Starting a Stihl blower can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get your Stihl blower up and running. Before starting, always refer to the user manual specific to your Stihl blower model for any special instructions or safety precautions.
Step 1: Safety First
Ensure you have the proper safety gear, like gloves and eye protection, before starting the blower. Clear the area around you to make sure there is nothing that might get caught in the blower.
Step 2: Check the Fuel
Make sure your blower has the right mix of fuel in its tank. Stihl blowers typically run on a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke engine oil. The common ratio is 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil, but check your user manual to be certain.
Step 3: Cold Start Procedure
If you’re starting the blower from cold:
- Move the master control lever to the cold start position.
- If your model has a purge pump bulb (priming bulb), press it several times until you can see fuel in the bulb.
- Set the choke to the closed position if required.
Step 4: Starting the Blower
Follow these steps to start the engine:
- Hold the blower steady on the ground with one hand on the handle and one foot on the base to secure it.
- Pull the starter rope sharply until you hear the first ‘burble.’ Do not pull the starter rope all the way out; a strong, brisk pull should be enough.
- When it ‘burbles,’ push the choke back into the open position, indicating the engine has fired.
- Continue to pull the starter rope until the engine runs. Do not pull the starter rope more than three or four times in the choke position as this could flood the engine.
- If the engine doesn’t start, move the master control lever back to the start position and pull the starter rope again.
Step 5: Warm Start Procedure
If the engine is already warm but has been turned off:
- Set the master control lever to the warm start position.
- Hold the blower steady as before and pull the starter rope. You do not need to use the choke since the engine is already warm.
- The engine should start with one or two pulls.
Step 6: Let the Engine Warm Up
Before you begin using the blower for work, let it idle for a few minutes to warm up. This ensures the engine is running smoothly and is ready for operation.
Step 7: Using the Blower
After the warm-up, you can begin using the blower. Adjust the throttle to control the airspeed according to your clearing needs. Always be mindful of your surroundings and operate the blower safely.
Conclusion
If your Stihl blower does not start after following these steps, refer to the troubleshooting section of your user manual or take the blower to a professional for service. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning of the air filter and spark plug, helps ensure a long life and easy start-up for your Stihl blower.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter difficulties, here are a few things to check:
- Is there a spark at the plug? Remove the spark plug and check its condition.
- Is the air filter clogged? Clean or replace it as necessary.
- Is the fuel fresh and mixed correctly? Stale or improperly mixed fuel can cause start-up problems.
- Check for any visible signs of damage or wear that could be affecting the blower’s performance.
Once you resolve these issues, your Stihl blower should start without a problem.