Why is my Shindawa leaf blower hard starting?

Kyle_in_Tex · Apr 22, 2018

Coyote machine said:
Nada. It's NOT the fuel mix or the plug. It IS the in tank filter. Go to your local chainsaw/mower guy and get a Echo kit for your Shindawa model #. The in-tank filter is of two flow capacities normal and high. I have one, a Shindawa and am about to install it soon. It's only 47f here- highest temp in days.
Most ALL chainsaws, weed eaters and Back-pak blowers have these primary fuel filters, and they clog up, like any other filter over time. Change it and go...
Report back results.

Yep. A Shindaiwa dealer should have the kits in stock.

Shindaiwas are the good sheet man.

Paddy · Apr 23, 2018

If it has a spark arester on the exhaust, they get clogged.

sixdogs · Apr 23, 2018

Well, I changed the fuel filter and it's not that. No change in starting but the filter was pretty nasty.

Next try for me is the spark plug and fuel mix. I could see the plug being an issue so I'm going to research what it takes and what the prior and following models took for plugs. Then I'll get another NGK plug and possibly an "easy start" Champion plug or something like that. I could also see the fuel mix being an issue since oil residue on the plug could make it start hard. I'll let you know.

EDIT--In searching spark plug and hard starting, I discovered that a purge bulb (primer bulb) is the issue in 58% of the cases. So that's on the list.

ruffdog · Apr 23, 2018

As units age, the diaphragms in the carb may be getting a bit stiff so they don't pump the fuel or meter the fuel. A crankcase leak would soften the pulses needed to operate the carb fuel pump too. A vacuum leak would also make the unit hard to start so a pressure/vacuum test should be done. The heat range of plugs only make a difference during operating temps, not starting. A hotter plug has a longer path for the heat to travel to the body of the plug, so the insulator tip stays hotter. No difference on start-up.

Kyle_in_Tex · Apr 24, 2018

sixdogs said:
Well, I changed the fuel filter and it's not that. No change in starting but the filter was pretty nasty.

Next try for me is the spark plug and fuel mix. I could see the plug being an issue so I'm going to research what it takes and what the prior and following models took for plugs. Then I'll get another NGK plug and possibly an "easy start" Champion plug or something like that. I could also see the fuel mix being an issue since oil residue on the plug could make it start hard. I'll let you know.

EDIT--In searching spark plug and hard starting, I discovered that a purge bulb (primer bulb) is the issue in 58% of the cases. So that's on the list.

purge valve comes in the kit we mentioned. And a new fuel line and filter.

Coyote machine · Apr 24, 2018

Here's my updated theory. When troubleshooting it helps to start at the beginning. For instance, where the fuel goes: Tank, then in tank filter, then through the carb, for metering, and to the spark where the timing is taking place to ignite and then continuing the cycle. I suspect your never changed in tank filter got to the point it could no longer do it's job and was passing less fuel than the carb needed, because it was probably clogged beyond use. This could have been happening for some time, along with some of the crap in the filter bypassing it and getting into the carb. Either way, you now have a new filter you needed.

You may need to again change the plug to get one that is not fouled by 'bad' fuel from the tank.
AND it may come to the point, as has been suggested, that a carb replacement is going to be necessary.

BUT, before doing anything else a pressure and vacuum test(s) should be done to make sure you don't have some of the conditions already mentioned by others. Stuck ring(s), scored piston, carbon buildup, etc.

And yes, the primer bulb could be 'dead', causing problems with starting.

So, considering all the possibilities, I'd probably get a kit for your model, replace everything that comes in the kit, bulb, plug, fuel line, and see where you're at. If no change, you're likely looking at a carb or there is some damage to the engine components. Pressure/vacuum tests can determine if that is the case or if there is a leak throwing off the mixture enough to screw up starting/running.

RNeumann · Apr 24, 2018

sixdogs said:
Well, I changed the fuel filter and it's not that. No change in starting but the filter was pretty nasty.

Next try for me is the spark plug and fuel mix. I could see the plug being an issue so I'm going to research what it takes and what the prior and following models took for plugs. Then I'll get another NGK plug and possibly an "easy start" Champion plug or something like that. I could also see the fuel mix being an issue since oil residue on the plug could make it start hard. I'll let you know.

EDIT--In searching spark plug and hard starting, I discovered that a purge bulb (primer bulb) is the issue in 58% of the cases. So that's on the list.

I haven’t worked on a Shin. in years. I don’t recall them having a purge bulb. But if the newer ones do (like a lot of Echos) you will need to pump/push that in a few times to get fuel up to the carb. This would be done before the first pull.

I had a hard time believing it was a filter and I’m not ready to accept that the carb, or exhaust, or piston needs rebuilt because it takes a few extra pulls to start when it’s cold.

Start with some new fuel at the proper mix and keep it running for a few min. If you have a favorite carb clear give it a few squirts while it’s running at WOT- that may help.

sixdogs · Apr 24, 2018

OK, am evolving my thinking as well and appreciate the feedback. I use non ethanol Stabil treated fuel and always run it out when storing. There were a few times in the early days when I didn't but that was long ago. I don't think it was the fuel filter either. Buying a "kit" with the filter, lines, purge things is not easily done on a local level because I can't find the parts--just generic things. I'll have to buy internet. I suspect the problem is fuel, carb or plug related because they are the most obvious but want to keep it simple for now.