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10 Reasons a Troy-Bilt Leaf Blower Loses Power & Bog Down

When your leaf blower lacks the power you’re used to, you’ll notice it’s taking a lot longer to complete your project. I’ve put together a list to help identify the problem so you can get your leaf blower performing at its best.

A Troy-Bilt leaf blower loses power and bogs down when the engine isn’t getting sufficient fuel, air, or spark.

This can be caused by a plugged filter, clogged fuel line, faulty fuel tank vent, bad spark plug, plugged spark arrestor, or dirty carburetor.

Before working on your Troy-Bilt blower, make sure the engine is not hot and you follow all safety precautions to prevent injury. You can find these safety precautions listed in your operator’s manual. Don’t forget to remove the spark plug wire before making repairs.

Reasons a Troy-Bilt leaf blower loses power and bogs down:

  1. Old gasoline
  2. Plugged air filter
  3. Dirty spark plug
  4. Plugged fuel filter
  5. Clogged fuel line
  6. Plugged fuel tank vent
  7. Plugged spark arrestor
  8. Carbon buildup on the exhaust port
  9. Dirty carburetor
  10. Plugged cooling system
Troy-bilt leaf blower bogs down

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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

10 Reasons Your Troy-Bilt Leaf Blower Has No Power

1. Old Gas

Old fuel is likely a cause for your Troy-Bilt losing power.

Spending a little time to understand the right fuel to use in your Troy-Bilt blower and the negative effects using the wrong fuel can have on your blower will help you make the best decision for your fuel needs.

Negative effects of gasoline on your Troy-Bilt blower:

First, let me start off by explaining some of the negative effects gas can have on your Troy-Bilt blower. Most gas contains ethanol which is an alternative fuel added to gasoline to make it a little environmentally friendly.

Ethanol attracts moisture from the air. When this moisture collects in the fuel system, it can cause corrosion. Ethanol and water will leave behind varnish and gummy deposits that restrict fuel flow by clogging the fuel lines and carburetor.

Most people don’t realize that gas can go bad pretty quickly. It’s best to consume the amount of fuel you purchase within 30 days.

If you add a fuel stabilizer to your gas, your tank of fuel will last longer before breaking down.

Right Fuel to Use in Your Troy-Bilt Blower:

Troy-Bilt offers a lineup of 2-cycle and 4-cycle leaf blowers. These engine types have different fuel requirements.

  • Troy-Bilt 2-cycle leaf blower
    • Requires a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil mixed at a 40:1 ratio.
    • Use unleaded gas with a minimum 89 octane rating and maximum 10% ethanol content.
    • Mix with premium air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil.
  • Troy-Bilt 4-cycle leaf blowers
    • Requires straight gas. Do not mix gas and oil for these types of engines.
    • Use unleaded gas with a minimum 89 octane rating and maximum 10% ethanol content.
    • There will be a separate fill port for SAE 30 engine oil.

Never use gasoline with higher ethanol contents like those sold as E15, E30, and E85 fuels which contain up to 15%, 30%, and 85% ethanol respectively. This will damage your engine and likely void any warranty claims.

Read more information about Troy-bilt leaf blower fuel selection and care here.

SOLUTION: Drain the old fuel remaining in your leaf blower and fill it with fresh fuel. Add a fuel stabilizer like Sea Foam Motor Treatment to stabilize the fuel, reduce moisture and clean the fuel system.

2. Plugged Air Filter

When the air filter becomes plugged with the dirt and debris that gets tossed in the air from running a leaf blower, it will restrict airflow.

It may have so much dirt buildup that air isn’t able to pass through the filter at a sufficient rate causing your Troy-Bilt to lose power.

To prevent running into this problem, replace your air filter once a year and clean it several times throughout the lawn care season.

SOLUTION: If you find your Troy-Bilt air filter is plugged, I recommend replacing the filter. A filter is usually not very expensive. It is an important component when it comes to protecting the engine.

Troy-Bilt uses many different types and sizes of air filters depending on the model and type of leaf blower you use. An excessively dirty or damaged filter should be replaced. If you choose to clean your filter, follow these steps:

Clean a Troy-Bilt FOAM air filter

  • Remove the air filter.
  • Clean the filter using mild detergent and water. Remove as much dirt as possible.
  • Rinse until the water runs.
  • Squeeze excess water out of the filter and allow it to completely dry.
  • Apply SAE 30 engine oil to the filter so it is coated in oil. Squeeze the filter to remove excess oil.
  • Reinstall the filter.

Consult your operator’s manual if your leaf blower uses a different type of air filter.

3. Dirty Spark Plug

A fouled spark plug can cause your Troy-Bilt blower to lose power. A damaged spark plug or one that is dark in color due to being excessively dirty must be replaced.

If your spark is in good condition and a little dirty, remove the dirt using a wire brush.

I recommend replacing your spark plug annually to help minimize spark plug issues throughout the season. A spark plug is an inexpensive maintenance part. Without a good spark plug, you can run into power loss problems with your Troy-Bilt.

SOLUTION: Remove the spark plug and replace the plug when you find it is dirty or damaged. Make sure the new spark plug is gapped to the manufacturer’s specification.

Securely attach the spark plug wire (boot) so it makes a good connection. A loose wire can cause your blower to fail to start, stop running or lose power.

4. Plugged Fuel Filter

The purpose of the fuel filter on your Troy-Bilt blower is to screen the fuel as it enters the fuel line to prevent dirt and other debris from being introduced into the fuel system.

When the fuel filter isn’t changed out regularly, the filter can become plugged.

This will restrict the amount of fuel that is able to pass through the filter which can be the reason you begin to experience a loss of power when operating the blower. When the engine doesn’t get enough fuel, it will bog down.

SOLUTION: Replace a fuel filter that isn’t allowing gas to pass through it and into the fuel line. The fuel filter is located in the fuel tank. To get to the filter, first, wipe the area around the fuel cap to remove dirt and debris to prevent it from falling inside the tank.

Replace a Troy-Bilt leaf blower fuel filter:

  • Remove the cap.
  • Take note of the placement of the filter so you place the new filter in the same position.
  • Pull the fuel filter out of the fuel tank. A clean bent wire works well to retrieve the filter.
  • Once the filter is out of the tank, remove it from the fuel line.
  • Attach the new fuel filter by inserting the male end into the fuel line and making sure it is securely attached.
  • Place the fuel filter back inside the fuel tank.
  • Install the fuel cap.

5. Clogged Fuel Line

The fuel line can become restricted with gummy deposits left behind from using old fuel through your leaf blower.

Dirt could have also gotten into the fuel system causing blockages. This can prevent a good flow of fuel to the engine resulting in power loss.

SOLUTION: Inspect the fuel line looking for any clogs preventing fuel flow. Replace a fuel line that is clogged, kinked, or has developed cracks from age.

6. Plugged Fuel Tank Vent

The fuel tank must be vented to equalize the air pressure in the tank. When the vent is clogged on your Troy-Bilt, a vacuum will form and fuel will not be able to flow out of the tank. You will find the tank vent connected to the fuel line coming out of the fuel tank.

SOLUTION: If your Troy-Bilt blower begins to bog down and lose power, place it on a level surface. Loosen the fuel cap and allow your blower to run.

If your blower no longer runs sluggishly once the air is introduced to the fuel tank, you most likely have a plugged fuel tank vent.

Replace the fuel tank vent. The vent is most like built into the gas cap on a Troy-Bilt leaf blower so the gas cap needs to be replaced.

7. Plugged Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor is a small metal screen that prevents hot exhaust material from leaving the muffler and starting a fire. When this small screen becomes plugged, your Troy-Bilt blower may experience a loss of power where it won’t run at full RPMs.

SOLUTION: Disconnect the spark plug wire. Make sure your engine is not hot. Remove the engine cover and the engine exhaust cover. Carefully remove the spark arrestor screen. Clean the screen with a wire brush.

Install the clean screen, and attach the engine exhaust cover and engine cover. Reattach the spark plug wire.

If the screen isn’t able to be sufficiently cleaned or you find it is damaged or has a hole in it, replace it with a new spark arrestor screen.

8. Dirty Carburetor

The carburetor regulates the amount of fuel that is mixed with air to create combustion in the cylinder. Old fuel will gum up and clog the carburetor so it no longer functions properly.

SOLUTION: If you are a little mechanical you should be able to handle cleaning your carburetor. Clean the carburetor by taking it apart and using carburetor cleaner to clean it.

If the carburetor does not function after being cleaned, you may need to rebuild it or replace it with a new carburetor.

Depending on the model leaf blower you own, the age of the blower, and the price of the carburetor, it may be best to invest in a new leaf blower rather than put money towards replacing a carburetor on an old blower.

9. Plugged Cooling System

The small engine on the blower uses air to keep it cool. When it overheats, the engine can lose power and possibly damage it.

SOLUTION: Keep the cooling system clean by removing dirt and debris from the air intake, flywheel, cooling fins, and engine cover.

10. Carburetor Needs Adjustment

Troy-Bilt sets the carburetor settings at the factory to ensure the blower is getting the fuel-to-air mixture to run at its best.

The quality of fuel and high altitudes can affect the carburetor and the settings may need to be adjusted to get a good performance from the engine.

You will find 3 carburetor adjustment screws on your Troy-Bilt leaf blower. The idle speed screw may need to be adjusted to keep your blower running at idle speed.

Troy-Bilt does have some limits to the adjustments you can perform to the carburetor. Many models require a special tool Troy-Bilt certified mechanics have on hand to adjust the high-speed and low-speed screws.

SOLUTION: If you continue to have problems with the carburetor, bring your leaf blower to your local Troy-Bilt dealer for assistance with making necessary adjustments. Over-adjusting the carburetor can severely damage the leaf blower.

When to Have a Mechanic Repair Your Troy-Bilt Leaf Blower?

If you have checked the items listed above for your lack of power problem and this didn’t solve your problem, it is time to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair your Troy-Bilt leaf blower.

You may also not feel comfortable performing repairs on your blower. That is okay. That’s why there are small engine mechanics at your local Troy-Bilt service center to assist you.

Keep in mind the labor rate for the mechanic to diagnose your problem. There is typically a flat rate charge to diagnose the problem and then add labor and parts fees in addition to the fee to make the repairs.

This may not make sense if you are running an old inexpensive leaf blower that’s on its last leg. Keep this in mind so you don’t get surprised when you get a diagnostics bill for a leaf blower that may not be worth repairing.

Having your Troy-Bilt leaf blower repaired by a mechanic is a personal decision that only you can make. You have the weigh the reliability, quality, and age of your current leaf blower against the cost to repair it and the cost to purchase a new Troy-Bilt leaf blower.

Still Experiencing Problems with Your Troy-Bilt Leaf Blower?

If you’ve gone through the list above and continue to have problems with your blower, check out my guide for troubleshooting and repairing Troy-Bilt blower problems.

Here I provide charts with causes and solutions to the top common problems that develop in a leaf blower. You will find links that explain the issue and solutions in more detail.

To reduce the problems developing the blower and extend its life, perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning or replacing the air filter, replacing the fuel filter, replacing the sparking plug, and keeping it clean.