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

how to change fuel filter on stihl trimmer

If your Stihl trimmer is proving difficult to start or stalls often, it may be time to change the fuel filter. Stihl places this filter in the gas tank, so you'll need to remove the gas cap and siphon the fuel into a container. You can then use a wire to hook the filter out of the tank and replace it with a new one.

Characteristics Values
When to change the fuel filter When the Stihl trimmer becomes difficult to start or stalls even with a full tank of fuel
Location of the fuel filter Inside the fuel tank on the end of the incoming fuel line
Tools required Sparkplug wire boot, needle-nose pliers, hand siphon, container, wire, screwdriver, flashlight
Steps 1. Remove sparkplug wire boot. 2. Remove fuel cap. 3. Siphon fuel from the tank. 4. Locate the fuel line and the fuel filter at the end. 5. Remove the fuel filter with needle-nose pliers. 6. Pull off the fuel filter from the fuel line. 7. Push the new filter onto the fuel line. 8. Put the fuel filter back into the tank. 9. Refill the tank and replace the fuel cap.

shunfuel

Locating the fuel filter

Next, remove the fuel cap by twisting it counterclockwise and set it aside. If your fuel tank still contains fuel, use a hand siphon to siphon the fuel into a separate container for proper disposal.

Now, look inside the fuel tank, and you should see the fuel line laying at the bottom of the tank. The fuel filter, or pickup, is attached to the end of this fuel line. In some cases, you may need to tilt the trimmer to move the fuel line closer to the tank opening to access it more easily.

Once you have located the fuel filter, you can proceed to remove and replace it.

shunfuel

Removing the spark plug wire boot

To remove the spark plug wire boot, you must first locate the spark plug and plug wire on your Stihl gas trimmer. The spark plug is located near the top rear of the trimmer engine housing. Once you have located the spark plug, you can identify the spark plug wire boot as the portion of the wire that connects to the top of the plug.

Now, you are ready to remove the spark plug wire boot. Grasp the spark plug wire boot with your fingers and gently pull it straight off the spark plug. It should come off easily, but if you feel resistance, do not force it as you may damage the spark plug or the boot. With the boot removed, bend the wire to the side and away from the spark plug to prevent accidental contact.

By removing the spark plug wire boot, you have disconnected the spark plug from the ignition system, ensuring that the engine cannot start accidentally during the fuel filter replacement process. This is an important safety step as you will be working with flammable fuel and a hot engine.

Once you have finished replacing the fuel filter, you can reattach the spark plug wire boot by pushing it firmly back onto the spark plug until it locks into place. Ensure that the boot is securely connected to prevent any issues when starting the trimmer.

shunfuel

Removing the fuel cap

To remove the fuel cap from your Stihl trimmer, you'll first need to locate the spark plug and plug wire on the trimmer engine housing. The sparkplug is situated near the top rear of the engine housing, and the sparkplug wire boot is the part of the wire that connects to the top of the plug. Grasp the sparkplug wire boot with your fingers and gently pull it off the sparkplug. Once you've removed the wire boot, bend the wire to the side to prevent it from accidentally touching the sparkplug while you work.

Now that the sparkplug is disconnected, you can safely remove the fuel cap. Twist the fuel cap counterclockwise and lift it away from the fuel tank. If the cap is attached to the fuel tank by a plastic strap, let it hang freely without detaching it completely. If there is still fuel inside the tank, use a hand siphon to transfer it to a suitable container for disposal.

With the fuel cap removed, you'll be able to access the fuel tank and begin the process of changing the fuel filter.

shunfuel

Siphoning the fuel

  • Locate the sparkplug and sparkplug wire boot at the top rear of the trimmer engine housing. The sparkplug wire boot is the portion that connects to the top of the sparkplug.
  • Grasp the sparkplug wire boot with your fingers and carefully pull it off the sparkplug.
  • Move the sparkplug wire to the side and bend it so that the boot does not accidentally touch the sparkplug. This is an important safety step to prevent accidental start-up.
  • Twist the fuel cap counterclockwise and remove it from the fuel tank. If the cap is connected to a plastic strap anchored to the tank, let it hang freely. Otherwise, set it aside.
  • Using a hand siphon, carefully siphon the fuel from the fuel tank into an appropriate container. Make sure to dispose of the fuel properly.
  • Once the fuel tank is empty, you can proceed to remove the fuel filter.

Remember to exercise caution when handling fuel and always dispose of it in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

shunfuel

Removing the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Stihl trimmer, first set the trimmer on a level surface and disconnect the sparkplug wire boot from the sparkplug. This will prevent the trimmer from accidentally starting up. The sparkplug is located near the top rear of the trimmer engine housing, and the sparkplug wire boot is the portion of the wire that connects to the top of the sparkplug.

Next, remove the fuel cap from the fuel tank. If your model has a locking lever, lift it to the vertical position and then twist the cap counterclockwise. If the cap is connected to a plastic strap that is anchored to the tank, let it hang freely. Otherwise, set it aside. If there is still fuel in the tank, siphon it into a container with a hand siphon and dispose of the fuel properly.

Now you will be able to see the fuel line laying at the bottom of the tank. The fuel filter is on the end of the fuel line. You can try to pull the end of the fuel line and the fuel filter out of the tank with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers. If you are having trouble reaching it, tilt the trimmer to move the fuel line closer to the tank opening.

Once you have a firm grip on the fuel line, use your free hand to pull the fuel filter off the end of the line.

Frequently asked questions

If your Stihl trimmer is difficult to start or stalls often even with a full tank of fuel, the fuel filter is likely dirty and needs changing.

The fuel filter is inside the fuel tank on the end of the incoming fuel line. To access it, remove the spark plug wire boot and bend the wire to the side. Then, remove the fuel cap and siphon the fuel from the tank into a container.

Look inside the fuel tank and locate the fuel line at the bottom. The fuel filter is on the end of the fuel line. Pull the end of the fuel line and the fuel filter out of the tank with needle-nose pliers. Grasp the end of the fuel line and pull the fuel filter off.

Push the stem of the new filter into the end of the fuel line until the line is flush with the top of the filter. Then, push the filter into the fuel tank and shake the trimmer until the filter and line are resting at the bottom of the tank.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment