# Leaf blower problem

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaf-blower-problem/351628>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 6, 2006, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaf-blower-problem/351628 "2006-04-06T21:20:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2006, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaf-blower-problem/351628/1 "2006-04-06T21:20:33Z")

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I used my leaf blower yesterday, and it was fine.

Today, I turned it on, it went on for a few seconds, then went off. At first I couldn’t restart it, but after waiting a few minutes it would start, but again only for a few seconds. I waited a few minutes again, and the same thing happened. The electrical circuit is ok, and it’s not blowing a fuse.

What could be the problem, and is it easily (and cheaply) fixed?

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**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2006, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaf-blower-problem/351628/2 "2006-04-06T21:49:22Z")

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Try another extension cord to rule that out. If that’s not it, flex the cable from the male cord cap of the blower right where the molded plug ends and where the cable enters the blower housing-two spots where an internal conductor break isn’t uncommon. Will it continue to run if you wiggle the power switch in the on position? If so, a replacement switch may fix it-beyond that it’s an internal problem, such as motor brushes or holders. Good luck

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**Author:** ![Rhubarb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/59ef9b/32.png) [@Rhubarb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhubarb)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2006, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaf-blower-problem/351628/3 "2006-04-06T23:43:21Z")

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It sounds as if the motor is overheating and shutting off on an internal overload. This could be caused by the motor bearings wearing out, something rubbing against the impeller or shaft causing a high load or something blocking proper airflow to the motor. If it’s the bearings, you’re out of luck. They are not designed to be replaced or relubricated. For the other two cases, a thorough dis-assembly and cleaning can fix it.

Also, what **danceswithcats** suggests is good advice.