you ensure a long life for your leaf blower, knowing the basics of its repair is an added advantage.