Wiktor Wise
Electric Toro leaf blowers are a handy tool for keeping your garden tidy, but what happens when they stop working? There are several reasons why your leaf blower might have stopped working, including a faulty recoil starter assembly, a clogged carburetor, or worn motor brushes. If your leaf blower won't start, you should inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary. You can also check if the carburetor is clogged and give it a clean if needed. If your leaf blower has suddenly stopped working, it could be due to a faulty switch or worn motor brushes, which may need to be replaced. However, it's important to note that Toro does not supply motor or electrical replacement parts for some of its older models. In such cases, you might need to get creative with your repairs or consider purchasing a new blower.
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What You'll Learn
Check for a defective recoil starter assembly
If your electric Toro leaf blower won't start, it could be because of a defective recoil starter assembly. The recoil starter assembly is a manual pull-start mechanism that allows the engine to start. It consists of a cord, pulley, return spring, and housing.
To check for a defective recoil starter assembly, first, 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. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley.
If the recoil starter assembly is not functioning as described, it is likely defective and should be replaced. You can replace the recoil starter assembly by following these steps:
- Find the recoil starter housing, which is usually held in place with screws.
- Use a Torx driver or the appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws holding the starter housing in place.
- Carefully lift off the housing to access the recoil starter assembly.
- Unwind any leftover starter rope from the pulley.
- Inspect the starter spring and other components for any damage.
- Remove any screws or clips holding the recoil starter in place.
- Obtain a new recoil starter assembly that fits your leaf blower model.
- Align the new recoil starter with the mounting holes on the engine housing.
- Screw in the new recoil starter using the screws you set aside earlier.
- Ensure that the starter pulley spins smoothly and the spring is seated correctly.
- Place the starter housing back over the recoil assembly and tighten the housing screws.
- Reconnect the spark plug and pull the starter rope a few times to ensure smooth retraction.
- Start your leaf blower to see if it is now operating correctly.
Note: Always refer to your leaf blower's manufacturer instructions or contact customer support for model-specific repair guidance.
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Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear
To repair an electric Toro leaf blower, you must inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. A faulty spark plug could be the reason why your leaf blower is not starting.
- Disconnect the spark plug lead.
- Clean the area around the spark plug to avoid getting debris in the combustion chamber when you remove the plug.
- Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket.
- Inspect the spark plug for stubborn deposits, cracked porcelain, or electrodes that have been burned away.
- If any of the above conditions are present, replace the spark plug.
- If the spark plug appears to be in working order, replace the plug, being careful not to over-tighten it (15 ft. lbs. maximum).
- Re-attach the spark plug lead.
- If the engine turns over, even for a second, and then dies, your spark plug is functioning.
If you are unsure about any of these steps, consult a professional.
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Clean or replace clogged carburetor
A clogged carburetor is a common issue with leaf blowers, often caused by fuel being left in the machine for too long. Over time, the fuel can evaporate, leaving a sticky residue that clogs the carburetor and prevents the engine from starting.
To clean or replace a clogged carburetor in your electric Toro leaf blower, follow these steps:
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin, ensure your safety. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from chemicals, dust, or large debris. Wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock, and work in a well-lit area with a clear workspace. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Step 2: Prepare the Blower
Turn off the leaf blower and let it cool down completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts, and drain the fuel tank to avoid spills. Place the blower on a clean, flat surface in a well-ventilated area.
Step 3: Locate and Detach the Carburetor
The carburetor is usually located near the air filter. Use a screwdriver or wrench to carefully detach it from the blower. Disconnect the fuel lines and throttle linkage, noting their positions for reassembly.
Step 4: Clean or Replace the Carburetor
Place the carburetor on a clean work surface. Remove the float bowl (the bottom part of the carburetor) by unscrewing the bolts. Check for dirt, varnish buildup, or debris inside the bowl. Remove small parts like the float, needle valve, and jets, if accessible. Spray carburetor cleaner into all openings, jets, and passages. Use a small brush or cloth to remove stubborn debris, and clear clogs in the jets with a thin wire or needle. Blow compressed air through the passages to ensure they are clear. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the carburetor entirely.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
After cleaning or replacing the carburetor, carefully reassemble the leaf blower by following the previous steps in reverse. Reattach the wire and boot to the spark plug. Once everything is securely connected, start the blower and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for smooth operation and check for fuel leaks. Adjust the carburetor settings if needed.
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Inspect carbon brushes for scoring or wear
If your Toro leaf blower is smoking and failing to start, it could be due to worn motor brushes causing poor electrical contact. To address this, you should inspect the carbon brushes for scoring or excessive wear.
Carbon brushes are small but essential components of power tools. They conduct the electrical current between the stationary and rotating wires inside motors. Over time, they are designed to wear down and need to be replaced.
- Access the carbon brush: Refer to your tool's motor manual for instructions on safely accessing the carbon brush. Typically, the brush is located in the motor housing, which can be accessed by unscrewing a cap or opening the housing.
- Inspect for scoring or wear: Examine the carbon brush for any signs of scoring (scratches or marks) or excessive wear. A worn carbon brush may have little to no carbon remaining. It may also exhibit abnormal wear patterns, which can provide insights into operating conditions.
- Replace if necessary: If the carbon brush is damaged or worn, it cannot be repaired, and you must replace it with a new one. Choose a high-quality brush that is the correct size and suitable for your tool's specific application and load requirements. Ensure proper alignment and spring tension during installation to maintain consistent contact with the commutator.
- Regular maintenance: To prolong the life of your tool, perform regular maintenance by cleaning and inspecting the carbon brushes and commutators. This will help ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected failures.
By following these steps and regularly inspecting your carbon brushes, you can help keep your Toro leaf blower in good working condition.
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Replace defective variable speed switch
If your Toro leaf blower has stopped working, it could be due to a faulty variable speed switch. This is a known problem with the Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609 model, where the blower does not turn off or becomes intermittent. Unfortunately, Toro does not sell replacement switches, and it is challenging to find one using the part number.
- Before opening the blower, spray some WD40 into the switch and work it a few times. This may resolve the issue if the problem is caused by dirt blocking the contacts.
- If the problem persists, open the case of the blower.
- Locate the two black wires on the right that are joined together. Clip the wire nearest the defective rotary switch.
- Remove the switch and diode, and cut out part of the rotary switch mounting housing. This can be done with a Dremel tool.
- Install a new switch. A simple on/off switch can be used, although this will remove the variable speed function. A suitable replacement is a 15 Amp Single-Pole Toggle Light Switch, available at Home Depot for $0.68.
- Connect the new switch to the two switching wires.
It is important to note that this repair will result in the loss of variable speed functionality. However, it will restore the blower's basic functionality at a significantly lower cost than replacing the entire unit.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the recoil starter assembly, spark plug, and carburetor. If the tabs on the recoil starter assembly are not grabbing the hub on the engine when you pull the starter rope, the assembly may need to be replaced. If there is a crack in the porcelain insulator, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup, the spark plug should be replaced. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner.
Smoking in the Toro leaf blower usually occurs due to worn motor brushes causing poor electrical contact. Inspect the carbon brushes for scoring or excessive wear and replace them if necessary. Also, clean all contacts and ensure proper brush spring tension.
The rotator switch on your leaf blower may be faulty. This issue has been observed in the Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum and the Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609.
If your leaf blower has stopped working, it could be due to a faulty switch. Inspect the wires and switches, and consider replacing the switch with a generic one if possible.
