Craftsman Leaf Blower: Replacing Fuel Filter, Step-By-Step

To replace the fuel filter on a Craftsman leaf blower, first remove the fuel from the tank and disconnect the spark plug wire. Next, remove the casing on the side with the pull cord using a Phillips screwdriver. The number of screws varies depending on the model. Once the casing is removed, you will see a small black hose. Follow this hose to find the fuel filter, which is a cylindrical piece protruding from the hose. Pop the hose off the filter and remember how the filter is positioned. Install the new fuel filter in the same position as the old one, then snap the casing back on and secure it with the screws.

How to remove the fuel filter from the line

To remove the fuel filter from the line of a Craftsman leaf blower, you will need to first remove the fuel tank.

Start by removing the fuel cap and emptying the fuel from the tank into an approved storage container. Then, disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the blower tube by loosening the thumb screw on the front of the housing.

Next, you will need to access the fuel lines. To do this, remove the air filter cover and carburetor, following the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your model of Craftsman leaf blower.

Once you have accessed the fuel lines, you will need to identify the small fuel line that is connected to the fuel filter inside the tank. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the fuel filter from the mouth of the tank, and then pull the small fuel line out of the tank through the mounting hole.

Finally, you can remove the fuel filter from the line. Remember to keep track of how the filter is positioned in the hose so that you can reinstall the new fuel filter correctly.

How to cut the new fuel line

To cut the new fuel line, follow these steps:

Firstly, before you start, take a picture of where the old lines are connected to the carburettor and the primer bulb for future reference. This will help you remember how the fuel line is configured and make it easier to reconnect the new fuel line correctly.

Now, to the cutting. You will need to cut both the larger and the smaller fuel lines. For the larger line, take your new fuel line and cut one end at a 45-degree angle. This angle will make it easier to grip the line and feed it into the tank. You can also trim the line as needed to ensure it fits properly. Be sure to leave enough line so that the fuel filter can reach the bottom of the tank. The fuel filter is important as it helps to increase the blower's power and prevents the motor from malfunctioning due to unfiltered fuel.

Next, perform the same operation on the smaller line. Cut one end at a 45-degree angle, or trim as necessary. Again, ensure you leave enough line so that the fuel filter can reach the bottom of the tank. The other small line is a vent line, which only needs to come inside the tank and does not need to touch the bottom.

Now that you have cut both lines, you are ready to install the fuel filter and reconnect the lines to the carburettor and primer bulb, following the reference picture you took earlier. Good luck!

How to feed the new line into the tank

To feed the new line into the tank of your Craftsman leaf blower vacuum, follow these steps:

Firstly, before you start, take a picture of where the old lines are connected to the carburettor and the primer bulb for future reference. This will help you remember how to reassemble everything correctly.

Now, to begin, pull the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Next, remove the old line from the tank. You can do this by cutting the end of the line at a 45-degree angle, or trimming as necessary, so you can grip it from inside the tank. Then, pull it out. Perform this same operation on the smaller line, ensuring you leave enough line for the fuel filter to reach the bottom of the tank.

Now, install the fuel filter. The other small line is a vent line and only needs to come inside the tank, not reach the bottom.

As an additional tip, you can use needle-nose pliers to help feed the line through the tank. You can also use a coat hanger with a small J at the end to hook the filter in the tank and pull it, along with the hose, out of the tank.

Finally, to ease threading, lubricate the fuel lines with a drop of oil.

How to position the new fuel filter

To position the new fuel filter of your Craftsman leaf blower vacuum, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that you have removed the old fuel filter and fuel lines. Cut the new larger fuel line at a 45-degree angle, or trim as needed, so that you can grip it from inside the tank. Pull the new line into the tank, and perform the same operation on the smaller line, ensuring you leave enough line for the fuel filter to reach the bottom of the tank.

The fuel filter should be placed on the small line, leaving enough fuel line so that fuel can be picked up from any angle. The large return line only needs to be inside the tank by about an inch and does not need to reach the bottom of the tank.

Now, push the fuel lines onto the proper connections on the carburettor. Insert the carburettor into the airbox with the throttle and choke levers positioned properly. Position the carburettor on the side of the engine and reinstall the mounting screws.

Finally, position the air filter cover over the carburettor and secure it with the mounting screws.

How to reassemble the casing

To reassemble the casing of your Craftsman leaf blower vacuum, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, position the left side of the casing near the blower. Thread the fuel lines through the hole in the casing, close to the carburetor. Ensure that the handle is correctly positioned, and push the casing back together.

Next, insert the thumb screw at the front of the blower and rotate the screw until it catches the nut. Do not tighten it just yet.

Then, loosely install two other housing screws to keep the casing in place while you install the fan cover. Pry the tab on the fan cover spring out until it is in the loaded position. Snap the fan cover into the casing while holding the spring in the loaded position.

Finally, insert all of the housing screws and tighten them firmly.

This will complete the reassembly of the casing on your Craftsman leaf blower vacuum.

Frequently asked questions