How to Change the Oil in a Craftsman Leaf Blower

This article will explain to you how to mix oil and gas for a Craftsman (or any other standard leafblower), as an actual "Oil Change" is not possible or necessary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gas can
• 2-cycle or 4-cycle oil additive (depending on what type of blower you have)
• Measuring cup (if one isnt supplied with the oil, or the oil doesnt have a measuring guage on the side)

1. First, refer to the manual to find out what the ratio for gas to oil is for your blower, this is sometimes found on the gas cap, it would be displayed like 50:1, this is the typical mix ratio for leaf blowers.
2. Next check the oil bottle for its mixing instructions, you should make 1gallon or more of gas/oil mix at a time, to get a more accurate mix. if you have the small bottle of oil, it will most likely be the whole bottle for 1 gallon of gas at 50:1 ratio.
3. Once you have your oil measured out for your gallon of gas, put the oil in your gas can FIRST, followed by the gas as to ease in the mixing process. Once you have mixed well, you are all done, put the gas & oil mix in your blower and start cleaning up your yard!

Tips & Warnings

• In 2-cycle and 4-cycle motors, there isnt an actual "changing" of the oil, it is in with the gas, and the whole solution runs through the motor to lubricate, cool, and clean before it is burned off in the cylinder to create power.
• Your blower will most likely smoke just a bit, especially when first started, if it smokes alot, you have to much oil in your gas mix, this can gum up your valves and cause them to stick, and for the blower to constantly bog down and want to cut off. However if you dont put enough oil in your gas, it wont smoke, and could possibly lock the motor up due to lack of lubrication.
• Double check your measurements before mixing as to not damage your equipment.