STIHL BR350 Backpack Leaf Blower Won't Rev-Up! Step By Step Repair With Donyboy73
Howto & Style
Introduction
Welcome back to my small engine repair channel! Today, we’ll be tackling an issue with the STIHL BR350 leaf blower that is bogging down when attempting to throttle up. I’ll walk you through starting the machine, demonstrating the issue, and finally showing you how to resolve it.
Understanding the Issue
Let's start by kicking off the blower. [Insert sound of engine starting]. As you can hear, the blower isn't revving properly; it's bogging down when I throttle up. This is a common issue, so let's dive into the first thing we need to check: the muffler spark arrester.
Checking the Muffler Spark Arrester
On the BR350, the spark arrester isn't as easily accessible as in some other STIHL models. To access it properly and avoid losing screws, I will remove the entire cover.
Tools Required
- T27 Torx screwdriver
- Propane torch
- T20 Torx screwdriver
- Wire brush or bench grinder
Steps to Remove the Muffler Spark Arrester
- Start by removing the recoil to access the muffler cover.
- Take out the screws using your T27 Torx bit.
- Carefully remove the cover, and be mindful of the screws that hold the spark arrester.
Once you have the cover removed, locate the spark arrester. It’s held in place by two screws, which you’ll need a T20 Torx screwdriver to remove.
Cleaning the Spark Arrester
After you've removed the spark arrester, you’ll likely find it plugged. To clean it:
- Use a propane torch to burn off the carbon buildup. Heat it until red for about 10-20 seconds, allowing the carbon to incinerate.
- Let it cool and then run it through a wire wheel on a bench grinder for a thorough clean. If you don’t have a grinder, a manual wire brush will also work.
Reassembly
Once you’ve cleaned the spark arrester, put it back in place with the T20 screws. Make sure the rubber part of the cover fits over the attachment on the muffler before reattaching the cover and recoil.
Use an impact tool for a low setting to start the screws and finish tightening them by hand.
Testing the Repair
Now, let’s start it up to see if we've resolved the bogging issue. [Insert sound of engine starting]. Great! The issue seems to be resolved!
Adjusting the Carburetor
If cleaning the muffler didn't solve the problem, the next step would be adjusting the carburetor's high and low (H&L) screws. You can do this by:
- Turning out the H screw in incremental turns (about 1/4 turn at a time) to provide more fuel.
- Ensuring that adjustments are made at wide-open throttle for the H screw.
A regular flat screwdriver will suffice for this task. Note that there may be screw limiters but you can still turn through resistance.
If, after all these adjustments, you're still experiencing issues with bogging, it may be time to consider replacing the carburetor.
Conclusion
I hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful! These repairs and adjustments are all actions you can take yourself, including adjusting the carburetor. Remember, if the blower is bogging down, turning out the screws will typically fix the problem.
Thanks for watching! Have a great day, and see you next time.
Keyword
STIHL BR350, leaf blower, bogging, muffler spark arrester, cleaning, carburetor adjustment, T27 Torx screwdriver, T20 Torx screwdriver, propane torch, wire brush.
FAQ
Q: What causes a STIHL BR350 leaf blower to bog down?
A: The most common cause of bogging is a clogged spark arrester in the muffler, but it can also be due to issues with the carburetor or fuel starvation.
Q: How do I clean the spark arrester?
A: You can use a propane torch to burn off carbon buildup and then clean it with a wire wheel or wire brush.
Q: What tools do I need for this repair?
A: You will need a T27 and T20 Torx screwdriver, a propane torch, and a wire brush or bench grinder for cleaning.
Q: What if cleaning the spark arrester doesn't fix the bogging?
A: If the problem persists, you may need to adjust the high and low screws on the carburetor or consider replacing the carburetor itself.
Q: Can I adjust the carburetor myself?
A: Yes, adjusting the carburetor is a DIY task that can be done with a small flat screwdriver, but make sure to proceed cautiously as there are limiters on the screws.