Fixing A Poulan Leaf Blower That Won't Start The Hard Way

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Thanks for watching. We finally put this blower back together, and hopefully it starts, otherwise, it's going to cost me more money.

[@robwebnoid5763]

Nice diagnosis. I'm just learning about small engines a little bit, so this stuff is news to me. I had recently fixed (about 3 months ago) my old gas string trimmer which I had not used in about 30 years. The worst part was just a crumbled fuel line which was a shock to me, but then it made sense since it was made of rubber & it's been 3 decades. Also replaced spark plug which I should not have had to, but the old plug rolled off the desk & broke in 2 on the ground, heh. Imagine that, a 30-year old spark plug was just minding its own business in a trimmer just sitting in the garage unused for 30 years & then some idiot human took it out & boom, it breaks after hibernating for 3 decades, heh. My trimmer is humming along nicely & I can now use it, especially when my electric trimmer is having issues with the line auto-feed mechanism.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing your experience Rob webnoid

[@therandomman6647]

How much compression the engine needs to start is dependant on how big the engine is, if 2 differently sized engines have the same size leak in pressure, the one with the bigger displacement has more air that needs to be leaked over the same period of time, so it can run on lower compression levels.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very well said!

[@butler386]

I believe your idea of the stuck ring is spot on. Freeing up the ring also increased the compression by a bit more that two fold. I never thought of that being a problem. But will tuck that away in my top pocket. Thanks for the videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you D Butler, I appreciate your time.

[@kaaraa-mardha1977]

@@HomeGaragechannel Hi there , my primer bulb is sponge and hard to pump, what should I do? Also I sprayed starting fluid and still engine is not starting. My engine is 25cc craftsman leaf blower. I see spark, compression is 75 psi , still not starting

[@ricknicholson8698]

Great video. I have learned so much that I have purchased a 16 year old Troy Bilt mower to try my hand at small engine repairs. Thanks again for the indepth videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem Rick Nicholson, and good luck.

[@rickthelian2215]

Wow that’s a big improvement to the Compression... Interesting story and my first stuck ring on video or live😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, and yes the improvement was extremely impressive, thank you Rick Thelian.

[@garyalensr]

You never cease to amaze me great job getting that going. I'm so glad I'm subbed to your channel. The amount I've learned a ton from you. Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Gary Allen, I really appreciate the time you give to this channel and all the comments. It means a lot to me.

[@garyalensr]

@@HomeGaragechannel Your very welcome!! Im so grateful you take the time to upload your knowledge for us. Like I said before, you explain everything perfectly. I've learned so much about Small engines from you. I just wish there was more I could do to show my appreciation.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

just keep watch, that's all I ask.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

I have the same blower I have not baby it used ethanol fuel nor have I ever drained the fuel during winter in Utah and yet it has served me well for over 11 years now runs like a champ! cheers great repair!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice and thank you !

[@Allen-ez9cb]

That blower looks like a Homelite, and Craftsman they are most likely manufactured by the same manufacturer for all three. Thanks for your excellent tutorial.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@anthonycorcella7300]

Gotta love it! Now your family member can go back to annoying their neighbors every Saturday morning Oct-Nov. :D

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the plan.

[@dws2313]

Thank you for this series of videos. It helps me to troubleshoot my leaf blower problems.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad to help

[@aeson33]

First time my cylinder bolts backed out it sounded like a crotch rocket. Second time I put the thread locker on that the factory forgot. It is a flaw, you are correct.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you J G.

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Good job. I’ve NEVER seen this manufacturer start this easy. NEVER! 💩

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Major Payne

[@markharris4260]

It sounds good now ! Yes carbon build up on the piston over time then one day you run it hard shut it down and as the piston cools off the ring gets stuck , it does happen more than you would think , great job on your repair work !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice I like the explanation!

[@paulkonczak5270]

Yes I think stuck ring was the cause. I’ve had two units with a similar problem. Poulenc pro ran like crazy then the next day wouldn’t start. Turned out one of the cheaply designed engine 2 screw cylinder bolts snapped. Sad when the only use 2 bolts to secure the the cylinder to the block. Tried drilling it out with no luck so it’s junk. Bought a Echo 2620 with 4 bolts and bearings on both sides of the crank. Not that much more$ but it’s a pro model and should last. The other unit was a craftsman, turned out ignition module too far from flywheel, regapped and starts with 1 or 2 pulled every time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you definitely made a good choice, in buying the echo, thank you Paul Konczak.

[@bertgrau3934]

I have Poulan leaf blower to, was built in 2007 I just changed the carburetor, fuel lines, fuel filter, and air filter. I started it right up, no problems, I did make small adjustments to the carburetor. The fuel lines had broke, years ago. And it sat for at least 9 or 10 years. It cost me less than $20 to fix, and I can sell it for around $50-$60 . I can use it as well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, these do have some value in them, thank you Bert Grau!

[@jamesazahn6842]

It's amazing as to how much I learn from your vedios,."Thanks", your knowledge is much appreciated!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you James A Zahn.

[@TargaWheels]

Compression on a 2-cycle is more critical than a 4-cycle. There's no way to change it externally except with a compression release (relief) on some engines. When it fires and goes down, not only is it exhausting out the exhaust port, its taking in through through the slots in the cylinder on the way up. When that piston ring passes the slots until it tops out in the cylinder, that's all the compression its going to get. Crazy how the compression can get that high, but it takes a lot of cycles to do it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you TargaWheels for the information

[@Ron0963]

Nice job! ..I was right on how many pulls to fire it up. a buddy has that same blower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Ron0963.

[@denisconor648]

Great job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Denis Conor

[@Jossienheimer]

This actually helped me to find out, that my Stihl that my dad left behind had 50psi of compression. It was over before it even began. 😮😅

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry to hear that

[@patthesoundguy]

Obviously the stuck ring was the issue. Another one saved 👍👍👍 I also really like the idea of the extra hole in the exhaust. You actually could make it match the original outlet if you wanted to without issue. The extra flow helps get rid of heat from the engine, and as long as you adjust the carb to compensate for the extra flow it will be fine. That stick ring was definitely from too oil by the looks of what was in the tank, if the blower wasn't run much up at full operating temperature, it would have a hard time burning the excessive oil off. Also if the exhaust was a little plugged up with carbon like you thought it would be running richer than normal, making the problem worse. Great repair as always 👍👍👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you patthesoundguy.

[@alexs2778]

Just had to fix one that my smart brother gave to me. It was very hard to start and once started the revs were inconsistent even when warmed up. Checked the ring and it had some build up but not enough to make it stuck. The culprit was one of the 2 screws that holds top of the engine to the bottom, it was loose, after cleaning and reassembly you could feel just by pulling rope that it had more resistance to it and it started right away and run like new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice work!!

[@jamescsolak9499]

That’s just what mine is doing, I guess I’m going to try to do exactly what you did!😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hope it works

[@apatterson8128]

It was probably was hard to start before this, but the owner didn't know the signs of a stuck ring. Nice repair and thanks for teaching us how you diagnosed it. Did you tell him/her to ease up on the oil in the mix?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It wouldn't do any good. don't worry, I probably see it again next year for a different problem

[@apatterson8128]

@@HomeGaragechannel That’s true. Lol

[@RealWickedAlliance]

Looks like you saved them alot of money.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

quite possible, I would have suggested in buying a good used blower instead, like an echo or stihl.

[@RealWickedAlliance]

@@HomeGaragechannel I have a 4 stroke craftsman back pack blower I got for cheap any thoughts?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, I would check the valve lash because it's recommended it be checked once in awhile

[@jjjuarez312]

Excellent Job there boss!! You did the right thing by taking it apart and rebuild it!! Sometimes a rich mixture of too much oil in the gas will cause it to burn rich making carbon disposits will gunk up engine internally!! Will also Sometimes score cylinderwall s and stuck rings on piston...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you JJ Juarez!

[@jjjuarez312]

@@HomeGaragechannel my pleasure anytime!! Keep on keeping on

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I will

[@Idkx2ummm]

5:13 Imagine the blower had 300 psi

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Well done!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Jim.

[@RussellBooth1977]

Yes I do believe that the stuck ring caused the engine not to start,I am glad that I rekitted a Stihl hedge trimmer with a new cylinder kit when I couldn't get the reading above 75 PSI although it also had a shot ignition coil. The reading was then 105 PSI then 120 PSI once the engine was run in. It's unless it's like my L headed Briggs and Stratton powered lawnmower where it has a 6:1 compression ratio & they recommend giving it a cylinder leak down test because a compression test won't give a true reading that I will perform a compression test. As far as using threadlocker on the cylinder bolts,the Stihl hedge trimmer engine had self tapping screws fitted so I had to tap them out oversized & fit bigger screws in the new aftermarket cylinder kit because they wouldn't fit & they strip out at the best of times once undone & even with the original parts !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct about the leak down test. Thank you Russell Booth.

[@sparky1044]

That piston was gummed up almost as bad as the transfer pump I was telling you about. Wow!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that bad? dang.

[@marshallcollins3376]

Where do you set the ring gap when you don’t have a mark on the piston?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

easy, we don't set the ring gap, at least not on this particular engine. there's only a pin, that locates the ring, to the piston

[@marshallcollins3376]

@@HomeGaragechannel sorry for my inaccurate question HG. I should have said where to position the gap in the ring around the circumference of the piston if there isn’t a mark on the piston. I have seen several opinions including “it doesn’t matter, opposite either connecting rod pin, to in line with the exhaust port”.

[@kylec.3259]

Just a thought here from a shop tech. Primary vs secondary compression. Hard to expain. Easier to google.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Kyle C.

[@crazzywolfie]

had someone give me one of these today. hopefully it is not that much of a pain to get running.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck to you

[@crazzywolfie]

@@HomeGaragechannel finally got to look at it and likely has the same issue or possibly worse. compression test only showed 40psi even tho the cylinder doesn't look too bad inside. not sure i will bother fixing it despite it looking in very good shape. really doesn't seem like it will be worth fixing if it is a common issue.

[@revelationhomestead1776]

Success 🙌 🥇 amazing work

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Revelation Homestead.

[@henryssmallenginerepair6332]

would you be ablle to tell us what cleaner you use to clean your tools and engines? i use simply green but it doesnt seem to do as good of a job as in your videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, and yes simple green is good, but it's not has good as the Degreaser I'm using, from harbor freight. It's the best stuff, I've every used at least, up to this point. Thank you Henry's Small Engine Repair.

[@TheDronzDr]

You are correct

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you The Dronz Dr.

[@Furrowx]

Excellent You were spot on about the stuck ring! What is Your go to Or favorite Mixing oil brand?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, and I don't have a favorite, just the cheapest one on the shelf.

[@zeke112964]

Had the same thing happen to mine Poulan BVM200

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@MazichMusic]

Poulan made a lot of Craftsman blowers back in the day when there were Sears stores all over. Today's Craftsman?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think you're onto something.

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

Most Craftsman stuff these days is made by MTD. Many troubles daily.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice..

[@jerrysoutherland662]

I got my 2 cycle manual over 20 years ago it said for any 2cycle engine to run right it needed 90lbs. compression are better to run right.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thank you for finding that information

[@williamsnow1531]

It sure does sound believable to me. You just proved it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you William Snow

[@scottfirman]

generally I have seen rings stuck more from sitting for long periods of time. The oil gas mix turned to goo over time and glues the ring back so the compression is lower than normal. Taking the exaust off and checking the cylinder for damage usually tells me if the engine is worth fixing or not. a clean cylinder and stuck ring seldom happends for me. Usually the cylinder is badly damaged. I use recreational fuel in all my equipment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice I wonder if I can get that fuel here.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Sure the ring is believable, along with planned obsolescence! The outfit ai was working for doing lawn maintenance had got a new batch of Snapper walk mowers but with Tecumseh 2-cycle engines. None would run right the 2nd season where the Briggs I/C 2-cycles lasted for years. The compression in the Tecumseh's was GONE! Can't remember if it was a fix of new mowers or just ew mowers with good engines. You did GOOD and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, the difference between the engines is quite amazing. I wonder what happened to it?

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel These mowers were run as in commercially. The Briggs with the cast iron sleeve and Stihl oil could take it. everything was walk mowed. The Tecumseh mowers were fed the same mix of Stihl oil but just couldn't take the constant running. I mowed one yard by myself every 2 weeks that took 7 1/2 hours of steady walking except to fill up with gas and eat. That takes a toll.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you, for the information

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel I try. All I can say anything about is what these old bloodshot eyeballs have been in the middle of.

[@emilioorozco8870]

Hello, I have 2 questions and my questions are how do you know how much compression an engine is supposed to produce based of a PSI reading? And How can you tell from a PSI reading if the engine condition is good or bad?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

as a general rule, for all small engines like this one, I would like to see a reading well over 135 PSI, and as for the second question, I'd say it was based on all the testing I've done, when I've tested them and they were "lower" 135, it just means it has some wear based on what I've seen. 135 and up, the rings and cylinder looked good, when they weren't the number was less, and when the rings and cylinder were scored, they reading was terribly low, say, 80 PSI.

[@ericrichardson3332]

I bet they adjusted the idle screw when it started to run inefficiently and slowing down / bogging down doe to the piston ring getting stuck and the increased idle allowed unburned fuel and oil the sit in the combustion chamber making the oil in the cylinder to get thick and sticky and when it ran it burned the fuel but didn't get rid of the thick oil not all of it and made it worse that's my guess, only way to know for sure is to take the fuel that they used and pure some in a container that is open to the air but safe from water and let it sit for a while to see if it becomes sticky and oily / thickens like a syrup if so then the fuel most likely get left in the cylinder and didn't burn but the fuel evaporated and left the oil behind and it burned partially turning it black and sticky

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct, most often, someone will make that adjustment to deal with issues they're having. It's very telling.

[@ericrichardson3332]

@@HomeGaragechannel yes I am guilty of doing the same thing but nowadays I try to fix the issues causing the problem unless I am in a hurry and don't have time then it may get postponed until a later date but I'm sure most of us have done similar things in the past also I just want to say a little knowledge about things such as this goes a long way and helps others understand why , how , where and sometimes gives them the confidence to repair their own equipment keep up the great videos and interactions with your viewers 👍

[@danielpadgett2831]

I might be wrong but it looked like some carbon was built up in the exhaust port I was just wondering

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you were correct, I didn't clean it, but to be honest, it wasn't that bad.

[@danielpadgett2831]

@@HomeGaragechannel I definitely understand that man that thing was alot of work and time glad you got it going thank you for all the new videos I also just got done watching the one on the populan chainsaw

[@adamorsini4585]

Drilling the hole in the muffler is giving it a performance mod. That should add 5-10 horsepower!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Daniel Padgett, I appreciate it!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

lol.. I've got a few "racing" sticker, I can put on it too.

[@mikespain8655]

People that say put in a new carburetor, ignition coil, etc. are parts changers. They don't diagnose equipment, they fire the parts cannon until it is fixed.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct!

[@mikehannan8932]

Are there any solvents or fuel treatments to keep the ring floating and un seized ? I use enthanol free gas synthetic 2 stroke oil. Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no, you just have to let the engine "cool down" before you turn it off. Also don't let the engine idle make sure that you have it running at full speed, after it warms up.

[@gordrobinson4780]

Is it possible to install the piston ring upside down? I could not get the piston back in until I turned the ring over so the side with a chamfer was on top then it slipped in. But now the compression is only 90 psi. Do I need to turn the ring over and try to get it into the cylinder?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

on this piston , you the ring can only go one way as shown in the video. Did you install it like the way it was shown?

[@Franklinveterinarycenter1of4]

Wow! Love your channel.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks I appreciate that.

[@lucascovitz5708]

Any idea if the spark arrestor screen on these particular blowers can be cleaned? I had the muffler off of mine today, and it looks like it is welded together and can't be taken apart to do so. Would like to take a look at the screen and clean it if needed, as it hasn't been done in the almost 10 years since I got it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no the screens in these cannot be easily serviced, you'd have to put the muffler into a fire pit

[@lucascovitz5708]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks for your help.

[@brennanschuler]

If I had to come up with a theory, I’d say the day prior, the engine was good and hot. User probably ran it all day and it was fine. The carbon and oil probably mixed good, and overnight it cooled off. Causing the oil/carbon mix to get gummy and solidify. Thus the ring got stuck. But I tend to overthink things.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you might be on to something,.

[@MrRmh3481]

The B&S J19 plug is too hot. CJ6 is what it needs. Could this have been your problem?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no that wasn't the problem.

[@anthonypatt179]

Do trimmers have to use a special grees or any type of grees

[@HomeGaragechannel]

for which part?

[@anthonypatt179]

@@HomeGaragechannel the gear head

[@eyeopener1993]

to much compression is bad on an engine it causes pre ignition meaning the psi is reached to combust the fuel before the actual engine reaches tdc to spark. that's why there's always a sweet spot.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure is

[@jct300m]

Nice job!!!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks!

[@hunter1953]

The stuck ring was defenetely the problem. The problem with running one day and not the the other is simple did you ever run your car ever day and one morning the battery is dead that's just the way stuff works .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right, thank you hunter1953.

[@claytonpowell5855]

I have the same blower, however my issue is that it cuts out whenever you try to give it gas. I put new carb on it, new gas lines, gas filter. Blower starts easily but when given gas it stalls out. Any suggestions 🤔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh you need to drill a hole in your muffler to help the exhaust get past the clog in your spark arrestor screen.

[@claytonpowell5855]

@@HomeGaragechannel I tried drilling hole in muffler but made no difference, any other suggestions

[@edwardgoodwin1813]

Try adjusting the High and low screws for the air mixture

[@edwardgoodwin1813]

On the carburetor

[@claytonpowell5855]

@@edwardgoodwin1813 I did and it runs well until I give it gas. Then it stalls

[@10forthebigguy753]

Echo red armor premium two-stroke oil clean carbon out of a carboned Up engine. It cost a little bit more

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to try that out.

[@mr1pearl]

Maybe it sat on the shelf a bit too long 🤷 runs great now 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that was my guess too but doesn't jive with the story I was told, oh well, works now.

[@24space310]

that is a design flaw since yours had the same problem.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what It feels like to me.

[@davidrawlings880]

What cleaners do you use

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use a degreaser from harbor freight for the oily and greasy spot and LA Awesome cleaner for dirt.

[@davidrawlings880]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you very much for te most part things just seem to come off fairly easy in your videos so thank you for the information

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's not for the lack of trying that's for sure.

[@jasoneastham3126]

I like to see at least 90 psi on 2 strokes. Seems that 4 strokes start at a lower psi. I have also fixed many of these tiny engines by freeing rings. Sometimes you just have to be more stubborn then the engine 😜

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice advice!

[@jwayne777]

Great video. Im wondering what chemicals or/ and tools you used to clean the piston, piston ring, and the cylinder chamber?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is use carb cleaner, and a scotchbrite pad, and sometimes a small flathead to scrape it.

[@jwayne777]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@jwayne777]

@@HomeGaragechannel so, i used this video to troubleshoot a similar blower and it turned out the flywheel key was sheared. I will be trying the polishing compound method on the shaft and flywheel method. I will let you know if it worked. An old motorcycle guru told me not to buy a $20 replacement flywheel because the problem would come back . He said use the rubbing compound trick first and keep the old flywheel

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's worth a shot but what I do is to cut my own key way into the flywheel and install my own key

[@loadedfun4764]

I would like to send you my leaf blower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I wish I could but unfortunately I'm not taking in equipment right now

[@ericrichardson3332]

I guessed 125 for the compression but I was wrong lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

close enough!

[@ericrichardson3332]

@@HomeGaragechannel yeah I figured after you got the ring unstuck it would almost double in compression and then took 10-15 compression off for wear / rough use and guessed out loud 125 while watching the video and it was pretty close

[@bleach_drink_me]

My brother has had one of these for years. He only uses canned fuel or ethanol free 90oct with synthetic 2 stoke oil. He always runs it out of fuel before storing it for the winter. His still starts and runs like new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like the way, he's taking care of it, thank you for sharing.

[@nelsonbrum8496]

"They'd never be that greedy." Sarcasm detected! 😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

in fact, the Sarcasm meter is pegged out, on this one. thank you Nelson Brum.

[@wapd205]

I’m learning more and more by watching your videos. I would’ve stopped after checking everything you did and given it back to the owner. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you wapd205 I appreciate it.

[@hillonwheels8838]

Seeing that the idle screw was all the way in is a sign that the blower has been having problems for a while. Great job getting it running again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct

[@josephsfields]

Glad to see your success with this blower. I have one on the shelf of that same brand that probably needs the same treatment. Glad you went the full measure on diagnosing this one and showed the disassembly too.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you Joseph Fields

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

It’d probably be best to use the premixed engineered fuel for this thing since it tends to not produce as much carbon. Unless you are daring enough to run 60:1 in this thing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct, the engineered fuel would make a lot less carbon.

[@garymucher4082]

I honestly believe those blowers were made to replace about each year or two. I've had a couple and never fails, they stop working after a season or two. However, I bought a Stihl blower (a few dollars more) and I have been using that for at least six years without and problems... Guaranteed it starts and never have to worry about it working!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that says a lot, thank you Gary Mucher.

[@tedstankunas7142]

I work in a small engine repair shop, and we use Echo Red armor with good results in cleaning carbon buildup. Running one tank full through an engine makes a big difference..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? is that something that's written in their claims? I'll have to take a look into it, thank you Ted Stankunas.

[@electroddxful]

Great video 👍🙏👍🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you RayFpv.

[@deebee3901]

Great blower and fantastic repair. I believe that the stuck piston ring caused too low compression and this combined with poor air and fuel flow caused this blower not to run.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are correct

[@alexandercosta1777]

I think you should just throw this one out lol, nothing personal, i just hate poulan pro blowers and equipment in general, they have no use to me

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh I completely understand, and I probably would except it's not mine to get rid of.

[@Skyliner_369]

It could be that as the carbon was building up, the ring, piston, and all were hot, and so, everything was fitting perfectly as it ran, and as it cooled down, it shrank, pulling the seals away from the walls, making a massive gap. Also I think you're right about the lack of fuel draw.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh you make a good point!

[@cadewey6181]

. . . Along with a fill up of too oil rich fuel in cold engine. Great video

[@Cinder2008]

Could the stuck ring been the result of not running the engine wide open? I’ve heard 2 strokes were made to run wide open.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

there's a good possibility , but without watching them use it, it's only a guess.

[@christophermarshall5765]

Your theory is feasible, due to the way a 2 stroke engine works. Not enough compression/suction to move the fuel/air through the engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Christopher Marshall

[@robertmailhos8159]

The.proper oil to gas mixture is the most important thing to do

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel yeah buddy 😎👍

[@anthonycorcella7300]

I see a link to the chemical bottle, but what is the magic cleaner you use that works so well?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh it's a degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@angelon7095]

I have the same blower. 2 years ago the piston ring was stuck and I did this same fix. It's been working great ever since.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, I believe the stuck ring was the reason it wouldn't run, 2 strokes won't run if they're low on compression. They probably either used a cheap low quality oil in the gas or they added too much oil causing the piston ring to become carboned up and stuck.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you WildeFox, I also believe the quality of the oil and gasoline, has a huge impact.

[@Patrick4959]

from my view in this case mostly yes and of course i find keeping it good clean shape and of course doing some of the normal tasks will keep something like this running good and top notch too etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, thank you Patrick Stapleton.

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel for sure mate i keep mine clean and in good condition and doing yearly basics from replacement parts including fuel filter and fuel line changing and even the spark plugs and whatever it needs and it,s a dead easy one to start for me and i keep my repair bills down as best as possible unless it was out of my skills etc.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

The problem with the stuck ring isn't so much the lack of compression but the failure of the piston to create a vacuum in the crankcase on the upstroke to draw the air/fuel mixture in through the carburetor.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct!

[@petev.9357]

I have 2 Husqvarna 125b blowers. Same problem. The ring sticks, compression drops, won't start. You need 90 psi min. First time I replaced piston and ring. Second time pulled spark plug, Put piston at top and filled with Marvel Mystery oil. It soaked through after a few hours and filled again. Ring is free again and it runs! Going to add MMO to all my gas at 2 oz to 5 gallons in addition to 2 stroke oil and see if it stops the ring sticking.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think that's a good idea

[@shoramirazu]

Thank you for this video. I have a Poulan SM400 blower, and it's very oily and dirty. I noticed you cleaned it and easily used water to wash it. 0:50 Can I also use water? I wanted to try, but I'm concerned about damaging the carburetor, engine, or something similar.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you can, just so long as you keep from spraying directly into the carb, or muffler

[@adamkubasik8706]

Thanks to this video I was able to take apart my poulan blower and the piston ring was also stuck, unfortunately it broke trying to get it off so I have 2 new ones coming , hopefully after installing that and changing out the gas lines as they were corroding it’ll work fingers crossed! Great videos I’m addicted! If you have a email I could send a question to I’d appreciate it as I’d be able to send a picture of what I’m talking about on another project I’m working on, thanks again for the awesome videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and yes, it's [e-mail]

[@moemrad1687]

Hi I have a cub cadet that always started fine until last day it stopped working as I’m using it and wouldn’t start I don’t have the fancy gadget that u have checked the spark plug and also started without prime it cus j think it’s fluded the only thing I notice is a gas smell in my garage any tips I can send u pic thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry not enough information for me to help

[@garyamaral9905]

Hey love ur vids!! I have a poulan pro leaf blower like vid. But with one carbarator it stay running without holding throttle. Bought another new one and doesn't stay running unless holding down throttle. And I have Tryed to adjust the carbarator. Any thoughts please? Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

when you say adjusting the carb, were you turning the fuel adjustment screws are the idle set screw?

[@gordrobinson4780]

My ring does not have rectangular cross section. One side is chamfered toward the outer edge. I assumed that was to make it easer to get back int the cylinder. But that could lead to a compression leak. I could not see if that was how you oriented the ring in your video even with it slowed down. BTW your videos and commentary are superb and I really appreciate your reply to my comment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, and I'm using the chamfered end of the ring to align the ring. There's no chamfered edge on the ring I re-used.

[@nathenleffert_official]

Yep definitely the issue with mine lol same exact one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it happens a lot

[@nathenleffert_official]

@@HomeGaragechannel I got mine free used it once and acting like it's running really rich, I prime it with fuel disconnect the fuel line and runs ok ish but when you put the line back in it kills it immediately 5 seconds after

[@HomeGaragechannel]

interesting, does the purge bulb cycle fuel?

[@nathenleffert_official]

@@HomeGaragechannel yea, carb is in excellent condition, primer bulb cycles, picks up, and returns

[@HomeGaragechannel]

okay, would consider adjusting the carb, or replace it.

[@pyrokamileon]

there is a link in this video's description going back to the part 1 of this story. but when I watched the part 1 of the story I checked its description for a link to part 2. I guess I might not be able to expect that kind of future proofing because the part 2 video hadn't been released yet but wouldn't old video descriptions be editable after the fact? either way I'm glad that my KZbin feed eventually recommended this video because I was curious about the follow up but I just wanted to let you know

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for letting me know, I'll take a look.

[@46tool25]

Hey HG, what are your thoughts on Honda exiting the lawn mower market and discontinuing the production of lawn mowers by 2023

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hmm.. it's a smart move. They want to focus on all the other things they've got going on, which is a lot, and let the cheap overseas "stuff" flood our market. it makes sense to me.

[@vathsalanthiagarajah6310]

On the first part fixing this blower, i noticed you had the choke on run instead of start.... When you were trying to start....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wasn't I trying to "unflood" it?

[@lemmingeddie3045]

I have a poulan pro blower i start it cold but after its been running its so hard to get back started most the time i have let it set a while i ajusted the carb new gas cap checked exaust not cloged but when it runs its strong ???kinda stumped ty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would consider replacing the carb.

[@gilpicard6024]

Cheap fix just replace the rings and off you go , there out to make money like ever thing else. Good vid as usual , thx

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Gil Picard.

[@jimtincher7357]

Drilling an additional hole in the exhaust can have a very negative performance impact with a 2 stroke.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true you can sometimes not have enough power

[@byzon123]

Hey great vids wondering whats that spray you use to clean the engines seems to work great on removing the grime and oil

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, I use a degreaser from Harbor Freight