Leaf Blower, Snow Blower, And Handheld Air Blower Repairs: What We See Most

Blowers are simple. Engine. Intake. Fan. One fails, blower dies. Here's what breaks first and how we fix it.

Handheld/Backpack Blowers

Most common failure: Spark plug fouled or fuel system clogged. Store with fuel in tank six months. Fuel gums up. Spark plug fouled with carbon. We clean carburetor and replace spark plug. Cost: $60-95. Blower runs like new.

Second: Air filter clogged. Replace it. Cost: $20-35.

Third: Fan blade cracks. Hit rock with fan. Makes noise. Loses power. Replace fan assembly. Cost: $120-200.

Snowblower

Most common failure: Won't start (stale fuel, fouled spark plug). Cost: $35-85.

Second: Drive belt slips or breaks (two-stage). Belt wears. Breaks. Replace it. Cost: $80-150.

Third: Shear pins break (auger connection). Hit rock. Pins break. Replace them. Cost: $30-50.

Walk-Behind Blowers

Most common failure: Spark plug or fuel (same). Cost: $35-85.

Second: Variable-speed drive fails. Pulley doesn't engage. No power. Replace pulley. Cost: $120-200.

Maintenance Routine

Before Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer. Run engine. Clean air filter. Check spark plug. If dark, replace it.

Before First Use: Add fresh fuel. Check spark plug. Replace if more than year old. Clean air filter. Test engine.

During Season (Every 20 Hours): Inspect spark plug. Replace if fouled. Clean air filter. Check for loose bolts or vibration.

Real Spring Disaster

Contractor stored blower with fuel in tank. April comes. Tries to start. Nothing. Keeps pulling. Floods carburetor. Spark plug soaked. Won't turn over.

If he'd started it in November with empty tank or fuel stabilizer, he'd be ready in April. Instead, paid us $65 to clean carburetor and replace spark plug.

Know When to Replace, Not Repair

If blower older than 5 years AND repair costs more than $150, consider replacing. New handheld: $150-400. New snowblower: $800-2000. If fan blade cracked and you use blower commercially (40+ hours yearly), repair worth it. If occasional use and repair expensive, replace.

Call to schedule seasonal maintenance or repairs.

About the Author

Henry Bockman serviced thousands of blowers. He knows maintenance that prevents failures.