Stihl Leaf Blower Issues: 7 Common Problems (Must Read)

by

If you want your home to have an appealing exterior, it’s best to get rid of fallen leaves by using the Stihl leaf blower.

Not only is the appliance easy to use, but it also functions with high performance.

However, at times, the Stihl leaf blower can run into some issues which can hinder its functionalities.

To avoid getting stuck in such situations, continue reading below.

Stihl Leaf Blower Won’t Start

Stihl leaf blower not starting is typically caused by defective spark plug, damaged starter cord, lack of fuel or clogged air filter.

In such a situation, there are several steps you can follow. Continue reading the solutions mentioned below to fix the issue.

Possible Solution(s):

Spark Plug

  • The most common reason for this issue is a defective spark plug. Inspect the spark plug for signs of damage and replace the component if it is defective.

Lack of Fuel

  • One of the most common reasons for a leaf blower not starting is a lack of fuel. Gas that has been sitting in the tank for 30 days or more can deteriorate, causing the engine to stall or not start properly.
  • If the gasoline is left for 6 months or more, it can turn into a thick sludge.

Simply empty the old fuel and replace it with new fuel to correct the situation. To avoid this happening in the future, remove any old fuel before storing your blower for an extended period of time.

Incorrect Fuel Ration

  • A proper oil-to-gas ratio is required for a two-stroke engine on a leaf blower. In this case, gas and oil should be mixed 50 parts gas to one part oil.
  • This equates to about 2.6 ounces of oil per gallon of gas and ensures that the engine is adequately fueled.

Otherwise, this could be the cause of a leaf blower not starting. For best results, empty the current oil and fuel and refill with the proper mixture.

Clogged Air Filter

  • A clogged air filter is a common issue that could be preventing your leaf blower from starting.
  • Clogged air filters cause the blower’s engine to receive too much fuel and too little air, resulting in a faulty start (or no start at all).
  • Combustion engines, in particular, require a continuous flow of fuel and air that enters through the filter and exits through the muffler.

If the air filter is salvageable, it can be scrubbed in soapy water. However, if it is beyond repair, it must be replaced.

Stihl Leaf Blower Shutting Off

Another common issue relating to starting up is that the Stihl leaf blower can constantly shut down after starting.

Stihl leaf blower shutting off is commonly caused by a dirty filter, clogged airline, faulty spark plug, or lack of fuel.

This can be quite frustrating. However, you can solve the issue by following the solutions below.

Possible Solution(s):

Dirty Filter

  • A filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the carburetor’s throat and causing engine wear. A filter can become so clogged that no air can pass through it and the blower will stop working.
  • Inspect the filter, if the air filter is salvageable, it can be scrubbed in soapy water. However, if it is beyond repair, it must be replaced.

Clogged Air Line

  • Gummy deposits left by old fuel can restrict fuel flow through the fuel lines. When this occurs, remove the fuel line and replace it with a new one of the same diameter and width.
  • If you find dry and cracked fuel lines while inspecting them, you should replace them before they start leaking or drawing air into the line from a puncture.

Faulty Spark Arrestor

  • A component known as the spark arrestor is responsible for preventing the emission of sparks from the engine. If this component is clogged, sparks will interfere with the on/off functionality of the leaf blower.

So, clean up the spark arrestor if it is clogged, and try starting the leaf blower.

Faulty Spark Plug

  • A faulty spark plug can result in incomplete combustion and a loss of power in your leaf blower. The spark plug may be weak due to incorrect gapping or being fouled with gasoline, in which case it must be replaced.
  • To change the spark plug, you’ll need a spark plug wrench or socket wrench.
  • Begin by removing the spark plug boot, then the spark plug with the socket wrench.

The proper gap for your spark plug will vary depending on the model; consult your owner’s manual to determine the proper gap size. Tighten the socket wrench after inserting the new spark plug into the housing.

Lack of Fuel

  • Leaf blower cutting out while in operation can be caused by a lack of fuel. Gas that has been sitting in the tank for 30 days or more can deteriorate, causing the engine to stall or not start properly.

If the gasoline is left for 6 months or more, it can turn into a thick sludge.

Simply empty the old fuel and replace it with new fuel to correct the situation. To avoid this happening in the future, remove any old fuel before storing your blower for an extended period of time.

Stihl Leaf Blower Not Blowing Hard 

Stihl leaf blower may not blow as hard as it normally does, which is commonly caused by a clogged air filter, clogged carburetor, or dirty filter. 

This can be a major issue, as it can hinder the ability of the appliance to blow away leaves.

However, there’s nothing to worry about, as the below-mentioned solutions can be quite helpful.

Possible Solution(s):

Dirty Filter

  • A filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the carburetor’s throat and causing engine wear.
  • A filter can become so clogged that no air can pass through it and the blower will stop working. Inspect the filter, if the air filter is salvageable, it can be scrubbed in soapy water.
  • However, if it is beyond repair, it must be replaced.

Clogged Air Line

  • Gummy deposits left by old fuel can restrict fuel flow through the fuel lines. When this occurs, remove the fuel line and replace it with a new one of the same diameter and width.
  • If you find dry and cracked fuel lines while inspecting them, you should replace them before they start leaking or drawing air into the line from a puncture.

Dirty Carburettor

  • The carburetor is an engine component that mixes gasoline and air. When the two substances combine, they combust, releasing hot gases that power the engine and force air out of the nozzle.
  • Assume you neglected to empty it or clean the carburetor. In that case, clumps of debris may have accumulated over time, making air and gasoline flow difficult.

Faulty Spark Plug

  • A faulty spark plug can result in incomplete combustion and a loss of power in your leaf blower.
  • The spark plug may be weak due to incorrect gapping or being fouled with gasoline, in which case it must be replaced. To change the spark plug, you’ll need a spark plug wrench or socket wrench.
  • Begin by removing the spark plug boot, then the spark plug with the socket wrench.

The proper gap for your spark plug will vary depending on the model; consult your owner’s manual to determine the proper gap size. Tighten the socket wrench after inserting the new spark plug into the housing.

Lack of Fuel

  • Leaf blower cutting out while in operation can be caused by a lack of fuel. Gas that has been sitting in the tank for 30 days or more can deteriorate, causing the engine to stall or not start properly.
  • If the gasoline is left for 6 months or more, it can turn into a thick sludge.

Simply empty the old fuel and replace it with new fuel to correct the situation. To avoid this happening in the future, remove any old fuel before storing your blower for an extended period of time.

Still not blowing hard, best to take your blower to your local service center.

Stihl Leaf Blower Not Charging 

Stihl leaf blowers can also face charging issues from time to time.

Stihl electric leaf blower battery not charging is commonly caused by dirty terminals or faulty battery

This can eventually cause them to stop working, as there is no power supply. In such a situation, follow the solutions mentioned below.

Possible Solution(s):

  • Check the battery terminals for rust and dirt. If they appear to be dirty, simply clean them with an alcohol wipe and a wire brush. Before you start to charge again, ensure the terminals are dry.
  • If the terminals are rusty, rub them with sandpaper until they are clear.
  • If the batteries still don’t charge, you will need to replace them.

To test a Stihl battery charger, simply insert a known good battery into the charger. This method does not require the use of any specialized tools or testing equipment.

Stihl Leaf Blower Battery, how do I know if defective?

If you have kept your Stihl leaf blower battery in extremely cold or hot temperatures, then the chances are it is defective.

If you continue to keep the battery in such temperatures, there will be permanent damage caused to the batteries.

However, if you have kept the battery in safe conditions and they do not charge, they may not be defective but instead may be in sleep mode.

Stihl Leaf Blower Flashing Red Light

Stihl leaf blower comes with the feature of red flashing LED lights that each indicate an issue with the blower.

Here are some solutions you can follow to fix the issue the LED light is indicating.

Possible Solution(s):

  • If you only see one glowing red light, it means the batteries are too cold or too hot. Turn off the leaf blower for a while and check if the red light glows again. You may need to replace the batteries if the problem persists.
  • If there are three flashing red lights, there has been a power tool malfunction, for which you will need to call a professional.
  • If there are four flashing red lights, the battery has malfunctioned. In order to fix this issue, help from a professional is required.

Stihl Leaf Blower Flashing Green Light

Alongside red LED flashing lights, Stihl leaf blowers also flash green LED lights. If you are concerned about the flashing of green LED lights, continue reading the possible solutions.

Possible Solution(s):

  • Stihl leaf blowers have LED lights for different purposes. Some LED lights indicate issues, while others are for different purposes.
  • The green flashing LED light only indicates that the battery is being charged. Once the charging has been completed, the light will automatically turn off.

Stihl Leaf Blower Making Too Much Noise

Leaf blowers make a lot of noise, regardless of the company.

However, as an electric leaf blower, the Stihl leaf blower should not make the same amount of noise.

If it does, follow the solutions below.

Possible Solution(s):

  • First off, clean the air filter or replace it if it appears to be clogged. The air passing through a clogged air filter can produce extra noise.
  • Furthermore, clean up the engine and get rid of any debris inside the leaf blower to reduce noise.

Stihl Leaf Blowers Any Good?

Stihl leaf blowers are a great choice, without a doubt. They are high-performance despite being powered by a battery and are made with durable components as well as materials.

Furthermore, Stihl leaf blowers produce lower levels of noise than other leaf blowers and are equipped with modern features.

How Long Does Stihl Leaf Blower Last?

A Stihl leaf blower can easily last up to 10 years. However, you can further add to the lifespan of your leaf blower by keeping it maintained.

This can be done by keeping the leaf blower in good condition at all times.

Pros and Cons of Stihl Leaf Blower

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Stihl leaf blower 

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Easy to use
  • Low noise levels

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Nozzle length can be hard to adjust
  • Can run into battery issues

Conclusion

If you have a lawn, having a Stihl leaf blower is essential. A Stihl leaf blower can allow you to enhance your home’s curb appeal without having to break a sweat.

However, it’s true that, like all appliances, there are some issues related to the Stihl leaf blowers as well. So, keep in mind the solutions mentioned above whenever you face any issues with your appliance.

Related Articles

References