Sylvie Willis
A fuel filter is designed to strain gas before it reaches the carburetor in a lawn mower. Dirty fuel filters can cause the engine to run poorly and lead to diminished performance. Fuel filters can be located inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line. Cleaning a fuel filter involves removing the filter from the fuel lines, spraying it with a solvent or pressurized carbon cleaner, letting it dry, and then reinstalling it. If the filter is nylon or paper, it should be replaced. If it is metal and not too dirty, it can be cleaned and reused.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel filter location | Inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump |
| Tools required | Pliers, metal clips, a plastic container, a jack, a bucket or jar, carburetor cleaner, a small application straw, a cloth |
| Steps | 1. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug. 2. Locate the fuel line. 3. Remove the filter. 4. Examine the filter for debris or discolouration. 5. Clean or replace the filter. 6. Reinstall the filter and reconnect the wire. |
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What You'll Learn
Locating the fuel filter
The fuel filter will either be inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. Some fuel tanks have internal, non-serviceable fuel filters.
If your fuel filter is installed in the fuel line, you will need to remove the metal clips on each side of the filter using needle-nose pliers. Once the clips are removed, slide the filter out of the fuel line.
For canister-style filters, you will need to look through the transparent plastic casing and examine the pleated material inside for debris or severe discolouration. Canister-style filters are usually located inside the fuel tank.
Tube-style filters, on the other hand, are more likely to be found in the fuel line. To locate a tube-style filter, simply follow the fuel line and look for the meshed end of the filter.
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Disconnecting the battery
Firstly, locate the battery in your lawn mower. It is usually located near the engine, but the exact position can vary depending on the model. Once you have found the battery, the next step is to disconnect it. Locate the negative terminal on the battery, which should be clearly marked. Using an appropriate tool, such as a wrench or a screwdriver, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the cable to the negative terminal. Be careful not to let the tool touch any other parts of the battery, as this could cause a spark and potentially damage the battery or your lawn mower. Once the connection is loose, carefully remove the cable from the negative terminal. Ensure that the cable does not touch any metal parts of the lawn mower to prevent any accidental electrical connections.
At this point, the battery is successfully disconnected, and you can proceed with cleaning or replacing the fuel filter. It is important to note that you should not attempt to start your lawn mower with the battery disconnected, as this could be dangerous and cause damage to the machine. Once you have finished working on your lawn mower and cleaned or replaced the fuel filter, you can reconnect the battery. Simply reattach the cable to the negative terminal, tightening the nut or bolt securely. Ensure that the connection is firm and that the cable is not loose. With the battery reconnected, you can now start your lawn mower and allow it to run for a few minutes to re-establish the fuel system's pressure. Always refer to your lawn mower's user manual for specific instructions related to your model, and exercise caution when working with electrical components.
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Removing the filter
Before removing the filter, it is important to relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. You should also drain all the gas from the tank with a siphon or simply run the mower dry outside. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from accidentally starting.
The fuel filter will either be inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. If your filter is installed in the fuel line, remove the metal clips on each side of the filter using needle-nose pliers, and slide the filter out of the fuel line. For tube-style filters, pull the old one out, and for canister-style filters, remove the clamp on the fuel line.
With the mower's fuel filter located, use pliers to release the spring clips holding the line to the gas tank spigot and filter. Pull the fuel line off the spigot and carefully remove the filter. For canister-style filters, look through the transparent plastic casing and examine the pleated material inside. If you see debris inside or severe discolouration, you will need a new filter. There is no convenient way to clean this type of filter, but they are cheap and easy to replace.
For tube-style filters, inspect the meshed end for dirt or debris. If you find any, carefully rinse it out with water until it is clear, or buy and install a new filter.
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Cleaning the filter
To clean the fuel filter of your lawn mower, you will first need to locate it. The location of the fuel filter varies by make and model, so refer to your owner's manual. It will be somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and the gas tank.
Once you have located the fuel filter, place a bucket or jar underneath it to catch any fuel that may spill. Then, disconnect the wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from accidentally starting.
If your fuel filter is installed in the fuel line, remove the metal clips on each side of the filter using needle-nose pliers. Shake the filter over a clean cloth to remove any remaining fuel, then use the cloth to wipe away any residue from the outside of the filter.
If you have a canister-style filter, look through the transparent plastic casing and examine the pleated material inside for any debris or discolouration. If the filter is severely discoloured or clogged with debris, it will need to be replaced. Canister-style filters cannot be conveniently cleaned, but they are cheap and easy to replace.
For tube-style filters, inspect the meshed end for any dirt or debris. If present, rinse the filter carefully with water until it is clear. Alternatively, you can use a solvent or pressurised carbon cleaner to clean the filter. Allow the filter to dry for about an hour, then reinstall it, reconnecting the metal clips on both sides of the filter.
Finally, reconnect the wire to the spark plug and start the engine to reestablish the fuel system's pressure. Be sure to check for any fuel leaks while the engine is running.
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Reinstalling the filter
For tube-style filters, simply pull out the old filter and pop in the new one, making sure to orient it the same way as the old filter. Reconnect the fuel line and replace the spring clamps.
If your filter is installed in the fuel line, reconnect the metal clips on both sides of the filter using needle-nose pliers. Some filters have a direction of flow arrow, so ensure the filter is installed correctly.
After reinstalling the filter, reconnect your battery and run the engine for a few minutes to re-establish the fuel system's pressure. Check for any fuel leaks while the engine is running.
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