How to Troubleshoot a Craftsman Blower

Craftsman blowers are designed to help make short work of removing leaves, sticks and other yard debris from a lawn. Available in both hand-held and backpack models. Home owners use Craftsman blowers to maintain all sizes of properties. Periodically there can be issues with a Craftsman blower that prevent normal operation. Troubleshooting the blower will help identify and correct operating issues and save potentially costly repair bills.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• 1-gallon fuel container
• 40:1 ratio 2-cycle engine oil
• 1 gallon unleaded gasoline
• Dish washing detergent
• Water
• Replacement air filter
• Spark plug wrench
• Replacement Champion RDJ8J spark plug

Instructions

1. Remove the cap on the fuel tank and pour any remaining old fuel into a container.

2. Mix new fuel in a 1-gallon fuel container. Pour 1/2 gallon of unleaded gasoline into the container. Add 3.2 oz. of 40:1 ratio 2-cycle engine oil to the gas in the container. Shake the container to mix the fuel and gas. Add another 1/2 gallon of unleaded gasoline to the gas and oil mix in the container. Fill the fuel tank of the Craftsman blower with the 2-cycle oil and gas mixture.

3. Start the blower following normal starting procedures. Move the shut off switch, located on the handle or body of the blower based on model, to the "on" position. Set the choke to "full" and push the primer bulb 10 times.

4. Pull the starting cord until the engine attempts to start or up to five times. Set the choke to the middle position or "half choke" position. Pull the cord two or three more times until the blower starts. Set the choke to "run" and allow the blower to warm up for 30 to 60 seconds before accelerating with the throttle trigger.

5. Access the air filter by opening the cover of the air filter. Turn the retaining screw to the left to loosen and open the cover. Remove the air filter from the housing and wash under running water with dish washing detergent. Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water, squeeze out excess water and allow to dry before putting it back into the air filter housing.

6. Pull the spark plug wire from the tip of the spark plug. Place a spark plug wrench over the plug, turn to the left to loosen and remove the spark plug from the blower. Install a new Champion RDJ8J spark plug in the blower and tighten securely with the spark plug wrench.

References

• Lawn and Garden Manuals Online: Craftsman Blower Manual