What backpack blower should I get

You threw me for a serious loop when talking about valve adjustments while running 2 cycle fuel. I had to Google your model and learned something new today. You say the plug was black... Any chance the rich condition caused the muffler to get partially blocked? I once picked up a chainsaw that idled and ran perfectly at partial throttle, then fell flat once I goosed it.

 

Well I think you learned me something too. I didn't put much thought into it until you commented. I've ran a br800 at my previous job and had no idea it had valves.

 

I've had the PB 770T for 4-5 years now. Runs like every echo I've owned. Excellent .

 

I can't see any sort of caps or blockers in the schematics. I'm guessing there is a proprietary driver that fits them for adjustment?

 

BTW, I have run the Makita a bit but not extensively. My first real blower so I cannot compare it to anything but itself. Seems eager to run and blows what seems to be good volume of air. Bit portly but they all are when you're not used to lugging a ruck around on your back. Acceptable sound level to run extended without ear protection.

 

I mount mine on the back of my garden tractor and use it from my seat. All the neck surgeries prevent me from wearing mine. Id rather wear it but my setup works good enough.

 

I regret going with Stihl on this blower. I'd trade it for an Echo and eat a couple hundred dollars if I could.

BTW I reached out to Stihl to check if it's still under warranty (it is, but it would be under the double warranty fuel program deal). Of course they didn't bother to respond.

Yeah the 4mix concept is fascinating.

It wasn't running rich enough to clog anything. Spark screen was completely clear.

Yay more proprietary crap. Happen to know if there is a aftermarket carb available for this unit? I think my plan of action right now is to try to find a new carb and see if that fixes my problems and if not I'll drive the two hours back to the dealer I bought it from and roll my dice with the warranty. Who knows, maybe they'll buy it back at a loss. Just really fuming at Stihl in general right now. I have had nothing but trouble with my Stihl chainsaw as well. I assumed a backpack blower, being essentially maintenance-free compared to a saw wouldn't be giving me troubles after barely being broken-in.

 

At a complete loss what do with this blower. I don't know where to get a carb for it. The dealer I bought it from doesn't like to answer their phone and Stihl corporate is total radio silence.

I think I am ready to eat a loss on this thing but I have no clue who to sell it to. Craigslist I guess?

 

FWIW I’ve had to set the valve clearance on at least two of the 4Mix machines that I own. It’s a simple procedure but since your blower is new I would take it back to the dealer and let them look at it. While there you can ask to watch the tech do the procedure and you would be able to do it yourself in the future. This is assuming that is the problem. Certainly hope you get this resolved to your satisfaction as it’s extremely aggravating to purchase a new piece of equipment and have problems right out of the gate!

 

I just bought a lightly used Shindiawa 910 a couple of weeks ago. No joke, I can feel the force of it wanting to push me backwards when I use it. Probably overkill for most of what I'm going to use it for but the power sure is nice to have.

 

Yeah my Stihl. When it worked. Did not do that. Absolute top of the line, biggest blower they make.

When it worked.

 

Stihl got back to me after just over two full weeks to let me know the unit is still under warranty through next year.

Finally had the time to drive the HOUR to the dealer I bought this thing from to drop it off for repairs.

They charged me a $30 deposit which I was quite vexxed about but what else am I going to do.

Saga continues...

 

A deposit for warranty work...whaaat?!

 

Yeah, that’s definitely some BS there…

 

As sad as it seems, unless you can work on them yourself all the dealers have us over a barrel.

My less than a year old Toro Timemaster needed a new carb to cure a surging issue. I purchased a new Scag 30” finish mower because it was equipped with something other than a B&S. I ran into a similar issue with a new 9.9 Yamaha kicker on my G3 boat. While the Yamaha didn’t need a new carb, throwing a fuel pump and a set of plugs VS bringing it to the dealership to “look at”. A whole day trailering to and from the dealership is way more than $100 I spent on figuring out it had an idle jet Welch plug/EPA adjustment.

The Toro I kinda took my time in the shop and made sure it wasn’t a valve adjustment, or a clogged fuel filter ect and settled on the carb. $70 and not having to deal with an incompetent dealer plus running back and forth to the dealer was yet again worth every penny.

Unfortunately for those who do not have the tools, expertise, ect often spend far more time ($$$) trying to get an issue resolved which just plain sucks.

 

The Stihl dealer has had my br800 for over a week now with no contact.

I can actually work on these myself. What I can't do is order a carb or pull up an exploded diagram or any number of normal tasks I should be able to do when buying the absolute top of the line machinery.