Otis Singleton
If your Craftsman leaf blower is not working, there are several things you can try. Firstly, check if the leaf blower is running rough, won't start, or is leaking gas or smoking. If the leaf blower won't start even with fuel in the tank, the carburetor could be the issue. Over time, fuel can evaporate, leaving a thicker substance that clogs the carburetor and stops the engine from starting. In this case, try cleaning the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the carburetor. Another potential issue is a faulty spark plug, which can be checked with a spark plug tester. If there is no spark, the spark plug is likely defective and should be replaced. If your leaf blower's switch is not working, the tumblers inside the switch may be locked up and defective. Unfortunately, Craftsman no longer makes this switch, so you may need to dismantle the unit and try to fix the switch with lubricant or purchase a new unit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | The switch does not budge |
| Cause | The tumblers inside the switch have locked up and become defective |
| Solution | Dismantle the unit and see if you can remove the switch and get it working again with some lubricant; otherwise, purchase a new one |
| Problem | The leaf blower won't start |
| Possible Cause | A defective spark plug |
| Solution | Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, the spark plug is defective and should be replaced |
| Possible Cause | A clogged carburetor |
| Solution | Clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor is ineffective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor |
| Possible Cause | A defective recoil starter assembly |
| Solution | Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn |
| Problem | The leaf blower starts then dies |
| --- | |
| Problem | The leaf blower is running rough |
| --- |
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What You'll Learn
Inspect the spark plug for signs of damage
If your leaf blower won't start, repeatedly dies, or runs rough, a damaged spark plug may be the issue. To check if your spark plug is damaged, you'll first need to disconnect the spark plug lead. Then, use a wrench to unthread the spark plug from the cylinder head, removing it from the engine.
Once the spark plug is removed, inspect both ends of the plug carefully. Look for signs of damage, such as:
- Black, chunky carbon buildup spanning the gap between the sparking end of the plug and the hook-shaped metal piece overhanging the end.
- Dark carbon residue built up on the ends but not spanning the gap.
- Oily residue on the end (this is most common in two-stroke engines that use a gas/oil mixture).
- Cracked porcelain or electrodes that have been burned away.
If you don't see any physical signs of damage, the spark plug may have failed internally. In this case, you can use a spark plug checker to diagnose the issue. Another possible cause of internal failure is if the gap where the spark forms needs adjustment. Refer to your leaf blower's owner's manual to find the correct gap measurement, then use a spark plug gap tool to measure and adjust the gap if needed.
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Check for a clogged carburetor
A clogged carburetor is a common issue with leaf blowers and can cause the engine to run roughly or stop completely. The carburetor is a device that combines fuel and air to create combustion and power the engine. If the carburetor is clogged, the engine will not receive the correct amount of fuel, and the leaf blower will not start or run properly.
To check for a clogged carburetor, first, remove the fuel line using a pair of pliers to loosen the clamps. Then, check the carburetor for any signs of clogging, such as a dirty air filter or clogged fuel line. A clogged carburetor will also have two or three screws, including a high-speed screw marked "H" and a low-speed screw marked "L". Turning the "L" screw will adjust the low speed, and the "H" screw will adjust the highest speed. If the carburetor is clogged, it will need to be cleaned or replaced.
To clean the carburetor, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the bottom cover. Remove the bottom cover and diaphragm, and separate the two components. On the bottom of the carburetor, you will see the lever, spring, and hinge pin. Remove these components by pulling them out of the carburetor. Clean all ports and jets in the carburetor body with aerosol carburetor cleaner and compressed air. Allow the carburetor to dry for at least 10 minutes before reassembling, as some carburetor cleaners can damage the diaphragms if the carburetor is reassembled when still wet.
If cleaning the carburetor does not fix the issue, you may need to rebuild or replace it entirely. This can be done by following a repair guide or seeking professional help. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the leaf blower for an extended period. Over time, some ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving a thicker, sticky substance that can clog the carburetor and fuel filter. Therefore, it is important to drain old fuel and replace the fuel filter if necessary.
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Fuel lines may be split or cracked
If your Craftsman leaf blower is exhibiting issues such as rough running, failure to start, gas leakage, or smoking, the problem may lie in the fuel system. Fuel lines can deteriorate over time, becoming split, cracked, clogged, or crimped, which restricts fuel flow and prevents the engine from starting or running smoothly.
To address this, you can follow these steps to remove and replace the fuel lines:
Firstly, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Remove the fuel cap and empty the fuel from the tank into an approved storage container. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug to ensure the leaf blower cannot start accidentally.
Next, remove the blower tube thumb screw from the front of the housing, followed by the screws on the right side of the housing. This will allow you to pull off the left side of the housing, along with the fan cover and handle.
With the housing removed, you will have access to the fuel tank and fuel lines. Remove the fuel tank from the housing and then carefully disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel tank and carburetor, taking note of their routing for reassembly.
Now, you can install the new fuel lines. Thread the new fuel lines through the housing, ensuring they are properly connected to the fuel tank and carburetor. Position the housing back onto the blower, making sure the eyelet for the starter pull cord is correctly positioned.
Finally, reinstall the thumb screw at the front of the blower and tighten it securely. Reinstall the remaining housing screws, ensuring they are tight. You can then reinstall the guard cover on the muffler and the fuel cap.
By following these steps, you can replace split or cracked fuel lines on your Craftsman leaf blower, restoring its proper fuel delivery and engine performance.
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The recoil starter assembly may be defective
If your Craftsman leaf blower won't start, it could be due to a defective recoil starter assembly. The recoil starter assembly plays a crucial role in engaging the crankshaft to turn over the engine. When you pull the starter rope, the proper functioning of the assembly is evident by the tabs extending from the pulley and cam grabbing the hub on the engine, causing it to rotate.
To determine if the recoil starter assembly is indeed defective, you'll need to remove it for inspection. If the assembly is functional, pulling the starter rope should result in the tabs engaging the engine hub, and upon releasing the rope, the tabs should retract, allowing the rope to rewind smoothly. If any of these actions are not occurring as described, it indicates a defective recoil starter assembly, and replacement is necessary.
You can purchase a replacement recoil starter assembly or individual components, such as the recoil starter pulley or the rewind spring, depending on the specific issue. The recoil starter pulley is responsible for winding up the starter rope when not in use. If the pulley is stuck or broken, it won't be able to rewind the rope, preventing the engine from starting. Similarly, the rewind spring may break, causing the rope to become tangled and unable to recoil, necessitating its replacement.
By following these steps and inspecting the recoil starter assembly, you can identify and address any defects that may be causing your Craftsman leaf blower to fail to start. Remember to refer to your leaf blower's user manual or seek professional assistance if you have any doubts or encounter additional issues during the troubleshooting process.
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The off switch may be locked or defective
If the off switch on your Craftsman electric leaf blower won't move, the tumblers inside the switch may have locked up and become defective. Craftsman no longer produces this switch, so you won't be able to purchase a replacement. However, you can try dismantling the unit and checking if the switch can be removed. Once removed, you can attempt to lubricate it and see if that restores its functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to discard the unit and purchase a new one.
To determine if the off switch is locked or defective, you can visually inspect it for any signs of physical damage or obstruction. If the switch appears to be stuck in one position and won't move, it's likely that the internal components have malfunctioned or seized up.
Before attempting any repairs, make sure the leaf blower is unplugged or the battery is removed to ensure your safety. Once you've confirmed that the power source is disconnected, you can proceed with dismantling the unit to access the off switch.
When dismantling the leaf blower, use the appropriate tools and refer to the device's user manual or repair guides specific to your model for detailed instructions. Keep track of the order in which you remove the components to facilitate the reassembly process. Carefully examine the off switch mechanism and try to identify any signs of damage or malfunction.
If you successfully remove the off switch, you can try applying a small amount of lubricant to the internal components. Allow the lubricant to work its way into the mechanism, and then attempt to operate the switch. If the lubrication doesn't resolve the issue and the switch remains locked or defective, unfortunately, your best course of action may be to replace the entire leaf blower unit.
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Frequently asked questions
A clogged carburetor could be the issue. This is often caused by leaving fuel in the leaf blower, causing certain ingredients to evaporate and leave behind a sticky substance that clogs the carburetor. Try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner.
The recoil starter assembly could be defective. Remove and inspect the starter assembly to see if it's working. If not, you may need to replace it.
The tumblers inside the switch may have locked up and become defective. Craftsman does not make that switch anymore, so your only option is to try to dismantle the unit and see if you can remove and lubricate the switch or replace the entire unit.
A number of issues could be causing this, including cracked fuel lines, a leaky carburetor seal, a damaged fuel tank cap, or a dirty air filter.
Check the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked or there is heavy carbon buildup, replace the spark plug.
