How to Start a Husqvarna Leaf Blower: Step-by-Step Guide

Start a Husqvarna leaf blower by priming the bulb 10 times, setting the choke closed for a cold start or half for a warm start, and setting the throttle to one-third. Place the blower on firm ground and pull the starter rope until it burps or starts. Move the choke to RUN as it warms, then let it idle for one minute.

Check Before You Start

Before starting your Husqvarna leaf blower, performing a few quick checks can save you time and frustration while extending the life of your equipment.

Inspect fuel level and quality

Always begin by checking your fuel level and quality. Poor fuel is one of the primary reasons leaf blowers fail to start properly. For optimal performance:

• Never use gas that is more than 30 days old as it can cause poor starting, higher fuel consumption, loss of power, and even sudden engine shutdowns
• Look for signs of separation, unusual smell, or darkened color in your fuel
• Empty the tank completely if your blower has been sitting unused for a long period

The quality of fuel directly affects how easily your husqvarna gas leaf blower starts and runs. Furthermore, contaminated fuel can clog filters and damage the fuel pump.

Check air filter and spark plug

A clean air filter is crucial for proper engine operation. You should:

Clean the air filter every 40 hours of operation, or more frequently in dusty conditions. Remove the air filter cover, take out the filter, and gently tap it to remove dust. For thorough cleaning, wash with mild soap and water, rinse well, and allow to dry completely before reinstalling.

Next, inspect your spark plug. A damaged or dirty spark plug is often why many struggle when starting husqvarna leaf blower units. Remove the spark plug boot, clean around the plug, and examine it for corrosion, black soot, or damage. If it’s just dirty, clean it with a wire brush; if damaged, replace it. When reinstalling, set the air gap at 0.025 inches using a feeler gage.

Ensure proper oil-fuel mix for 2-stroke engines

Husqvarna leaf blowers require a specific fuel-oil mixture to operate correctly:

Always mix fuel and oil at a 50:1 ratio (2%). This translates to 2.6 ounces of oil per gallon of gasoline. Using an incorrect mix can cause engine sputtering and poor starting.

For mixing, use a clean container specifically designed for fuel. First, add half the gasoline, then add all the oil, shake for 10-15 seconds, add the remaining gasoline, and shake again. This method ensures proper blending of the components.

Consequently, these pre-start checks help ensure your backpack blower starts smoothly and operates efficiently throughout your yard work session.

How to Start a Husqvarna Leaf Blower

Starting your Husqvarna leaf blower correctly ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your equipment. Follow these five simple steps for reliable results every time.

1. Press the primer bulb until fuel is visible

Located on the carburetor, the clear primer bulb needs to be pressed repeatedly (minimum 10 times) until fuel begins to fill the bulb. This process removes air from the fuel lines, making starting easier. The primer bulb doesn’t need to be completely filled. It works by drawing fuel through the filter, fuel lines and into the carburetor. A properly functioning bulb should compress easily and return to its original shape after each press.

2. Set the choke to the closed position

After priming, push the choke control to the closed position. On most Husqvarna models, this means moving the blue choke lever upward. The choke restricts airflow to the engine, creating a richer fuel mixture needed for cold starts. Remember that the choke is typically located beneath the air filter cover.

3. Adjust throttle to 1/3 open

Set the cruise control lever to fast idle position using the guide marks on the cruise control lever and operating handle. For most Husqvarna models, this means adjusting to approximately one-third open. This throttle position provides the optimal starting condition without flooding the engine with excess fuel.

4. Pull the starter cord firmly

Hold the body of the machine on the ground using your left hand (never use your foot!). Grip the starter handle and slowly pull out the cord with your right hand until you feel resistance. Once you feel this resistance, pull quickly and firmly. Never pull the starter rope to full extension or let go of the handle suddenly. Continue pulling the cord until the engine attempts to start, for a maximum of 6 attempts.

5. Open the choke gradually once engine starts

Once the engine attempts to start or begins running, move the choke control to the open position immediately. This allows proper air mixture for running. Pull the starter cord again quickly until the engine fully starts. After starting, let the engine idle for approximately 30 seconds to warm up properly before operation. This warm-up period is essential for proper engine function.

Following these steps should result in your Husqvarna backpack blower starting reliably. In case it doesn’t start after multiple attempts, allow the engine to rest for a few minutes prior to trying again.

Let the Engine Warm Up

Once your Husqvarna leaf blower’s engine has fired up, resist the temptation to immediately start working. The warm-up phase is essential for optimal performance and longevity.

Why warming up matters

Warming up prevents potential damage to your husqvarna gas leaf blower. A cold engine can experience “cold seizure” where the piston expands faster than the cylinder bore. This happens because internal components need time to reach proper operating temperatures. Additionally, allowing everything to heat up equally helps prevent uneven thermal expansion that could damage the engine.

How long to let it idle

According to Husqvarna’s official guidelines, let the engine run for 30 seconds so it warms up properly before operation. This recommendation applies to most backpack blower models. Nevertheless, some experienced users suggest 10-20 seconds for trimmers and backpack blowers, extending this time during colder weather. For professional lawn care providers using these machines daily, a brief 30-45 second warm-up on half choke is typically sufficient.

Signs the blower is ready for use

Your husqvarna leaf blower is ready for operation when:

• The engine maintains a steady idle without stalling
• The motor responds smoothly to throttle input
• The engine sound becomes consistent rather than fluctuating

After warming up correctly, your blower will deliver optimal performance throughout your yard work session.

Shutting Down and Storing Safely

Proper shutdown procedures for your Husqvarna leaf blower are just as crucial as starting techniques for maintaining equipment longevity and safety.

Move throttle to idle before stopping

After completing your yard work, avoid immediately shutting off your husqvarna gas leaf blower. Instead, move the throttle control to idle position first. This gradual reduction in engine speed helps cool internal components evenly, minimizing stress on the engine parts. Allow the engine to run at idle speed for 10-15 seconds to stabilize temperatures throughout the system.

Press the stop switch

Once the engine has idled briefly, locate the stop switch on your machine. For most Husqvarna models, simply push and hold the stop button until the engine completely shuts down. On some models, you’ll need to move the switch to the stop position. This action cuts off the ignition circuit, safely stopping the engine operation.

Empty fuel if storing for long periods

For storage exceeding 30 days, completely drain all fuel from your husqvarna backpack blower. This prevents formation of harmful varnish deposits in the fuel system. Moreover, emptying the tank can be done by simply pouring out the remaining fuel mixture. Subsequently, clean your blower thoroughly and perform full servicing before long-term storage. Additionally, store your equipment in a place protected from the elements. For battery-powered models, always remove the battery and store it separately.

Ultimately, these proper shutdown and storage procedures ensure your leaf blower starts easily next season and extends its overall lifespan.

Conclusion

Starting a Husqvarna leaf blower might seem challenging at first, especially when faced with frustrating false starts or stalling issues. However, this comprehensive guide provides all the necessary steps to confidently operate your equipment without hassle.

Proper preparation stands as the foundation for successful operation. Checking fuel quality, ensuring clean air filters, maintaining spark plugs, and mixing the correct fuel-oil ratio significantly impact your blower’s performance and longevity. These simple checks prevent most common starting problems before they occur.

Following the correct starting sequence makes all the difference. Remember to press the primer bulb until fuel flows, set the choke appropriately, adjust the throttle position, pull the starter cord correctly, and gradually open the choke once the engine attempts to start. Additionally, allowing your engine to warm up properly protects internal components and ensures optimal performance throughout your yard work.