Replacing Ryobi Gas Trimmer Fuel Lines: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace the fuel line on your Ryobi gas trimmer, you've come to the right place. This is a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself at home, and it will save you money. The fuel line is a critical part of the fuel delivery system, transferring gas to the carburettor. If the line gets clogged or kinked, it can starve the carburettor of fuel and burn out other parts. So, it's important to keep the fuel lines free of old gas and well-maintained. In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of replacing your Ryobi gas trimmer's fuel line, so grab your tools and let's get started!

How to Change Ryobi Gas Grimmer Fuel Line

Removing the fuel filter and line

Before starting, make sure you have a receptacle for draining fuel, as well as a screwdriver and long-nosed pliers.

First, remove the rear cover by taking out the four screws and lifting it away from the engine. Next, detach the carburetor. Drain any excess fuel from the fuel tank, then remove the two screws from the carburetor assembly. Take out the choke plate and choke assembly, and disconnect the throttle cable from the carburetor using a lift-and-twist motion.

Now, disconnect the incoming fuel line from the carburetor inlet. This should pull away relatively easily, but you can use long-nosed pliers if necessary. Push or pull the fuel line through the carburetor mounting plate.

To remove the fuel filter, first, pry the plastic washer away from the fuel filter/line outlet on the bottom of the fuel tank. Then, use wire cutters to cut the fuel filter/line outlet flush with the fuel tank. Next, use a small screwdriver to press the remainder of the fuel filter into the fuel tank. Finally, with the fuel tank cap removed, rotate the trimmer upside down until the fuel filter falls out.

Installing the new fuel filter and line

To install the new fuel filter and line, follow these steps:

First, cut the new fuel line to match the length of the old one. Cut a taper at the end of the new fuel line using wire cutters. This will allow the line to pass through the mounting hole smoothly. Lubricate the outside of the new fuel line with two-cycle engine oil to allow it to pass through the mounting hole more easily.

Next, insert the new fuel line into the fuel tank. Thread the tapered end of the line through the mounting hole at the bottom of the tank. Pull the fuel line through the opening until the fuel filter nipple is partially seated in the mounting hole.

Now, use a large screwdriver to press down on the centre (plastic) portion of the fuel filter while pulling firmly and steadily on the fuel line. Continue this motion until the fuel filter and line are fully seated within the mounting hole.

Then, slide the plastic washer onto the new fuel line. Use pliers to slide the washer over the fuel filter nipple, flush against the fuel tank. This will secure the fuel filter in position.

Pass the tapered end of the fuel line through the opening in the back of the carburetor mounting assembly. Use cutters to remove the taper from the line, ensuring it is cut squarely for a proper connection to the carburetor.

Finally, reconnect the incoming fuel line to the carburetor inlet.

Removing the fuel return line

To remove the fuel return line from your Ryobi trimmer, you will first need to remove the rear cover by unscrewing the four screws that hold it in place and then removing the cover from the engine. Once the cover is off, you will be able to access the carburetor, which needs to be detached. Before detaching the carburetor, make sure to drain any excess fuel from the fuel tank to avoid spills. With the carburetor now accessible, remove the two screws attaching it in place and then remove the choke plate and choke assembly.

The next step is to disconnect the throttle cable from the carburetor. This is done with a lift-and-twist motion. With the throttle cable disconnected, you can now disconnect the incoming fuel line from the carburetor inlet. This should be relatively easy to pull away, but you may need to use long-nosed pliers if it is stuck. With the fuel line disconnected from the carburetor, push or pull it through the carburetor mounting plate.

Now that the fuel line is loose, you can remove the plastic washer from the fuel filter/line outlet on the bottom of the fuel tank. Use wire cutters to cut the fuel filter/line outlet flush with the fuel tank. You can then use a small screwdriver to push the remainder of the fuel filter into the tank. Finally, with the fuel tank cap removed, rotate the trimmer upside down until the fuel filter falls out of the tank.

Installing the new fuel return line

To install the new fuel return line for your Ryobi trimmer, you will need a few basic tools and parts. You can find these at hardware stores or online.

First, you need to cut the new fuel return line to match the length of the original. Place the old and new lines side-by-side and use wire cutters to cut the new line to the correct length. Next, cut a taper at the end of the new line. This will allow it to pass through the mounting hole in the fuel tank more smoothly. Lubricate the tapered end with two-cycle engine oil. Now, thread the tapered end of the new line through the mounting hole in the fuel tank. Push any excess slack into the tank.

The final steps are to reconnect the fuel return line to the primer assembly and the fuel tank. The line should pull freely through the hole in the tank.

Removing and installing the fuel tank

This guide will take you through the process of removing and installing the fuel tank on a Ryobi trimmer.

Removing the Fuel Tank:

• Before removing the fuel lines, clamp each line to prevent fuel from spilling.
• Use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the fuel lines from the nipples.
• Remove the screws holding the motor housing to the trimmer. Be careful to keep debris away from the engine's crankcase.
• Slide the fuel tank away from the trimmer.
• Identify which fuel line is attached to the fuel filter by moving each line back and forth while observing the filter inside the tank.

Installing the New Fuel Tank:

• Slide the new fuel tank into place, ensuring the trimmer's rubber mounts align with the slots on the tank.
• Reinstall the motor housing.
• Reconnect the fuel lines, ensuring the filtered line attaches to the incoming side of the carburetor and the non-filtered line to the return side.

The whole process should take around 20 minutes, and you will need a flat-head screwdriver and a diagram of the fuel lines and carburetor to complete it.

Frequently asked questions