Stihl won't throttle up or stay running? First thing to check!

If you found this video helpful, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!!! Thanks for tuning back into Chickanic! Today we go over one of the most common problems I see with units that come into the shop to be repaired. Weather you have a Chainsaw, blower, trimmer, etc, this problem can occur all of the sudden and stop your unit from throttling up or running at all. Hopefully after watching this helpful hint, I can save you time, money and frustration in the future! This problem can occur on any make or model such as Echo, Husqvarna, Shindaiwa, Crafstman, Troybilt, etc, but I do see it most often with the Stihl's because of their cylinder shaped spark arrestor screens.
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@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

[@RepairGang]

Love the fact that you admitted you were stumped people think us small engine mechanics know everything but everyone gets stumped:) great repair

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@danbasta3677]

@@Chickanic Just a pointer. I love women with long beautiful hair, they look even better with long hair. Your hair looks super great, makes you look really beautiful and all. HOWEVER, when working on mechanical issues such as this, better to tie your hair up or something, stick it in a hair net or whatever. Hate to see your beautiful hair get caught up in the machinery. Accidents can, and do happen quickly. Just a safty reminder, that's all.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@@Chickanic >>> You were stumped? Well, at least you did not have to go as far as THROW HOLY WATER on it and then chant _"The power of Christ compels you!"_ 😊😊😊

[@michaelrockwell9691]

@@Allan_aka_RocKITEman I have been tempted to do that in my shop! Some people's equipment seems genuinely cursed, no joke.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@@michaelrockwell9691 >>> 😲😲😲 😊😊😊

[@thesmallwoodlot433]

And everyone thought the screens were only for spark arresting, the second function is to prevent insects and foreign debris fro plugging up the works! Great job on figuring it out!

[@MrPancake0825]

Finally!!!! Someone who doesn't just record a video of their incredible skills figuring out the blower has bad gas! You helped me out!! Stihl BR 340 that I have been working on for almost a year! Your fix worked.

[@CRAZY1322]

I liked how thorough you were and how you showed everything that you were doing and how to do it. I also like how you showed before and after of how it was running and you gave warnings about the wrong screws , etc. This was an excellent and very informative video. You go GIRL!

[@orionwarren4244]

You're one of the best small engine repair persons on KZbin, Chicka. Analytical and thorough, you work your 'process'. Being easy on the eyes doesn't hurt either!

[@Chickanic]

Wow, thank you!

[@callumhepworth-smith6376]

@@Chickanic i agree from the UK 🙂

[@Garciaboy80]

I worked on small engines here in Southern Illinois for almost 30 years. I couldn't tell you how many times I've seen this happen. You run into some crazy stuff on occasion. Watching your vids are a treat my dear. Keep up the good work!

[@Chickanic]

Thank you!

[@c50ge]

Garciaboy80 Where are you located, I’m in Edwardsville,IL

[@fishingismydrug1]

@@c50ge Small World! Highland here.

[@samkaplitz9036]

Where can you buy these long torqs bits? T20 t25 t27 ....

[@mohanliyanage6297]

I was looking for a lightweight blower for my deck. kzbin.infoUgkxgioZQl3J5wPGAeDINzbieKbT5qomSEx3 There are some huge trees around my house and the leaves and pods drop all over my deck. Having to move furniture around to sweep has become too big a chore. This blower was the answer. It is light enough for this 70yr old lady and powerful enough to blow all the tree droppings off my rather large deck. Thank you B&D. Be aware the cord is not included. I use a 3 prong outdoor cord 25' cord for my 12' x 20' deck. The cord retainer works very well, but don't try to pass the plug through it. That is NOT how it works. You just have to loop the cord and it works great. One of my best purchases. Very happy.

[@hickorystx]

Great demo!! Always best to step away during a puzzling challenge. You got the job done and we all learned. Thanks for sharing the not so perfect we pride of small engine repair...😃

[@chainguneffect]

I just ran across your videos and must admit that they are very well filmed and everything is explained clearly. I work small engine stuff as well, here, north of Nashville, TN. Not professionally, but I always have projects such as a Kubota RTV500CI that I need to pull the engine from and figure out why the exhaust rocker bolt put a hole through its cover. At any rate, when I find someone that puts the time in to produce an informative and professional product, I have to say thanks.

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Always amazed that the mub daubbers get into everything.

[@scottrothe5947]

You are an awesome chick mechanic!! Thank you for caring enough about the rest of us who have these same issues. God bless you!! You have my respect!! Keep the videos coming!!

[@gregmaxfield4405]

I also have found spark arrestor issues previously but never a clogged muffler. I learn something new every time i watch your videos ! Love your work ! 🚜 😊

[@Chickanic]

Finally got your hat and shirt sent out this week. They said it could take two weeks to get there. Ugh...

[@gregmaxfield4405]

@@Chickanic Thank you ! I will look forward to receiving them. 🚜 😊 Over 31 thousand subscribers, you are really doing great work !

[@notajp]

My BIL had a muffler on a Stihl weed eater that was internally clogged with carbon. I used a propane torch directed into the inlet and outlet of the muffler to burn up the carbon, then ran it thru my ultrasonic cleaner to break it up. I then blew thru it with the air hose. Ran great after that.

[@pajamas17]

Thanks so much, I was also baffled after doing so much carb work. The muffler was the problem on my Hitachi leaf blower. Your videos are thorough and help so much

[@scottyellis3442]

I'm really glad I found your channel, you have saved me a bunch of money fixing my own equipment.

[@larrytomenga1312]

Got my first 2 cycle engine (chain saw) in retirement a few years ago. Now have four. You provide great information and it's recorded just _Perfectly_. Thanks so much!

[@-xDarkxGhostx-]

I watched this video like 3 times at double speed went into the shop this morning and fixed the blower in under 15 minutes. Great video thank you!

[@armyofshea7941]

Thank you! Only had this happen once to me, and was also stumped. Kept chasing the hard solutions before finally finding the simple answer. Mother Nature inspires, confounds and loves irony.

[@mikejerrett7354]

Great video on how you figured it out, never thought it would be a clogged exhaust. It ran awesome too 😎

[@samfusco8158]

Just found/stumbled on your channel. I enjoy the straight forward explanations and insight you give . Its a pleasure to see someone who takes pride in their work. You make us "tinkerers" feel good about themselves.

[@TheOldGuyPhil]

I was just ready to take drill bits to my carb! I have the same symptoms on a hedge trimmer that I store in a building with lots of mud daubers/ mud wasps. I am so excited to see if this is what has been causing the problems! Thank you for sharing this, and for the other great content on your channel.

[@jaydubya3133]

I've had similar experiences with spider webs in natural gas pilot lines and bird nests in chimney vent lines. I've also had customers complain about their oil pumps failing in air cooled 100 ton air cooled screw compressor chillers where the real problem was a head fan failure causing an increase in oil velocity due to decreased oil viscosity from temperature increase (exceeding curve values) when the CPU was equating a value based on pressure differential from an inlet vs outlet transducer value equaling zero flow when it was just hot oil flowing too fast. What goes in must come out, plain and simple. I love the video, keep it up!

[@tonykelpie]

I’ve had a lot of trouble with petrol mowers in the past. Solved by switching to electric. Your videos are great for persuading me never to think of switching back; lawn is only just over 100 sq meters

[@barkingspider4861]

Great video ! Many a time I have had to put the tool in a corner for a few days and came back with a fresh mind to find the problem and repair it.

[@jeffreycanipe1936]

Awesome lesson. I have seen this in some of the machines people have brought in that have been stored outside. It is amazing how this happened so quickly in this case. Thank you!!!

[@TheNortheastAl]

You are not going to believe this, but I went into my shed today to put a generator away and looked over at the Stihl BR350 and noticed mud on the top right bolt to the back cover. I then looked down and the exhaust port had mud in it. I took it out of the shed and cleaned off the mud wasp mud from the bolt then saw that the mud on the exhaust port had fallen off. Sure enough, the spark arrestor screen was in place and they couldn’t make a mud nest in there. Guess this problem is more common than I thought. Glad I saw this video yesterday. Thanks Chickanic.

[@Chickanic]

Thank you so much for letting me know! So glad I could help!

[@gregbabington4804]

You have giving me so much confidence to tackle some DIY projects.

[@terryjaye]

Thank you so much for this solution. A neighbour of mine has a post hole digger that is brand new after one season and would not run on anything but full choke. On your suggestion and after digging the mud daubers out of the muffler, it ran like a charm. You're awesome

[@josephmartin7673]

Love watching the channel. When I'm reinstalling a screw that goes into plastic, I bear in mind that the screw has already tapped the hole into the plastic. I use a hand driver and offer up the screw. To hit the tapped thread, with slight pressure I roll the screw counter clockwise until I feel the click. Now it's time to drive the screw home.

[@robertweaver1338]

Did exactly the same thing on a backpack blower . Tried couple of days thinking the fairy godmother would fix it. Then I found the mud dobbers work. Thank you for saving the day

[@nyee1]

Thank you very much! You fixed my BR600's recurring problem. I'm in Canada, and primarily have been using it to blow cold, dry snow, with only occasional warm weather use for dust and leaves. Once a year, it starts to stall after a dozen uses, and once a year, the certified dealer looks it over claiming my gas/oil mixture, cold air condensation, etc. And it works after their service and cleaning. Well, after your very well done video (esp the before clip confirming my same problem - starts but stalls after throttling up), I took the cover off and checked the exhaust port. The spark arrester screen was completely carbonized allowing no airflow, and the exhaust area also had build up. Cleaned it up, reassembled and fired it up. Damn, it throttles up like new! Thank you, thank you. And if it happens again, your implication about the arrester screen is point taken....and I'm mostly a winter user with no fire hazards around. All the best to you.

[@davidferguson9695]

I love seeing some of these older videos and then your newer ones and on how far you came. And the tools you use. Its awesome. Because of you and my passion for small engines im working towards starting my own small engine repair shop. And its nice to see what tools you use and things you have been through to give me ideas to check over. But not that long ago i was asking help from you and never did i even get a comment back or anything but just so you know i finally got the Endoscope that you love to use. It is amazing. I absolutely love it and i use it all the time. So i want to say thank you for everything you do and show us in your videos it has helped me out so much. Just wish you would right back some of you fans that is dedicated in your videos and business. Wish you well bre.

[@rodneythrockmorton1433]

You rock on this one. I had the same barely start issue. After watching your video, I pulled the muffler and the outlet was completely blocked with mud dobber mud. Runs like new now. Thanks

[@edwardmcbain5730]

Very good.Always double check the muffler.I learnded the hard way also.What I found on blowers and trimmers even though the screen was removed is a pest.Yellow jackets or wasps will build a mud nest inside in a very short time and choke the muffler.Not always the case of course but a good place to start.

[@michaelspencer301]

I just love your videos. You talk about what you have done or not done and what you will do and any and all mistakes you have made and what not to do. It's awesome ! It's a pleasure watching you work on these things. Look forward to each new video. I'm hooked. 👍👍

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Michael!

[@georgepullman5304]

I am so mad that I have looked for videos sooooomany times in the past on repairs for all the things you do, and just today this vid is randomly suggested. Super thrilled to find you and can't wait to start going through the library. Thanks in advance lol

[@JonesingForTools]

I have a Craftsman ws2200 weedeater that wouldn't throttle up or stay running, and I figured out the issue with it once I watched this video. My problem was the exhaust clogged up like your client's Stihl blower. You helped me look outside the box, and now it's fixed. Thank you, I also subscribed!

[@drsatay2210]

Have a Makita garden blower that I had given up on. Stripped and rebuilt the carb, reset coil clearance, changed fuel line and filter, then saw your video. Took exhaust off and blower fired first pull. Cleaned and refitted and blower works a treat. Thank you.

[@kevinbishop85]

So after watching this video i immediately dashed into my garage and took the muffler off... 3 months out of service fixed in 5 minutes THANK YOU!!!

[@williamhamersky9930]

Great video Chickanic! I had the same issue with the same Stihl blower but I had a TON of dried mud inside! So what i do now is, after I've finished using my backpack blower, mist blower, chainsaw or weedwhacker I put a little piece of bronze wool over the exhaust. Not steel wool, bronze wool (won't rust!) to prevent any further mud dauber entrances.

[@gregfisher216]

Great video , lots of good advice! I live in the south and know about dirt dobbers ! from the looks of the blower ,it looks like it was stored in a damp shed without a door ,maybe in the back yard. the rust on the muffler was a give away and dirt dobbers love old sheds !

[@markcoleman7502]

One thing I learned from being an outboard tech is on the screws use a driver to start them. Put the screw on the threads and turn it backwards until you feel it drop in the threads Then your good to go and no stripping 😎👍

[@bubba.watercraftj7269]

Agreed. Also on outboard and stern drive gear case large cover nuts.

[@luke46219]

I appreciate your inventory of tools before you start the work, it helps the viewer follow along!

[@patricknesbit2334]

Yup knew even before I watched. It is a Stihl thing. Yup if the exhaust is plugged in any way the back pressure is a killer. My fs 38 trimmer got a clogged arrestor and would not run properly. I took it out and it ran fine so I cleaned the arrestor. My father's Stihl hand blower had the same issue. Both were easy fixes. Our issue here in Washington state is mud wasps and Mason bees. Any opening is fair game to them. They gunk up outlets and cord ends. You are most welcome lovely lady! You teach us so many useful things 🐱! I hope you and yours are well and that you have a most excellent day 😊!

[@lisabeal845]

My sister from another mister. 😃 We became friends because of our love of Bulldogs. I love listening to her rock band Hooker Red, and her awesome gardening skills. Bre, you are an amazing all around natural, beautiful, talented, go getter. Always amazed and impressed. Much love. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Chickanic]

Awww! Ditto kiddo! You know I love everything about you! One of these days, I'm showing up! OR we're going somewhere together!

[@garyclifton2180]

Great watching you fix things

[@annamoo1090]

I bought a used pressure washer for $10. Bucks and it had the same issue of Mud Dobber Wasp that had clogged the interior with nest. Cleaned it out and cranked it up…saved myself almost $300. Dollars from buying new! Thanks Chicanick! - Anna

[@nathanwhite509]

I was working on an arctic cat 400 for a customer. For the life of me could not figure it out. It idled good and then died under throttle. Fuel flow was great, clean fuel, carb was freshly cleaned, good spark, everything checked out. Went to grab a tool and noticed something on the way back. Muffler was full of mud dobber dirt! Cleaned it out really well, thing fired up and ran great. Also had a can am ds90 I bought for cheap and was flipping. The spark arrestor was so clogged up that it wouldn’t move. Cleaned it up and it worked perfect. I always check mufflers and spark arrestor first thing! Love your videos keep it up👍🏻

[@lynneblais4760]

I love watching your videos. You’re a great mechanic. I’m a car and truck and coach mechanic and I’m learning so much from you. Thanks 😊😁👍

[@jrhendershot1936]

Thanks for making the videos and sharing with us some useful tips on troubleshooting and repair tips

[@kdcyyz]

I'm gonna stop calling it the spark arrestor screen. From here on it's the dirt dauber blocking screen.

[@Chickanic]

It for sure is!

[@TheNortheastAl]

I had proof of that today on my BR350.

[@notajp]

Seen it a few years back on an old Echo leaf blower. A real head scratcher……

[@tail66]

that was always the 1st thing checked

[@kingdiamondbanger]

Thanks... my stihl been sitting three years, off and on me trying to get it to run.. 15 minutes it took to do your fix. it's running like new. Thanks for sharing

[@dominicmogridge3920]

thank you kindly for sharing all your knowledge.I'm a structural digger and high rope access worker.I rig tents for music and arts festivals in the summer,up to 5I capacity,and work as a tree surgeon in the winter months.I do a lot of limited access tree work.taking them down in sections and strapping them to a steel Nasser to avoid roofs,greenhouses etc.using a husky 395xp,and a small parked brand saw,which for the 177 Euro it cost,has done me proud,and is very reliable.used to do landscaping and garden maintenance,and I knew the company as they make very good lawnmowers.so thanks again.it's good to share knowledge,and can strip down,then and maintain all my own equipment.no point in trekking into the woods without basic tool kit.off grid,and pretty much self sufficient.a hundred thousand blessings be upon you and yours.thankyou,and be lucky.dominic'maddog'mogridge.West cork,republic of Ireland X

[@99unclebob]

friend had the same issue with mud daubers in a car he was restoring and plugged up his intake manifold and i thought he was kidding until he text me the photos 2 minutes later, it was unreal how much was packed in there and he had to take off the intake and clean it out and took several hours to be sure, it was part of a $7000 short block he built a year earlier, cool video 👍

[@bjiggles8145]

Was getting a little frustrated with a BG 86 in my shop that seemed to do everything just fine except it was just "gutless" and wouldn't throttle up. Checked everything, messed with the carb, nothing was working. Started looking for ideas and you've helped me out in the past so this video came up. Finally realized (very big thanks to you) that none of the other equipment I work on has much in the way of spark arrestors, but these blowers that come in once every 7 months or so have that fine screen that goes into the muffler. Sure enough, I take it off and it was almost airtight. In hindsight it makes perfect sense and it's a simple thing to check and I just plain missed it. Gave the spark arrestor a good bath until it was a proper airflow friendly screen again and heeeeey, would you look at that... throttles up like a champ now. Love your videos and keep doing what you do.

[@thethinkingman9338]

I was also stumped with my blower not working, after watching your vid, I checked the one thing I had not checked ( the spark arrestor ) took it out, mine has a filter on it, chock a block full of carbon, without it in my Sthil BG 86C blower started first pull. Thank You!!

[@stausindeche9951]

Thank you for the demonstration...i've encountered such problems on husky lawn trimmers due to poor oil/petrol mixture. Kenya 🇰🇪 🇰🇪

[@nightriderrv1139]

You learned something dear, me being from the deep south i have seen this many times and yes it's got me more than once, it's how we all learn from experience there's no book that can teach hands on. You done good

[@PD-be7ln]

I have a BR550, this video was very helpful. I always burn the carbon off the spark arrestor when I service the machine, now I’ll take a closer look at the muffler.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

That would have stumped me also. Nice catch after a little time to think about it! 👍😉

[@robertpoore7604]

Seen this in Maryland a lot too. Just fix a Poulan blower the other day. Same problem. By the way I teach a small engine class at the local community college. I used your videos a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@johne.hilbert2046]

"Don't outsmart yourself" Mark Price- His words, a quote from the best/smartest mechanic I've ever known. And, i'm an ASE master certified auto mechanic.

[@roberekaram144]

You are truly , a gift to the industry!

[@user-nj6ok5xq9s]

Thank you, after days of work, you fixed my blower in just a few minutes.

[@patrickarmstrong427]

I've heard an expression for years, "If you hear hooves, think horses not zebra's". Thanks so much for the videos!

[@CentralNH]

About 6 years ago I figured out the easiest way to fix a Stihl....buy all ECHO been happy ever since 👍

[@ronaldtrevaskis6954]

Very good to find out the problem and yes got to take care of machinery

[@brianellisdaly11]

Thanks for the video. You reminded me not to make assumptions. I saw exhaust and assumed it was clear. lol It was not. It was just a dirty screen, but you made me go back to the basics again. On the mud dobber topic, I was asked to fix a jet ski lift once. It would hum but not go up or down. After taking the motor ends off, I found a mud dobber apartment complex!!! Compressed air for the win!

[@skiffmagnet2097]

Thank you for the advice, I will be more confident in my maintenance.

[@kennethperian4370]

Good job showing telling, I have no leaf blower but I watched your video about the weed eater thanks for showing the video. I purchased the blade that goes on the weed eater and it worked great. See you on the next video

[@wildefox1478]

Just found your channel and subbed, that was crazy dirt daubers got in there and clogged the muffler, whatever they can get into they will build a nest I guess! I am a small engine mechanic also, love working on them. I have a BR600 backpack blower which has the 4 mix I got a few years ago from a lawn care company for a steal because it needed a little work, just resealed the engine on it because it had poor idle, lack of throttle response and slow acceleration as long as I've had it but man resealing the engine made a huge difference, runs like brand new now.

[@jettercool]

That same thing is happening to my new Craftsman Chainsaw. It worked fine the first day and then it started acting up the next one. I`m gonna check for the same thing. Thanks for sharing

[@paintwham]

I had serviced my BR350 before the season started, blower was running fine one week, the next it wouldn’t start. found spark arrestor coated in mud. Thank you.

[@yzmaximus]

Thank you so much. Mine turned out to be the spark arrestor. I checked plug, mixed up a fresh batch of Leaded 110 Octane Racing Fuel mixed at 50:1 and checked filter with no change. Just got it together and it almost blew the foam insulation off the ceiling. I can finish the last batch of leaves for the season. Did have to fabricate a long Torx 27 for the bottom screw, but I have a Miller Dynasty TIG Welder in my garage.

[@agpawpaw5912]

I was really need someone like you to lorn things to fix. Thanks for your videos.

[@josephcaldaro4273]

Great job! I never knew that the muffler would prevent the blower from operating. Thank you for the advice. 15:30

[@kellismith4329]

Engine has to be able to exhale what it inhales

[@richardshook8645]

Thanks for the video! Great job.

[@haneyoakie14]

Who would have ever thought that the insects could mess up a blower? Great fix. You got the bugs out of that one. I have had Mickey & Minnie build nests under a mower engine blower housing, but would have never thought to check the muffler for mud.

[@Chickanic]

Yea, we charge a bit extra for dealing with rat nests. LOL!

[@haneyoakie14]

@@Chickanic I flipped a mower last year. Standard stuff, from auction needed oil change, new pull cord, blade sharpened, tank was dry and it ran great once fueled. Cut my yard with it, it did fine, sold it to someone who used it twice and called me and said it smoked and was a P.O.S. I offered him him money back, brought it home, and it smoked. Mickey n Minnie's nest was burning. The auction I frequently buy from is rural, and the items sit in the yard near a large grass field. Ever since then, I pull the housing & check. It happens a lot.

[@haneyoakie14]

Snow Blower undersides are a great rat nest opportunity for Ratatouille. I check all those now also. Ask me how I know.

[@alexgleason5773]

I had this with a 94rc strimmer just recently, complaint was running until warm then stalling. Immediately sonic cleaned carb and exhaust box, adjust idle and runs like a dream. I was taught exhaust and carb first for these types of problems ✌

[@jimwilliams4170]

You are one of the best and most informative channels on Utube. Please keep it up!

[@jackbelvie1564]

Hi thank you for your help I fixed one of my weedeaters watching your video. 👍

[@peepee365]

D Penrod I want to thank you for the spark arrester. The very next time I tried to use my weed eater it had no power. Guess what plugged spark arrester, you saved me a lot of money.

[@Chickanic]

That's what I love to hear!! Thanks so much for letting me know!

[@stevek4546]

Love your videos! I do want to add 1 thing, though. People should let their cold machines idle for about a minute before revving up to full throttle. This will extend the life of your small engines.

[@brnmcc01]

The mud dauber nest jammed the muffler bearings. After you cleaned it out, it ran great!

[@wpowerwagon]

Like most of the people that I helped, on/off switch was off, and no fuel in tank, and thanks again for your thoughts and great videos

[@scottsmith507]

Good job on diagnosing this one. I I've way north. Upper peninsula of Michigan and we have them here also. We call them mud daubbers and they will fill any cavity they can get to. Fun fact, they will kill a spider and put in cavity then lay single egg in cavity and seal with dirt or mud. Instant nutrition for larvae.

[@douglascampbell2232]

Very informative. Excellent video and info. Thanks!

[@cottydry]

Less then a teaspoon of dust blocked the muffler and resulted in enough back pressure to keep the engine from running? That's a tough nut to swallow but I won't argue. Love your videos!

[@leehuff2330]

Just wanted to say thank you. My Stihl SH-85 handheld blower had the same problem. Put new gas in it, and had the same issue. I removed the spark arrestor (threads in with a 15mm socket), and it runs better than it did brand new! I can SEE through the screen, but it still chokes it out as soon as I try threading it back in. I'm going to run it without for a while, until I burn the carbon out (there was no mud dauber nest in there), and get my hands on a new arrestor assembly.

[@JOEZEP54]

Good catch. I had this same problem with a snow blower that I picked up off crags list. Same as you it drove me crazy. Full view & dropping another .👍 Stay well, Joe Z

[@kelvinbridglal4879]

Very nice video, and great diagnostic. Learned something there. Keep up the good work.

[@buddyreed2623]

I imagine that might be the first thing you look at the next time the same symptoms show up. I did think near the end, at 14:55, that you might adjust the high and low screws since you had something that looked like that kind of tool. Thanks for the knowledge and Have Good Days!!

[@scubasteve3032]

Yep, this just happened to me. Great video, thanks!

[@badbob]

Love it. Very useful stuff. I would have installed a spark arrestor though.

[@LongBinh70]

Another tool for the mental toolbox. Thanks. You asked for questions, so here we go. I have an Echo pole saw I bought new decades ago. I went to do some work and ran into a problem I've never seen before. I fueled it up (VP 50:1) and after a few pulls got it to start while laying on the ground. I picked it up and reved it up, sounded good. Angled it up to the limb I needed to remove (tornado) and started to cut. Five to seven seconds into the cut it sputtered and died. Brought it down, and after a number of pulls it started again, reved up, ran great. Angled it up, started cutting, it sputtered and died. My first thought was fuel pickup, so I checked that. Seemed OK. Running out of ideas... Oh, not used very often. Thanks.

[@Techno_Nomadic]

Cracked fuel line. As soon as you moved it the weight of the pickup filter would have pulled on the line. If it's old enough, the gas will have stripped the plasticizers out making it brittle. While on the ground the crack is closed the fuel pump will fill the diaphragm on the carb. Soon as you move it, it sucks air and starves out. Fuel line is cheap, just can be a pain to thread back into the tank. Buy extra and cut a long, shallow wedge at the end so you can thread it into the hole far enough to grab it with forceps. If it has a primer, replace that line while you're at it.

[@Leonardokite]

Woohoo, I guessed an exhaust problem first thing. I was surprised when it "wasn't" but it made sense. Another plus for the spark arrestor....... Keeps critters out!!

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Time, money and frustration, three that we all want to spare. Thanks chickmechanic!

[@jimmymikecallahan8488]

Had a clogged muffler problem on my blower as well. Seems as if a mud Tauber decided it was the perfect place to build a home. Had me going around in circles also. Good vid

[@trichio]

It’s happens occasionally glad you got it up and running.

[@sundial6919]

Who woulda thought clogged w dirt dobbers ? 😅 felt sorry for the larva tho . Your intelligent hands on mechanical abilities makes it intersting 🌻