Leaf Blower Maintenance

Like the majority of handheld power equipment, the Stihl blowers we sell are easy to maintain because they use two-cycle motors (or the 2/4 hybrid 4-MIX motors) that take a 50:1 gas/oil mix. You can mix this yourself, or use Stihl’s Motomix, a pre-mixed and stabilized fuel with a long shelf life.

If your Stihl gas-powered blower is not running properly (or at all), Tech Check is the recommended procedure for diagnosing any engine problems. This comprehensive procedure was developed by Stihl to identify and isolate any possible mechanical failure, and should be performed on any Stihl gas-powered units not running correctly. 

Tune Up is routine for working units with no complaints, or for the blower that may not be exhibiting problems, but has not been maintained for a while. Your blower’s consumable parts consist of fuel filter, air filter and spark plug.

Leaf Blower Valve Adjustment

Valve Adjustment is for units equipped with the 4-MIX motors and should be performed around the 100-hour mark of the blower’s run time. New units do get a static valve adjustment at the factory, but it is not practical for the manufacturer to fully break in these motors. After 100 hours of run time, fine tuning of the valves is needed to ensure continued smooth operation. This is a one-time adjustment; under normal circumstances it should not need to be repeated.

Recoil Starter Repair

Repairs to the blower’s recoil starter are frequently needed after the owner has broken it in frustration. If your blower is well maintained, it ought to be easy to start with fewer than four pulls on the starter. If cold-starting your blower takes five pulls or more, your blower either needs service, or you need instruction on the correct starting procedure. Either way, we have you covered. First, consult your manual, then bring it in if necessary.

Apart from regular maintenance, your blower will work best and last longest if it’s stored in a sheltered space; the main enemy of these machines is bitter cold.

Your operating manual will give you specifics; try and be one of the exceptional folks who actually reads it! You’ll do well to maintain a written log of your usage in order to keep your maintenance on schedule.