Changing Fuel Filter On Stihl Bg55: Step-By-Step Guide

The Stihl BG55 handheld blower is designed for light-duty blowing jobs and is generally easy to use and reliable. However, operating issues can still occur, and you may need to replace the fuel filter. To do this, you'll need to remove the top of the fuel tank and pour out any old fuel. Then, using long needle-nose pliers, remove the fuel pick-up body and fuel line from the tank. Replace the pick-up body with a new one, and push the fuel line and new pick-up body back into the tank.

Removing the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Stihl BG55, first place the blower on a flat and stable surface. Remove the top from the fuel tank and pour any old fuel into a disposable container.

The fuel filter hose is located inside the tank. You can use long needle-nose pliers to fish it out. The filter is weighted, so gravity will help bring it towards the filler cap opening. Pinch the tube/filter with the pliers to ease it out. Alternatively, a bent clothes hanger could work as a hook.

If your fuel tank is clear of debris, you can clean out the filter. However, if your blower is older, consider replacing the fuel hose as these can become brittle and crack with age.

Cleaning the fuel filter

To clean the fuel filter of your Stihl BG55 handheld blower, first place the blower on a flat and stable work surface. Then, remove the top from the fuel tank and pour any old fuel into a disposable container.

Next, you'll need to reach into the fuel tank and pull out the fuel pick-up body and fuel line. Once you have these out, separate the fuel pick-up body from the fuel line. Now, you can clean the fuel filter.

Using long needle-nose pliers, you can pinch the tube/filter and ease it out. The filter is weighted, so gravity will help you get it towards the filler cap opening. Alternatively, a bent clothes hanger could work as a hook.

If your fuel tank is clear of debris, you can clean out the filter. However, if it is clogged or dirty, it may be best to replace it.

Once the filter is clean, push the fuel line and new pick-up body back into the tank.

Replacing the fuel filter

To replace the fuel filter on a Stihl BG55 handheld blower, first place the blower on a flat and stable work surface. Remove the top from the fuel tank and pour any old fuel into a disposable container.

Reach into the fuel tank and pull out the fuel pick-up body and fuel line. Separate the pick-up body from the fuel line and replace it with a new one. Push the new pick-up body and the fuel line back into the tank.

Now, take an empty fuel container and add 2.6 ounces of 50-to-1 two-cycle engine oil and 1 cup of recently purchased gasoline. Shake the container to mix the oil and gasoline, then add more gasoline to the 1-gallon mark.

Pour this new mixture into the fuel tank of the blower and secure the tank top.

Finally, locate the spark plug and remove it with a spark-plug wrench, turning it counterclockwise. Inspect the plug for any cracks or scoring, and either clean it with a brush or obtain a replacement. Thread the plug back into place and snug it with the wrench.

Adjusting the idle screw

Step 1: Understand the Screws

Before you begin, it's important to identify the different screws on your carburetor. The high-speed screw (H) is the one closest to the air filter, while the low-speed screw (L) is closest to the cylinder or motor. The idle speed screw (LA) is also crucial for adjusting the idle.

Step 2: Start with the Standard Setting

Refer to the standard setting for your Stihl BG55 blower, as provided in the instruction manual. This will give you a baseline to work from.

Step 3: Warm Up the Engine

Start the engine and let it warm up. This will ensure that any adjustments you make are done with the engine at its normal operating temperature.

Step 4: Adjust the Idle Speed Screw (LA)

If your engine stops while idling, adjust the idle speed screw (LA) clockwise until the engine runs smoothly. Then, back it off by a quarter turn. This will ensure that your engine doesn't stall when idling.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Low-Speed Screw (L)

If you experience erratic idling or poor acceleration, the idle setting may be too lean. In this case, carefully turn the low-speed screw (L) counterclockwise, no further than the stop, until the engine runs smoothly and accelerates well. On the other hand, if the engine speed drops when you swing the machine, the idle setting is too rich. To correct this, slowly turn the low-speed screw (L) clockwise until the engine runs and accelerates smoothly.

Step 6: Adjust the High-Speed Screw (H)

If your engine doesn't run smoothly at high altitudes, you may need to make a slight correction to the high-speed screw (H). Turn it slightly clockwise (leaner) but no more than three-quarters of a turn. Remember to reset the carburetor to the standard setting after returning to lower altitudes.

Step 7: Be Cautious

Always exercise caution when adjusting the carburetor. Over-tightening or incorrect adjustments can lead to engine damage. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a qualified technician or refer to the Stihl BG55 instruction manual for more detailed information.

Checking the spark plug

To check the spark plug of your Stihl BG 55, refer to the instruction manual. If the engine is down on power, difficult to start, or runs poorly at idle speed, first check the spark plug.

To do this, remove the spark plug by following the instructions under "Starting/Stopping the Engine" in the manual. Clean a dirty spark plug and check the electrode gap (A). If adjustments are needed, refer to the "Specifications" section in the manual. Rectify any problems that have caused the spark plug to foul, such as too much oil in the fuel mix or unfavourable running conditions.

It is recommended to fit a new spark plug after about 100 operating hours, or sooner if the electrodes are badly fouled. Only install suppressed spark plugs of the type approved by Stihl, as listed in the "Specifications" section. To reduce the risk of arcing, if the spark plug comes with a detachable adapter nut (1), screw it onto the spark plug. Always press the boot (2) firmly onto the spark plug (3).

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