Stihl Blowers SECRET FLAW!! Save your Blower with this EASY FIX!!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@danielshannon5705]

Could you tag me on how to replace the crank cord

[@Omarantonelli]

Hello chickanic, thanks for your videos, very helpful.

[@tee2sea]

My Son found one of these blowers on the curb, out for trash. He took it to a shop that sais it was locked up do to no oil. Shared your video with him. Yep, screws loose. He now has a perfectly running blower. Thanks for saving time, money & frustration!

[@stevejuststuff2779]

These companies should spend an extra twenty five cents and add locktite to problem areas. Great video as usual.

[@jdkrxw]

Dude; it's called planned obsolescence. They know exactly how long it will take for these screws to back out and how many blowers get tossed.

[@frotobaggins7169]

@@jdkrxw They should also know if their over priced junk locks up and I have to buy a new one, why would I buy another one from THEM?

[@stevejuststuff2779]

@@jdkrxw Stihl used to be the Cadillac of equipment. Not so much anymore.

[@raymondrobinson5251]

Don't use the red!

[@seanmckay3392]

no they shouldnt that keeps chickanic in buisness

[@postalinVT]

25 years as a maintenance mechanic and this is the first time I've seen the "arm pit " move. Genius !!

[@mstrstrngs]

GREAT VIDEO!! This is exactly what my issue was! I was blowing leaves, my blower made a weird metal "thrapping" sound, then jammed and stopped. 5 minutes later I found this video. It took me about 20 - 25 minutes to disassemble, clean the parts, add locktite to the bolts, and reassemble. 30 minutes later from time of blower stopping, I was back out blowing leaves. This saved me money and time! And considering the turn around time of at least two weeks to get my blower back from the shop if I brought it in. Thank you!

[@quaddad]

Love it when you can fix something without having to buy a new part!

[@Chickanic]

Me too!

[@givedinonuggs764]

NB g 🎉

[@slipperyblueclay2521]

Another fix saving us TMF. You’re almost at 300K subscribers! Have you ever asked how your channel has grown so fast? Great presentations that are well documented and easy to follow. Keep ‘‘em coming!!!

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks so much!!

[@paulprigge1209]

Yes I think she was at 75,000 something like that when I first started watching.

[@slipperyblueclay2521]

@@Chickanic Bre, got to help me! Is a loose chain the main cause why a chain becomes dislodged while it’s running? I had this problem with my MS170 when I use a third-party bar and chain combination. Having problems with my Timberwolf. It’s the 20 inch Oregon bar & chain. I swear it’s tight.

[@angusbauman7887]

Check the bar along its grooves that the chain runs in. You need to take bar off saw. Look along the chain grooves. If one side higher than other. You will have issues. You can reclaim bar by refacing the bar grooves with a bench grinder. Run bar along grinder. Get grooves equal again.

[@1768ify]

Too tight?

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

correct. vibration wreaks havoc on carbs and fasteners. i too have rebuilt carbs that still leaked. best repair is to replace. il throw my thumb pump on the carb and if it dont hold i will toss it.

[@steadfastlawncare]

Anytime I have questions about small engine equipment I check here. I learn something new every time I watch your videos!

[@robert.brokaw3829]

You make it look so easy to fix things. You have been a help with a lot of my equipment - so thank you. Stay safe and cool.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@vanbulance5695]

Awesome Video - very knowledgeable mechanic 👩‍🔧

[@Birdman953]

Thank you so much for your tutorial. I searched for seized bg56 and found your channel. I had already phoned the Stihl dealer to order a new one. After watching your explanation I found the three bolts had loosened and locked up the flywheel. Followed your instructions and cleaned up all the grease, used your long handled screwdriver armpit manoeuvre and the flywheel came off with a few taps. Three loose screws, cleaned and replaced. Tidied up like new, decoked the exhaust whilst everything was open, cleaned up, replaced the pull start and plug. Started on first pull! Now to phone the dealer to cancel my order! Thank you once again, you are the man!👍😀

[@davidthompson3136]

…… the chick ….. 😊🌹

[@pwilding59]

The easiest way to remove the flywheel on these 4140 motors is to back the flywheel nut off until it is flush with the end of the crankshaft, then sit the unit upright. Use a brass or aluminium drift and with one or two decent hits to the crank end, it will pop off. Bonus is the nut protects the thread and the flywheel doesn't fall too far. Also take great care lining the key up as it is cast into the flywheel and if damaged will require replacement of the flywheel. The Stihl hedge trimmers that use the 4140 motor are also known to have a similar issue with the screw coming loose.

[@donmayberryjrsOPE]

BINGO!!

[@Z7d3nR4]

Chicks who fix things rock!

[@TommyGriffin-j6i]

You are great at what you do girl doing what you do you do he best 4😊

[@TommyGriffin-j6i]

Spell check

[@davidthompson3136]

Great clip. Handy info. I read up on the Loctite website for their products. Blue appears to be designed to secure vibrating bolts and screws, where they may need to be removed in the future (like when servicing the blower). Red is more permanent, requiring a blowtorch to get the joint up to 500F to free the screws! Thanks for posting. 👍😎🇳🇿✨🌹

[@Leodakine]

Thank you so much for posting this video, you just saved a retired ole man at least $100 taking it to a shop and then whatever they would charge.

[@markmcmeen287]

Awesome video, straight to the heart of the matter! Never would have thought about that being the problem. Thanks for another way to "avoid frustration!"

[@waynec3121]

You amaze me Bre. Happy 4th

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelspencer301]

Stihl makes a tool that you thread on the crankshaft. You run it down to the flywheel then back it up a half turn them hang the unit by your hand and give it a good sharp blow with a hammer. Loosens it right up. And there not that expensive. I use on in my shop and it fits 90% of Husqvarna crankshafts.

[@bobblenuts]

Got to get me one of them fancy Carpenter Hammers for when I do small engine work 🤣😁 Do you have a link? LoL Always Love your videos! Thanks 👍

[@tnrodgers]

Nice fix! Your diagnosis process is spot on. BTW, digging the Calypso Caribbean music in the wrench time.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Always a fun start to a Friday, with another good video from Chickanic! Thank you.

[@kentworch]

Nice. I personally have an electric blower, but I know this will help a lot of Stihl people though. Nice video.🤘

[@soup108]

Might help to mention what grade lock tite you used. I typically use blue if i want to be able to pull them back off in the future.

[@drcoffee5588]

Wish you had done this video 6 months ago when I trashed my makita blower. After stripping it to pieces, I found a loose bolt under the fan which locked up my unit. So mad at myself that I assumed it was a bad bearing but oh well. It was drinking oil too so its life was near the end. Keep up the good work.

[@johnportman8037]

THANK YOU. I am not a small engine mechanic, but I am the "guy" all my neighbors bring their non-working equipment. I had a Troy Bilt WW come in that was locked up. The Recoil starter rope Paul's had self destructed and then messed up the fan behind it which jammed the crankshaft. Luckily I had watched this video before I tore into it.

[@jasonbusch3624]

If you spin the flywheel 1/4 turn after you hit the crank a time or two it will pop right off. It helps by shifting the pressure on the taper of the crank. I also always spray a little PB blaster on the crank before I start then again after the nut is off to help with getting the flywheel off the crank taper.

[@richardhoffman6029]

Hi Bre, I wanted to tell you about what I did to my friends weed eater! His son brought it to my house to cut down some weeds around my house! No gas in it put non ethanol fuel in it. Still sounds funky check the oil cause it's a 4 cycle engine and no oil. So all I had at the time I had some mercon 5 transmission oil it ran smooth and even started up easy next day.

[@sixtwoinak]

Yo! I told my cousin about you. The cool part is, he already knew who you are. Pretty cool. 👍💪🙏

[@renostubbs8504]

You would make a perfect neighbor,keep up the good work

[@davidwilcox9110]

Girl, YOU are such an inspiration to me and so many others. If it doesn’t work you jump right in and find out why and then help us old folks (youngsters too) fix it. Thank you! Dave in Traverse City, Michigan.

[@cherriebeyer9331]

I did this repair about 5 years ago. But I needed help getting flywheel off. I ran over to a friend with repair training. He thought I missed diagnosed it! He helped me get flywheel off and was surprised that it was just the bolts coming loose. Wish all repairs were this easy!

[@kpdvw]

ah...the old Hydro lock spectre..Thank you for pointing this out ! I just love a lady who has a brain, knows how to use it , is not afraid to get her hands dirty and repairs stuff!

[@markmeyer575]

Thank you so much! Not only because you are hot! But I was able to repair my old SH 86 blower all by myself after watching this video. I was going to drop it off at the local shop after it quit on me and also was thinking of just getting a brand new one because I had a lot of hours on this machine. I am not much of a mechanic but since I am retired I thought I would take it apart troubleshoot, following your video and found the bolts stopping the flywheel. I cleaned them up and gave them some loctite and it runs like new! ❤

[@steveb7310]

Good information, I have a Stihl blower vac that’s around 8 years old and it works great. It’s good to know what to look out for and stay ahead of the curve with these quirky little machines. Thanks.

[@garychannell4663]

Thank you so much! I just did this repair on my Sthil leaf blower and even used your trick for getting the flywheel off and all went like a charm. It’s running like nothing happened. You were spot on!

[@arnoldbrunton4144]

Hi Chickanic! Thanks, your video helped me to fix my Stihl BG 86 leaf blower. Its over 20 years old, usually starts 2nd or third pull with no issues, never been serviced. It still has the original spark plug and air filter; I didn’t know where it was located. Last week I was knee deep in leaves; my home is on the fringe of the Northeast forest, in County Durham UK. After two hours leaf clearing CLUNK! CLUNK! It locked up like the one in your video, and the back plate was shattered. Here the cost of a new replacement is £300.00, new spares were difficult to find, but with a few used parts from Ebay, it’s running like new on the same spark plug. Thank you, kind regards, Arnie.

[@dptp9lf]

Air hammer with a blunt tip against the loose nut works good to for those flywheel nuts. May be a little more one person friendly.

[@donmayberryjrsOPE]

Definitely not a claw hammer, a ball peen has it's weight in the right place. Or air hammer lol

[@jeffbotkin1405]

You are a tremendous resource for the do it yourselfer. Imagine trying to figure this out no clue. Thanks

[@mike.4277]

Fantastic video 😎👍

[@dhamo1414]

This was exactly what was up with my blower. 10 min fix. The armpit leverage was a game changer. Thanks for your videos. (If you ever see this comment)

[@robertsmith7580]

Glad to see this video I have that very same blower so if this happens you gave me a good heads up, thank you !

[@matthewodle7730]

Thanks! What you did worked perfectly and my blower was back in business in 5 minutes. Thank you!!

[@Chickanic]

You're welcome!

[@hillbillyrv]

I bought a chain saw several years ago (not Sthil) and it had a screw behind the flywheel backout just like this. Almost new saw for $25.......WIN !!!! Love your channel. I have learned a bunch.

[@tylerbarrett6652]

Love your videos... very helpful. I wonder tho if you could use a gear puller.... instead of that armpit trick. I guess not many people have a gear puller or a steering wheel puller or whatever, but it might be nice to know that there IS an actual tool that does that job...

[@DigitalVideoFromOz]

All 3 of the screws on the metal fan side of my Stihl 56 had backed out and locked up the fan/motor. Thank YOU for helping me fix this to keep this thing out of the landfill prematurely! And shame on Stihl for not using lockwashers or Loctite, to keep this from happening IN THE FIRST PLACE.

[@Sharpz_420]

I have one almost the samd cylinder filled up with fuel and wouldn’t pull took the plug out got all the gas out and fired right up good tips

[@JoeHakos]

Thanks Bre....Learned something new ....again. Happy Independence Day weekend!

[@davidwilcox9110]

PS I really get to groovin’ when you play your fast play video music! It’s cool! I want to get up and dance but my old bones won’t let me get out of my favorite chair fast enough before you’re done.

[@tedstankunas7142]

Bre in my shop to pull a flywheel off I loosen the 13mm but leave it on with most of the threads on the crankshaft, then jam a flathead screwdriver under the non magnetic part of the flywheel. Using my deep well 13mm socket on the 13mm nut I give the socket a mild smack with my hammer, and almost always it pops off with the first hit.

[@jackbriscoe9590]

I’ve been working at a stihl shop for 9years now and I see this all the time. Most common things I find with these blowers is the screws behind the flywheel or fan and blocked spark arrestors in the mufflers

[@thomasstefl2042]

So if you were writing a manual on how to fix this. How would you explain putting the screwdriver in your armpit? I love it the things we have to do to fix things. Thanks really enjoyed that. Comes down to just common sense sometimes

[@mitchcoop1]

Thanks as usual for informative video! ... How can Stihl not know (Premium brand) that they need to put the right Loctite on these screws? and the screws on the fan side???

[@bobkucharski9425]

Thanks for your video, I had the same issue. Please note, after I completed the fix, I couldn't get it to throttle up without dying. Took it apart and found that the flywheel key was smoothed out. Found one on ebay for $45 + $10 shipping, and now it runs great.

[@builder101-x9j]

In in the UK the hourly rate for repair is £120PH minimum 1 hour charge half the price of the machine I've got 7 of this blower I need to repair so these videos have been a god send thx.

[@waribaa2452]

ohhh my god. YOU CHICKANIk is making my farm life go easier. Thank you :👍👍

[@DustyRusty81]

the kind of content I like seeing, straight-forward & to the point, Thanks for the knowledge you have & how to fix it very good video

[@terrencebuller7676]

Thanks for the tips and tricks. I have the same leaf blower. Take care 👍

[@billfleming8281]

Every episode I learn something , thank you ! Love your channel

[@ccastaneda669]

Bre, You are amazing. Thank you for another wonderful video. I would have never guessed that it would have been a loose crew. Your videos and your channels are always so informative and very entertaining. I wish you always continued health, happiness, and prosperity. Thank you again for all you do.👍🙂👋

[@Chickanic]

Ditto Kiddo! Thanks you so much!

[@DugatDizzyLizzys]

Hi Chickanic. Had the same problem come in this week. Got sprayed in fuel a bit as it was totally full of fuel. 3 days later still hasn't flooded. And I also locktite those bolts in now when they come out. Weird vibration problem? Update Less than 24 hrs later after watching this video I had one come in and it was the fan side bolts that had come loose. Easy diag, engines loose.😂 Took about 30 mins to remove the pipe, fan cover, fan (left hand threaded nut), clean the bolts and threads, lock tite them and reasemble 😁

[@danielrobert7181]

Bre, you are nothing short of fantastic. Thanks for such great info !

[@GaryT1952]

Arm pit and leverage...you crack me up Bre 🤣

[@jamescaron6465]

Nice work. I wonder if you could make a puller for the flywheel.

[@ronpon1975]

I learn so much from you watching your videos.

[@lancairw867]

Wow. Nice diagnosis. I work on small engines and would not have thought of a lose bolt causing that ?!?! Yes I have 2 stroke dirt bikes and they do rattle themselves to pieces 😂. Always got to check the bolts after a wash.

[@autofabwelding]

Stihl only tech The screws are common threadlock is what I do. I like your armpit trick for the flywheel, I have someone hold blower just off the table by the flywheel and pop the cshaft. I don't know why our carbs start leaking, my suspension is that it's just a cheap carb which conveniently means tossing a new one on after a couple years is cheap.

[@johnemersondavidson]

Exactly the problem I had with my Stihl wood boss. Fixed it in five minutes! Thank you for making this video and I sent you a financial thank you as well.

[@garethjudd5840]

Hi from the UK. It's 2.15pm here 👍

[@Chickanic]

Good Afternoon!!

[@EdWeibe]

Just picked up a TORO mower in mint condition complete with two controls, 1 for throttle and 1 for 3 speed walking. Got it at a steal becuase it wasnt running. Put some fresh fuel in, popped it with a small hit of ether. She smoked a little then ran beautiful. and still does. I think it just had a little something stuck in one of teh jets or the float was hung up.

[@mikezupancic2182]

Great tip! Now I'll be on the lookout for marketplace sales.

[@TacticalMainframe]

Your skills are awesome

[@chrisforker7487]

Regardless of its flaws, it’s a 1000 better than my old Husqvarna!

[@NM-eb5ej]

Dr. Bre can fix the heart without a transplant, just learned something else. THANKS.

[@dougfaith9698]

Bre! You never cease to amaze me! Thanks for another great video. I'd never guess. BTW, thanks for for taking a picture with me a couple weeks ago. I'm the guy with the blues t-shirt on. You're such a good sport, and trooper! Please say cool and hydrated, it's brutally hot here in Arkansas! You're the goodest! thanks for all you do! 😇🥰

[@akusik2986]

I so want to learn from you, I will work for free as an apprentice, although I am in my 50s. You're an all-around good teacher❤

[@arthurjacobs5579]

Thank you for your video, I thought my blower was kaput! As I dug into it, I had the exact same problem with the screws being loose and you showed me how to take it apart to solve it. Thank you very much.

[@radiofhi]

Been there done that with my BG86 too, a great video for those who encounter a frozen flywheel. Well done!

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Great video Bre! I have a Stihl B86 but haven't had any issues with it.🤞

[@ShareTheJoyEveryday]

She's good at what she does. 👍

[@qwertyuizxcvbnm4780]

👋...IM A GROUNDSMAN FROM A 🌳SERVICE COMPANY IN CALI....LOVE UR PASSION & SKILLS💪🚺🤝

[@eddie402009]

Thanks heaps for this one, I actually have the same model so I will be keeping a close eye on it now, cheers from down under.

[@briantii]

Mine has had bolts on BOTH the fan and flywheel side come loose locking it up. Unfortunately mine happened while running and destroyed the flywheel.

[@johnclarke6647]

When I pull a flywheel. I always clean the crank and the hole good with break cleaner or carb cleaner to insure there is no oil on these surfaces. If not, you can cause the integral key in the flywheel to shear off, regardless of how tight you put the flywheel nut on the crank. This means you will have to buy a new flywheel, so clean them up before installing the flywheel. I use my big center punch to remove flywheels that I cannot remove with my Stihl puller. I grab the flywheel, put the center punch in the end of the crank and it it one good time with a hammer. It usually come right off.

[@EricFullerton-m3l]

I have the same Stihl BG-86, never have had the carb problem or screws backing out but have twice replaced the crankshaft bearings. Probably caused by shredder vac usage (and sucking in wet organic matter) causing imbalance of the rotating assembly. Great video and as always enjoy the learning!

[@j.b.2893]

Just fixed for the 2nd time. I used a gear puller for the flywheel, best / easiest way to remove. Red loctite this time too.

[@billthepainter5106]

Never had that issue with my BG85, but it's more than 15 years old. Maybe they made them better back then!

[@jeffb8844]

I Just Found Your Channel !!! 😃 A Wealth of Information ! Off Track my Stihl KM 110 R 20 Years Old from 2003 had SHORT RUN Times and Quit, Adjusted Valves (to tight) and REMOVED Air Filter and ONE pull Started !!! I will goto Stihl Dealer and get Various Parts Plus that Grease for the String Head and the other Grease for the Hedge Trimmer ! Thanks for Your Wisdom !!!

[@larkinoo]

Dog Gone Chickanic, you did 'er again ! I am going to keep that one in mind as I have a Stihl hand held blower which is approx. 20 plus years old, yet still looks like new { no exaggeration } but have never had that problem because I keep my equipment in primo condition.

[@wtmayhew]

Thank you Bre. That is a great suggestion on how to get the flywheel loose.

[@RoboDriller]

Just used my blower (same as this one) to clean out my dryer vent

[@-Saulgood-]

Yep loose screws behind the fly wheel, great video! Your awesome!

[@richardcranium5839]

i hate pulling flywheels that way. every once in a while you end up bending the flywheel or messing up the crank. but ya gotta do it. i have found the propane torch helps a lot on the sticky ones like that one. when possible a homemade tool is great but i understand few watching have a lathe.

[@bradp5157]

I had the exact problem last week. I found using a gear puller works great versus a hammer and screwdriver.

[@martyhanby7609]

My blower locked up yesterday and I just fixed it. Hardest part was removing the flywheel. Also, the nut of my flywheel was right hand thread.

[@joselira9076]

Awesome videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. But I’m curious who taught you how to work on small engines?

[@tomthomas9910]

Yup" most would think crank & rod clacking" if not the mag" but most wouldn't think bolts backing out of the case from use/wear/vibration" 😮

[@dbert5963111]

thanks for the video! great tutorial...i did it in about 10 minutes.. and saved me from buying another blower. it was only 6 years old.

[@TomKatCustom]

I was about to take my locked up blower to ACE and have their guy take a look at it but then I had a better thought and looked up your video. Shure enough the screws behind the flywheel backed out. Thank you very much! You are awesome!

[@whynot16384]

I got one for ya, my dad did this for me, instead of using a punch that makes you think you’re going to bash you hand if you miss with the hammer, take an old valve if you have one and grind it to a point like your punch. The wide part of your valve is way nicer to hit than the punch head

[@carpeinferi]

I picked up a used BG 86 this weekend needing some TLC and was hoping to find some videos on it here.