Sthil leaf blower

[EXKAY120]

Hi all, i've got a Sthil leaf blower, runs on 2 stroke, had it a couple of years now,its a brilliant machine, not cheap but the best apparantly......

The thing is....I'm having a Problem with it, every 6 or so months it wont start / run, so i have to take it in to be repaired, it seems theres a rubber fuel feed tube that goes "squashy" / pouress and needs replacing due to it sitting in the diesel fuel, just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, its cost me over a 100 quid for repairs and i'm thinking maybe i should give up with it and buy a new one ??
Thanks for your help in advance........

[Cheib]

I’ve had mine 10 years, never had a problem. I use Stihl Motomix fuel in it which isn’t cheap but as the guy that services my garden machinery said it’s the best fuel for machines that aren’t used regularly.

- I assume “diesel” was a typo

[Wildfire]

Not got the leaf blower, but an older combi-tool that came with our house. I replaced the hoses with ethanol resistant ones. But my neighbour has just replaced his Sthil blower with the battery one and it's really good and no 115dB noise going either.

[GliderRider]

Alkylate fuels have been developed to be more stable (long lasting) than conventional petrol for small two stroke applications. Although eyewateringly expensive, if you are only using small quantities and it avoids the need for expensive servicing, it could be worth a look. Aspen is probably the best known brand.

[Magooagain]

I run five different sthil machines. Local 95 petrol with cheap two stroke oil and mix my own. Two off the machines are over 20 years old. Never any fuel problems. They all get used a lot and hard. Maybe it’s the best way.

[EXKAY120]

Ok thanks for your replies guys...appreciate it

[silentbrown]

Isn't the answer to use super unleaded rather than E10 fuel?

I think E10 somehow clogs the pickup filters. Changing the filter is straightforward - even replacing the entire lines is an easy DIY job, and the parts are cheap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Briny-River-Connector-Com...

[Cheib]

Stihl Motomi is ethanol free. Obv much more expensive than pump fuel….

[Chumley.mouse]

Just run it out of fuel if your going to leave it for any length of time or just learn to fix it yourself ? You know the cause and it cant be that hard to change a rubber tube.

[CrgT16]

In my still machines I use E5 petrol but most importantly the sthill oil to make the mix. 10years of trouble free chainsaw, brush cutter , hedge trimmer. Never serviced any of them apart from replacing air filter on brush cutter once. Amazing gear.

[CrgT16]

The “professional” advice from where I bought the machines was to use the sthill oil and good fuel and just give it the beans. They prefer full throttle than partial and when asked about servicing he just said don’t bother just bring them in when they stop working. 10years so far…

[GliderRider]

silentbrown said:

Isn't the answer to use super unleaded rather than E10 fuel?

I think E10 somehow clogs the pickup filters. Changing the filter is straightforward - even replacing the entire lines is an easy DIY job, and the parts are cheap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Briny-River-Connector-Com...

Its probably a case that the ethanol in the E10 fuel is either washing plasticisers out of the synthetic rubber hoses or softening and loosening congealed oil. In either case causing it block the filter when it gets there.

[FlopperV60]

Another one here using super unleaded petrol and always Sthil's own oil, the E10 doesn't seem to do them any favours especially when laid up in the off season.

These little shots into 5Ltr of super unleaded and off you go, nice and simple:

[DonkeyApple]

Mine is now over 20 years old. Never worried about fuel or oil type as it doesn't get excessive use and is stored in a temperature and moisture stable environment. Like with all 2 strokes, I tip the unused fuel back into the can and then run it until dry.

If they were being stored in something like a shed that sweated then I'd just switch to using Aspen but to be honest, if they're only fuelled when being used it really doesn't matter.

And it does sound as if your problem stems from leaving the fuel in the machine, so easily resolved.

[netherfield]

If you do to the expense of replacement, then seriously think Battery power.

I've recently bought a Hedge Trimmer and a strimmer by Stihl, uses the same battery, so quiet, lightweight, no messing with mixing fuel.

[CharlesElliott]

I use Aspen fuel in garden equipment. Stops all the issues I previously had when leaving them over winter or summer.

[Metric Max]

I have a number of two stroke garden machines. They don't like being stored with E10 fuel in them, as it evaporates in the very small drillings in the carburettor and forms a silicone like substance. I was told by the local garden machinery workshop manager that there is nothing that will remove it, a new carb is required.
I now use Ethanol Shield, adding it to the fuel can from which the machines are filled, obviously still need to add two stroke oil, I only use E5 petrol
https://www.toolstation.com/b3c-ethanol-shield-fue...

The machines run fine on this but I still don't leave it in them for a prolonged period. I empty the tank at the end of use and put in a small amount of Aspen fuel (two stroke). Run the machine for a minute and turn it off. I think to leave this in the carb is better for the fibre flappers in the carb than leaving it dry
On the next usage start it with the Aspen fuel, run for a minute or so then fill it with treated ptrol as above.
The Aspen fuel is expensive at about £25 for 5 litres but a can lasts me over a year, premium E5 is more expensive than cheap E10 but in the course of a year how much does that amount to?
I figure using these methods of preferable than having a heart attack trying to start the thing