Craftsman Blower that Really Blows

Craftsman 52 cc Backpack Leaf blower SKU#96785101 fixes. This video describes some poor designs of this model, and what needed a cleaning and modification to get it running well. Or you could just throw it out and buy a blower from a good brand.
Bought blower 8 months prior. Never ran well, and engine would want to bog down when hitting the throttle. Used it for a season. Forgot to drain the gas over the winter. Wouldn't start the next spring.
Flimsy spark plug cable: I started investigating why it wouldn't start up. I pulled the spark plug cable from the spark plug, and the cable end broke into pieces. Apparently, there's a coiled copper wire that connects the spark plug cable to the spark plug. One end of that coiled wire pierces the wire with fangs, and its other end coils around the spark plug head. That coiled copper wire came completely apart, and it obviously wasn't designed well. I then discovered how flimsy the spark plug cable was, and expected that even if I could reassemble the cable, I still wouldn't achieve a good connection. I replaced the spark plug cable with 14 gauge house wire. This worked well.
Next was the carburetor. Two problems were found. Old gas had clogged the spray nozzle. It was cleaned, and in addition, I widened the spray nozzle area to allow for more gas to enter the mixture, and to prevent any future clogs. The spray nozzle was made out of plastic, not brass.
Third modification, was that I modified the carburetor adjustment screw to permit a flathead screw driver to turn it. I cut a flat channel into the screw top, and a flathead is now able to turn the screw. No special tool is needed (except a dremel LOL).
Hope this helps everyone with this model. I did get it to run real well, but only after a bunch of work and investigation. Who knows how long it will last until something else breaks.

[@jacquiedarnell5226]

Ours was bad right out the box! What shoddy mechanics Craftsman!!! By the time we actually used it, it was too late to start a return. I hope your information helps. Thanks for sharing.

[@genesis1116]

Thank you for this video a have the same issue with mine I will work on it. I will get back to you with results. Once again thank you.

[@tinamckeage6665]

I just bought this a couple months ago.Tnx for this video.

[@milleniumann28]

Lifesaver I was just about to throw it away!

[@daviddavis3619]

I been looking for a video on this for a long time. I much appreciate the video. My coil went bad and it sat for a long time until I finally found a coil. Now she won't start at all. Guess I'm gonna try the carb trick and get some fresh gas. I definitely got fire at least now. Wish I could just buy a new carb

[@johnhamilton9229]

Thanks. I have the same blower with issues. I’ll start with the carb adjustment first.

[@jessehubbard2513]

great fix

[@Steve0885]

If you get a aftermarket carb it has a mixture screw already installed

[@angelaborte1908]

My husband has one of these blowers. The piece on the throttle cord that goes into the trigger broke. How do I replace the throttle cord? He's really busy working and I'd like to get the blower running right again for him. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[@treborx9659]

Craftsman tools and equipment or trash. Really wish they had the lifetime warranty on their leaf blowers.

[@toxicblade8729]

jeremiah compton 46cc

[@chrisg9300]

Great video, have you encountered any issues with the kill switch? Off button?

[@jeffreychandler7063]

Hey how r u wanted to know what the part number or where can u find the air filter for that model blower have one just like and mine won't start

[@JFPSolar]

You can try starting without the air filter and see if that makes any difference. Unless the filter is really clogged, it's likely not the issue. Or you can just clean it with soap and water, and replace when dry.

[@tywanbrimage5121]

Is the blower still running?

[@jeffreychandler7063]

@@tywanbrimage5121 no

[@tywanbrimage5121]

@jeffreychandler7063 I have the same one and been trying to figure out what is wrong with it