Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Leaf Blower engine wont start, piston damage, wd 40

Question
QUESTION: I just replaced the impeller on my weed eater leaf blower. The impeller was rusted to the shaft so after 2 days of WD-40 with the blower upside down and pulling and tapping on the shaft with a hammer to try to break it free it finally came loose. I Replaced the impeller and put it back together and now it won't start at all. Before it worked great.

ANSWER: Hello Gary:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Unit, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Is the Plug Firing? Will the Engine Start and Quit if you Use Starter Fluid or Pour a Small Amount of Fuel Mix Into the Carburetor Throat and Try to Start the Unit? Thanks.

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John,

Thanks for getting back to me so fast. It is a Weed Eater Featherlite FLI500i. I have tried everything. The unit will not even begin to fire. I've put fuel in the carb. No results. It's like it is dead. Before it started on the 2nd pull every time. I have spark. Thanks for any help.

Gary

Answer
Hello Again Gary:

Check the Flywheel/Impeller Key. Depending on How you Held the Shaft to Keep it from Turning when you Replaced the Impeller, you May have Damaged the Flywheel Key. The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for Removing the Flywheel and Replacing the Flywheel/Flywheel Key.  Remove the Cover that Houses the Starter Assembly. Remove the Spark Plug and Use a Bolt the Same Diameter and Threads as the Spark Plug and About 3" Long. Thread the Bolt into the Spark Plug Hole Until it Engages the Piston. Slowly Tighten the Bolt Until you have Locked the Piston and it Does Not Move. **BE CAREFUL A LOT OF TORQUE IS NOT REQUIRED PISTON DAMAGE CAN OCCUR IF TO MUCH TORQUE IS USED ON THE STOP BOLT** Now **Remove the Flywheel Nut. Use a 3 Jaw Puller and Attach the Puller to the Flywheel. Look for a Puller with Flat Jaws. These Slide Under the Flywheel and Allow for Easier Removal. Tighten the Puller and then Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Tighten and Hit Again Until the Flywheel is Loose and Can be Removed from the Crankshaft. Note the Key that Aligns the Flywheel to the Crankshaft. This Key is Most Likely Sheared or Bent and Causing the Plug to Fire Slightly Out of Time and Causing a Compression Lock. There is Not Enough Compression to Kick Back But Enough to Cause the Engine to Seem to Have High Compression or it May Seem to have Low Compression and Not Backfire at All. Some of the Newer Units have the Flywheel Key as a Part of the Flywheel and the Complete Flywheel has to be Replaced.** You May have Knocked Carbon Loose and it has Clogged the Exhaust Port and/or Muffler. If you have Compression, Fuel and Fire, then Usually the Plug is Firing Out of Time with the Piston During the Compression/Power Stroke and the Engine Cannot Run. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John