Replacing The Fuel Filter In Your Stihl Weed Eater

Stihl weed eaters use a fuel filter to remove contaminants from the fuel before it enters the carburetor. When your Stihl becomes difficult to start or stalls even with a full tank of fuel, it may be time to change the fuel filter. This can be done by removing the spark plug wire boot, twisting off the fuel cap, siphoning the fuel, pulling out the fuel line and filter, replacing the filter, and then re-assembling the parts.

Locating the fuel filter

Begin by identifying the sparkplug and plug wire on your Stihl weed eater. The sparkplug is typically located near the top rear of the trimmer engine housing. Once you've found it, grasp the sparkplug wire boot and gently pull it away from the sparkplug. Bend the wire to the side to prevent accidental contact with the sparkplug during the process.

Next, you'll need to remove the fuel cap. Do this by twisting it counterclockwise and lifting the locking lever to the vertical position. If the cap is attached to a plastic strap anchored to the tank, let it hang freely. Otherwise, set it aside. It's important to check if the tank contains any fuel. If it does, use a hand siphon to empty the fuel into a separate container for proper disposal.

Now, look inside the fuel tank. You should see the fuel line laying at the bottom of the tank. The fuel filter is located at the end of this fuel line. Depending on your model, you might be able to access the filter by simply tilting the engine and removing the fuel cap. However, in most cases, you will need to remove the tank itself and pull out the grommet that the fuel line passes through.

To remove the fuel filter, you can use a variety of tools. Some people suggest using needle-nose pliers to grasp the end of the fuel line and pull the filter out. Others recommend forming a hook at the end of a 12-inch piece of 12- or 14-gauge wire (stripped of insulation to avoid tank contamination) and carefully hooking it around the filter to pull it out. Alternatively, you can use a long pair of hemostats or even a makeshift hook fashioned from a screwdriver or coat hanger to fish out the filter.

Remember, it's important to have the tank empty before attempting to remove the fuel filter, as you will need to reach into the tank. Additionally, be cautious not to let the fuel line fall back into the tank once you've removed the filter, as it can be challenging to retrieve without the filter attached.

Removing the spark plug wire boot

To remove the spark plug wire boot on your Stihl weed eater, start by locating the spark plug and plug wire. The spark plug is usually found near the top rear of the trimmer engine housing. Once you've found it, grasp the spark plug wire boot with your fingers and gently pull it off the spark plug. It's important to be careful during this step to avoid any damage. Bend the wire to the side to prevent the boot from accidentally touching the spark plug while you work.

Some Stihl weed eater models may have a spring clip inside the boot that connects to the spark plug wire. If this is the case, you can remove the spring clip by its hook end and place it back into the hole in the spark plug wire. Then, pull the boot back over the assembly. You can also try using a small amount of lubricant, such as WD-40, to make sliding the boot back on easier.

If the spark plug wire is damaged or broken, you may need to strip back the wire and crimp a new line into the boot. Alternatively, you can purchase a new boot assembly as a replacement. When reconnecting the wire to the coil, simply push the wire through the boot, grasp it with a small pair of needle-nose pliers, and pull the wire end out.

The spark plug wire boot plays a crucial role in your Stihl weed eater's ignition system, so it's important to ensure a secure and proper connection when reattaching it.

Emptying the fuel tank

First, locate the sparkplug and plug wire on your Stihl weed eater. The sparkplug is usually found near the top rear of the trimmer engine housing. Once you've found it, grasp the sparkplug wire boot with your fingers and gently pull it away from the sparkplug. Set it aside carefully, bending the wire to the side to avoid any accidental contact with the sparkplug.

Next, twist the fuel cap counterclockwise to remove it from the fuel tank. If your weed eater has a locking lever, lift it to the vertical position before turning the cap. With the cap removed, you can now siphon the fuel from the tank into an appropriate container using a hand siphon. Make sure you dispose of the fuel properly.

At this point, your fuel tank should be empty, and you can proceed to the next steps of changing the fuel filter. Remember to always exercise caution when handling fuel, and ensure proper ventilation during the process.

Note: It is recommended to perform this procedure when your weed eater is low on fuel to minimize waste and make the process easier.

Removing the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Stihl weed eater, you will first need to locate the spark plug and plug wire on the engine housing. The spark plug is usually found near the top rear of the trimmer engine housing. Once you've found it, grasp the spark plug wire boot and pull it off the spark plug. Move the wire to the side so that the boot doesn't accidentally touch the spark plug.

Next, you'll need to access the fuel tank. To do this, twist the fuel cap counterclockwise and remove it. If there is still fuel inside the tank, use a hand siphon to empty it into a container.

Now, look inside the fuel tank for the fuel line. The fuel filter is attached to the end of this line and can sometimes be accessed by tilting the engine. If you can't reach it, you may need to remove the tank. Be careful not to break the fuel line or the tank grommet as you do this.

Once you can access the fuel filter, use needle-nose pliers to grasp the end of the fuel line and pull the filter out of the tank. With the filter out of the tank, simply pull the filter off the end of the fuel line with your fingers.

Now that you have removed the old fuel filter, you can install a new one.

Installing the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter, you will need to start by holding the fuel line in one hand. With your other hand, push the stem of the new fuel filter onto the end of the line. Push the filter until the end of the fuel line is flush with the top of the gas filter.

Next, push the new gas filter into the fuel tank. You may need to tilt the weed eater to move the fuel line closer to the tank opening. Shake the weed eater back and forth until the fuel line and the new gas filter are resting at the bottom of the tank.

Now, fill the tank with your fuel/oil mixture. Finally, push the spark plug wire boot back over the top of the spark plug until it locks into place. Be sure that the cap clicks into place when you twist it closed. If the locking lever does not fall flush to the top of the cap, the cap is not closed properly, and you could have a fuel spillage while operating the weed eater.

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