How to Clean a Leaf Blower Fuel Filter

 A leaf blower is one of the most indispensable power tools you can own. However, like all electrical equipment, your leaf blower requires regular maintenance to keep it working properly. Basic maintenance includes everything from replacing spark plugs to cleaning the air and fuel filters.

How to clean a leaf blower fuel filter, you can clean or replace the fuel filter. For example, if you have a side-mounted fuel filter, you can clean or replace the felt filter element. However, if you have an inline fuel filter, your only option is to replace the entire unit.

This article briefly discusses the signs of a clogged fuel filter, followed by step-by-step instructions on how to clean or replace a leaf blower fuel filter.

How to Know When to Clean a Leaf Blower Fuel Filter

With over a dozen common uses, leaf blowers are one of the most versatile outdoor power tools you can buy. Of course, you can use it to remove leaves in the fall. However, in winter, you can use it to remove snow.

You can also organize lawn clippings in the spring and summer. You can use it year-round to clean gutters in your home and remove puddles, dirt, and other debris.

Regardless of whether you decide to use a leaf blower, it will require regular and annual maintenance, including cleaning or replacing your appliance's fuel filter, as it can clog over time.

The most common cause of a clogged fuel filter is storing a leaf blower with gas in the tank for an extended period of time. Over time, fuel components can evaporate, leaving a sticky residue that can clog fuel filters.

You'll know it's time to clean or replace your leaf blower fuel filter when you experience any of the following symptoms:

Unable to start leaf blower: Unable to start the leaf blower is the most common sign of a clogged fuel filter. A dirty fuel filter can make the leaf blower difficult to start, and a completely clogged filter won't start.

Frequent freezes: If your leaf blower stalls or freezes during operation, it is usually the cause of a partially clogged fuel filter.

Strong smell: If your leaf blower emits a strong smell, this could be another sure sign of a partially clogged or dirty fuel filter.

Frequent shutdowns: If your leaf blower suddenly shuts down for no apparent reason, this is usually a symptom of a dirty or clogged fuel filter.

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How to Clean the Fuel Filter on a Leaf Blower

Before cleaning the leaf blower fuel filter, there are some preliminary tasks to complete.

First, you should drain most of the fuel from the tank before cleaning the fuel filter. If you have used it recently, give the engine time to cool down.

The 10 steps to clean the fuel filter are as follows:

  1. Remove spark plug wires and connectors to prevent sparking.

  2. Turn the throttle knob on the leaf blower to the neutral position.

  3. Locate the fuel filter cover on the side of the leaf blower and remove the screws. (If you're not sure where the fuel filter housing is, you can check the owner's manual or look it up online.)

  4. Use a rag or brush to remove loose dirt and debris from around the filter.

  5. Pull the fuel filter out of the housing and remove the prefilter from the rest of the unit.

  6. Wash the prefilter with soapy water, then let it dry on a rag or paper towel for about an hour.

  7. Remove the felt filter element and blow it out with a can of air or clean it with a brush. (If you are unable to clean thoroughly, consider replacing the filter element.)

  8. Reinstall the filter element and pre-filter into the fuel filter housing and replace the bolts.

  9. Reinstall spark plug wires and start.

  10. When you want to use the leaf blower, fill up the tank.

How to Replace an In-Line Fuel Filter on a Leaf Blower

Before starting, you should make sure the fuel tank is low or empty. If you have used it, you must let the motor cool first.

To do this, you'll also need to cut a wire hanger about 15cm long and use pliers to form a small hook at one end. If you don't have a wire stand, any hard wire will work.

The 11 steps to replace the in-tank fuel filter are as follows:

  1. Remove the wires from the spark plugs and start.

  2. Loosen the tank cover and pull its stand out of the tank.

  3. Using the wire you prepared earlier, pull the fuel filter out of the tank.

  4. Using wire cutters or needle nose pliers, slide the retaining spring off the filter. (Depending on the specific make and model of leaf blower, you may need to use a flat-blade screwdriver for this task.)

  5. Using a twist and pull motion, pull the old filter out of the fuel line.

  6. Install the fuel filter by connecting it to the fuel line.

  7. Slide the retaining spring towards the filter to secure it.

  8. Slide the new filter into the tank.

  9. Put the tank cover bracket back on the tank and screw the cover on.

  10. Refill the fuel tank if necessary.

  11. Reconnect the wires to the spark plugs.

Keep your leaf blower up and running

Like all other powered outdoor equipment, leaf blowers require regular and annual maintenance, and proper storage is key to the proper functioning of the equipment.

Monthly maintenance tasks include:

Remove the old gasoline from the blower sump.

Check wiring, fittings, fuel filter and air filter.

Check and replace spark plugs and wires as needed.

Clean the exposed parts of the carburetor.

Annual maintenance tasks include:

Clean or replace filters, including air and fuel filters.

Replace spark plugs and adjust their gaps.

Proper storage is a must, including:

Store the device in a well-ventilated area to avoid contact of fumes with open flames or sparks.

Leaf blowers with 2-stroke engines work with a fuel mixture. However, blowers with 4-stroke engines are equipped with separate tanks for fuel and oil. With a new 4-stroke leaf blower, you should change the oil after about 20 hours of operation. Going forward, you should replace it every 50 hours of use.

Also, at some point, you may need to rebuild or replace your leaf blower's carburetor. Rebuilding or replacing the carburetor requires removal of the entire air filter assembly, throttle cable and fuel line.

Therefore, you may want an expert to do this work for you. How to clean a leaf blower fuel filter, if you prefer a do-it-yourself project, you can click here for detailed instructions on how to disassemble and rebuild a leaf blower carburetor.

Summary

We hope you enjoyed my article explaining the steps required to clean or replace a leaf blower fuel filter. Whether you have a side-mounted or in-line fuel filter, the process is quick and easy.

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