Stihl Backpack Blower Saved From Scrap Yard! How To Diagnose and Repair A Sheered Flywheel Key

[@MozzyMe]

Holy crap when you said you have to completely dismantle the thing, you weren't kidding! Great job! 😊

[@robertbartolomie857]

I own a BR 400 that I purchased in 1984, shortly after graduating high school. It has been my favorite power tool ever since because I can always rely on it. Over the years, I’ve only had to replace the spark plug once and the backpack straps twice-everything else remains original. Remarkably, it always starts on the second or third pull, regardless of the type of gas I use, whether it’s California pump gas or ethanol-free fuel. I typically use it 40 to 60 hours per year, amounting to around 2,000 hours of total operation, and it still runs like a champ. This incredible piece of equipment has served me faithfully for decades, and I’m confident it will last for the rest of my life. I enjoy the channel. Thank you for the content. Robert.

[@ghimmy47]

I wonder how many people trying to sleep due to being sick or in pain have wished the human and that abomination were in Hell.

[@curtyung884]

Try saying something that makes sense ​@@ghimmy47

[@ljprep6250]

@@ghimmy47 Yeah, blowers are almost worse than chainsaws and weedeaters, as far as noise levels and annoyances go. Whip your doctor into better pain drugs. Then you won't notice the noise.

[@ljprep6250]

That's the very best product validation I've ever heard from both of you. Kudos.

[@mw1130]

​@@ghimmy47You must live in California 😂

[@thesickhorseranch]

@9:45 I spit coffee all over everything!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kevinmetz4821]

Dirty mind. Me too.

[@sloth9669]

The internet comment section. Still undefeated 😂

[@iamweasel68]

I found my people! 😂😂😂

[@jiminsav]

After bath and a blow job, ...damn

[@Tom-Harpur-meditation76]

I thought my ears were letting me down when I heard it. 😂😂😂

[@Buie144]

Always a great laugh after you bring one back from the grave! Awesome show!

[@jamesscroggins3486]

Wow, you weren’t kidding about having to take it completely apart to fix. 😎

[@securityranger773]

I love watching you work! Keep passing on your experience.

[@busyboy7635]

Man, you're good. I wish we had you where I live. I love a good honest mechanic.

[@buydirectusa4954]

You make it look so easy.

[@texillini1]

1) Goes to show how virtually anything can be repaired. 2) Also goes to show the complexity that manufacturers go through in their designs so people will just throw away and buy new which maximizes their profits. 3) At point one needs to weigh the cost/benefit of repairing vs. purchasing. Things aren’t made like they used to for a reason. 4) Great video Bri!!!

[@beavisbrowne3497]

Great repair! What a pain to tear it down and back in order

[@jimandnena4]

I worked on a Toro mower kicked to the curb for no start. Owner had hit something serious that stopped it. One year old, perfect condition. I made the mistake of blasting starter spray in it and giving it a yank. The key that is supposed to shear only deformed halfway changing the spark timing. The engine fired reverse rotation delocating my shoulder. After healing, I put a new key in it and sold it for 300 bucks. Lesson learned, look first.

[@BlueRidgeGuy]

You are so kewl!!! I have learned so much from watching your vids - thank you for taking the time you do to help us DIY'ers to save our yard tools!!!

[@curtyung884]

Thanks for letting us old folks that can tell lots of small engine stories still teaching this old dog new tricks Thanks again

[@Robert-f6o2h]

You have a lot of patience and knowledge to work on those 2-cycle blowers. Enjoy learning from you.

[@hanleyhough3327]

Love the husqvarna hoodie while working on a stihl. 😂

[@jimbrewer2893]

I didn't know those tools were there either. Nice video!

[@Lawnfella]

I’ve got one that’s 25 years old and I have a mowing business. I’ve changed the air filter and spark plug one time. It still runs

[@georgew.5639]

I’m using a stihl BR 700 from my golf course greenskeeping job. It’s lightweight and very reliable. I’m borrowing it to use at my parents house where I’m living to finish the leaf cleaning. When my job is finished owning it, I’m going to take possession of it. I’m now remembering that we have a blower that looks like the one you worked on. I’ll make sure that doesn’t get thrown away too. Great video! 😊⛳️

[@garypritchard9787]

Wow! She cleaned up really well! It is disgusting how people don’t keep their tools clean. I have an old BR320, replaced carb a few years ago & coil a few months ago. She still runs great!

[@kamlee4010]

Be , you are honest with showing your repair work . When I was younger , I did most of my repairs on small motors just with my memory and some times I would run into problems and ask my next door mechanic , who is also great at fixing and telling people how to repair their toys . Most of the times people would just bring them in for repairs , just because he is honest. Love all your posts and honesty… from Canada

[@dingokidneys]

Lady, you know your business. First pull and she's off. Great stuff.

[@badbob]

I had one of those and it developed carburetor issues. I sold and got the BR450. Enjoyed the video.

[@kernelbadness]

Good info. One thing you should do after a sheared woodruff key is lap the flywheel to the crank to repair mating surfaces which is how the flywheel stays secured to the crank. The woodruff key is for timing and is designed to shear if the flywheel spins.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Got given one a few months ago from a client. I used it in his garden for years, but not for last four. Still had the fuel I'd put in it. New spark plug, runs sweet as a nut!!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Bre, Wish I had a blower like that a month ago when moving the leaves in my front yard to the curb. Was using an HF Bauer cordless blower to do the job and my low back is still complaining. Took me 45 minutes to finish the job. That blower would have cut the time by 30 minutes. Our Township comes around and collects the leaves. You, Ron, and the family stay safe.

[@danieldominguez7146]

Just watched your video an couldn’t help but notice. How cool you wearing a Husqvarna hoody to repair a Stihl unit. Haha!!! DLCR El Paso, Tx

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Well done Bre take care of yourself and family and friends and be Blessed ❤️.

[@RichAndrews-o8e]

Only wish equipment went back together that fast😵‍💫 Thanks always for the great videos👍

[@100vg]

Great repair video and you cleaned it up nicely! Pretty fine for a blower that old. I know the owner will love everything you did!

[@stephenhair5501]

Bre, you really know your stuff. And what a well built blower. Built to last, with some TLC. Thanks for sharing. God Bless and Merry Christmas!

[@fatherofmimes4236]

So Bre, I simply love the fact that your uploads are always the most consistence in showing every, and I do mean every single step. Many content creators simply think, if a person is watching a complex video they must know what is what. Not the case, a noob or challenged DYIer needs this type of example. You not only show us, you EXPLAIN why you are showing the real problem. Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving! Wishing you all blessings for the rest of the Holidays! Thank you, and as always... You keepa Teachin' and we'll keepa Watchin' anda Learnin'!!♥

[@rodneygreen9968]

Thanks Bre. You are a fantastic small engine repair person. You make routine maintenance look so very easy. Thanks for the great video & sharing your knowledge & experience.

[@keithmonarch447]

Here's a quick response. It's really nice to have the experience, good job....

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great work, I was ......blown away....thanks for sharing 👍💨💨

[@c.a.robinson1993]

I purchased My BR 400 in 96 & is still running strong! A spark & a couple of air filters is all that I put on it. It was used commercially for the first 5 years & Residentially until now. Best backpack blower ever made hands down!

[@SteveWong-oh4cl]

Thanks!

[@JDG1958]

I’ve got that blower. I bought it used about 10 years ago. Starts on the 3rd pull. Runs like a champ!!

[@craigjohnson3603]

I got one from a female lawn worker for fixing her zero turns for partial payment, had a broken strap, gummy carb. and dirty. It has been my best lawn tool ever and I've owned all of them. Took it out sitting 2 yrs. with old gas, started 2nd pull!

[@jerrydespaltro4023]

Great information! I have 2 of that identical machine, Both have been flawless since new! I will definitely store this i for in the memory banks! THANKS!

[@bryanproctor2983]

Man, a really complicated part to get to. She makes it look so easy. This would have taken me all day, that’s if I could have remembered how to put it all back together. Very impressive. I’m guessing the labor and parts repair wasn’t cheap. And for good reason.

[@shannonwhitaker9630]

I’ve run these units extensively for many years. The repair is a PITA but they are good machines !!! In my opinion the keyways were/are soft, undersized and they can fail simply from high hour usage fatigue.

[@bryanproctor2983]

@@shannonwhitaker9630 thanks for the info. I’ll be looking for a used one

[@jerrywilder9403]

BR400 I’ve owned for ever replaced carb and coil but still blowes like new 👍👍👍

[@stihl0256]

We bought one of those blowers maybe ten years ago - used. We use it every day in the tree business, and it just won't die. I have replaced suspension springs, rewind assemblies, and have fussed with the throttle cable and especially the shutoff wiring, but so far nothing that cost any real money. Wish some of our other equipment was as reliable.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Another piece of very useful information!! I'm going to keep a look out for one of those for cheap!!

[@CharlesHice-e3l]

I worked with tree companies, right-of-way clearance companies, storm work, ran the forestry department for a city. I’ve tinkered with tons of saws, trimmers, mowers, pressure washers and blowers. Always got them going again but since I found your channel thanks to a dirt dobber I’m starting to understand why . Thanks

[@delseckora5327]

Excellent job yet again Bre.😃

[@richwielechowski5191]

Miracle worker, never have seen a Stihl anything start on the first pull

[@swayme67]

You make it look so easy! Thank you for sharing your mad skills and deep knowledge with us mere mortals. Happy holidays!

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Great job Bri. Thats great that Stihl puts that spark plug and t 20 tool in there too. Gonna see if my Husqvarna has it now.

[@SullivanHooper]

Time, money and frustration and on top of that what to look for! Love your channel! Keep it up!

[@dgeoffreyfitton2836]

thanks for the heads up on this blower. At least 20 years ago I gave my son one of these blowers for Christmas and to best of my knowledge it's "stihl" (no pun intended) hanging in there. I'll make sure he knows about this flywheel key and doesn't deep six it if it shows any of those symptoms you mentioned. Nice video

[@haroldrogers8711]

Awesome work Bree, I learn something new every program.

[@heathboeddeker5401]

Today instead of the Mad scientist Bre we get the Speedy Gonzales Bre 😂. Both do a fantastic job Thank ya Mrs. Chickanic

[@PeterTheMowerGuy]

These are great blowers, hopefully I can find one at some point.

[@bradjohnson9671]

Good info as usual Bre. I've done a number of these over the years (I'm "that guy" in the neighborhood), only one flywheel key, the rest clogged carbs. One thing I've found is the carb kits are in the $15.00 or so area, a new carb with fuel lines, filters, spark plug, etc. are usually less than $25.00. It's not worth my time and hassle to rebuild the carb, just replace it. I've had it happen too many times where even after the rebuild it runs like crap. Some of these small "pumper" carbs have such small passages in them even time in a ultrasonic cleaner won't clear them, you wind up replacing it any way. I just worked on a Echo PB8010 that ran like crap, yup it was the carb. The Echo carb was quite a bit more $$ than others, around $60.00 for the OEM. Replaced the carb, started and ran on the first pull. That thing is a BEAST.

[@stevepelino5986]

Great video. I see these units around from time to time. They are work horses for sure. Thank you for sharing this video 😉

[@alanharriman23]

Another reason a few easy pull cord pulls before starting is a good idea. It doubles as a hydrolock check.

[@shannonwhitaker9630]

If you use or work on old 400-420’s you’ll get good at flywheel key replacement. These models also don’t have a purge “primer” bulb obviously so they can be hard to start and/or flood out on occasion if you don’t follow a certain routine. If you flood the unit you can hold the throttle wide open with the cruise control lever and start a’ pullin’. It’ll start eventually. I find them to be really thirsty units so mix plenty of fuel for big jobs. They do have good air flow for old school units.

[@marioep18]

I'm in Colombia, South America, and you can still buy this blower brand new. It's made in Brazil, but it's a solid purchase imo.

[@jamescaron6465]

Those squared up Stihl blowers were definitely worth fixing. But that was a really good job you made it look easy.

[@garychaiken808]

Great job. You’re a genius. Thank you 😊

[@guytaniguchi]

Nice job, thanks for the lesson!!

[@gregritter5883]

Nice job Bree

[@davidschliebe246]

My 30 yr old blower still looks like new...I keep it clean . It's a great time to preform a vacuum- pressure test while your blower is so torn down.

[@edb7549]

Another great video keep them coming

[@tedfelsberg5322]

It’ll be just like that Valentine-Day, when I bought her that bathroom scale. I’ll be in the TALL cotton.

[@rarnette73]

Great tutorial, and you cleaned it before putting it back together. I so talk to KZbin all the time saying why didn’t you clean that part before putting it back together. 😊

[@dennislamers986]

Nice save Bree.

[@PatrickFaricy]

Hey Bree, on the fan housing, there is a hole that is covered by a white plastic cap; when wearing the blower on the upper left hand side. I have always wondered what the hole and cap are for. It would be interesting to hear what it is: you replaced the cap at 13:08.

[@Tupelo777]

You're great Chickanic. I really enjoy you!

[@dannylinc6247]

Long T-27 is uncommon. I had to make one, then search stores and bought several sets. Stihl was being difficult in design. But I helped the person to get their yard cut. I made one from cutting a gang-set.

[@peterouellette3874]

Nice going, Chick

[@kubotajordan9502]

Great video, I actually have one of these over 20 years old still runs like a top it cost me 400.00 buck brand new.Thank you for showing how to fix are noisy tools.

[@jimmyking8206]

Awesome job.😊

[@scottdavidson5816]

Another chickanic magic touch

[@spelunkerd]

I'm a little surprised it is hard to diagnose a sheared key, but I guess you can't see the fan with all the plastic in the way. Also the fan will probably still spin a little. This has to be the best repair video I've seen all week, and I don't even own a Stihl.

[@philliphall5198]

Hope the weather is good there it’s really dry in West Texas but rain is heading your way 😊

[@jeffreyphipps1507]

I think it's fair that if most repairs can be accessed without much trouble that's great. Even if you have to disassemble a lot to get to that one thing that happens rarely, I don't consider that unfair. Some things require a fair bit of disassembly. It's far preferable to having something not accessible and having to replace an entire system because a section is made with unserviceable parts. All too many companies are trying to make entire products unserviceable, and to even go so far as to make it illegal to do so in some cases. To see a company make a product that can be - if rarely necessary - completely able to be serviced is refreshing.

[@liljoeii6091]

Nice blower thank you for the video

[@bobmeyer7009]

Love this channel! Informative, fun to watch.

[@MichaelofYurtBees]

She understands that men are simple creatures and she is a master at double entendré.

[@dave-uf8ir]

Excellent bre cheers 🥂 😊

[@richardwernst]

Great info, thanks. Not sure how/why the crank nut came/was off though. And while quite a number of steps, pretty straightforward to replace the key. What's the outlet with the cap at the top of the blower/fan housing for?

[@markwray3905]

Saved another one 😊

[@haneyoakie14]

Donyboy had nice things to say about you. Both of you are good quality channels and good sources of information on equipment. Here in Flint Michigan we have only got a dusting of snow so far, but the west side of the state has lake effect snow, some places have over 25 inches. I have a new carb to put on a friend’s snowblower.

[@Chickanic]

Donyboy is the GOAT of Small Engine Repair KZbin. I can't imagine getting feet of snow. Not even sure if I have seen more than a foot and a half.

[@haneyoakie14]

@I agree 👍

[@Ballroomblitz255]

@@Chickanic Cannot go wrong with advice from Chickanic (Bre) & Taryl Fixes All…..the two absolute best small engine equipment KZbinrs that i visit regularly for repair and knowledge video’s. Keep up the good battle Bre and appreciate the effort you put into your craft. Cheers.

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Great job Bre !

[@CerebralAilment]

I just picked one of those up this past fall $40 - Guy said it stopped running and bought a new one. Just drained it and blew out the carb & ports and it starts first pull all the time. Now I need to check if the Scrench and Carb Flat head are there lol

[@cuznclive2236]

Thank you.

[@victormarinelli5660]

Purchased one of the original BR600 blowers new. Except for the issue with the fuel line setup in the tank (which I fixed), it ran flawless for many years.....until it didn't....blew a crank bearing. Piston, rings, cylinder and valves all looked perfect. Installed a new crank (had nothing better to do lol) and years later, it still runs like new. Have no idea why that one bearing failed, the other one was perfect. Still running strong to date.

[@jamesburns8247]

At the large auto dealership that I used to work for I bought 4 of those wonderful machines over a 3 year period and the only problem that I faced was the theft of them all so I refused to sign for any more.

[@dnrsmallenginerepair]

Hello friend great video your good at what you do

[@MikePagenkopf]

Awesome job

[@jeffclark2725]

Thumbs up great video, agreed, the BR 400 blowers are great machines, like better than the BR 600,worked on them for years, ran great,very durable

[@stevengamsby8376]

I have a TanakaTBS 300. I’ve owned since 1980 that still works better than any of my echo steel or Husqvarna.

[@larrybeussink7737]

Thanks for the great video! We have one and it gets overlooked so often because it looks so old. Hahaha it still runs great.

[@JimRoscosky-hv5kd]

Good video I never saw one torn Completely apart Lots of work but we'll worth it.

[@batman607]

You are the coolest Repair person on the Tube for sure. How About telling us what things cost like how much did it cost to repair that blower . thank you , keep up the good work.

[@Chickanic]

I got lucky with this one that the flywheel was already unattached from the shaft. Usually, I have to also remove the other plastic fan shroud side from the entire engine so I can get leverage on the flywheel to get it off. If that is the case and EVERYTHING is tore apart, I charge an hour labor of $80 and $2 for the flywheel key. 😆

[@gwstubbs7046]

Good job.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Nice fixed

[@Rick-S-6063]

It's s-h-e-e-r amazement that such a well built machine can s-h-e-a-r off its flywheel key. ;)

[@joeclark9042]

Hey hey how you doing beautiful did you have a nice turkey day hope you did keep up the good work I rebuilt like four of those blowers I love them

[@BudTheDrummer]

I picked up many lawn mowers with sheared keys. I paid 25 cents for a key and give away the mower. Sold a few for under $20. I just saw in Home Depot 4cycle MTD Trimmer-Husquvarna 6XF key $8!