Regan Brown
A lawn mower is a handy tool to have, but it's important to know how to maintain it. The fuel filter, for example, needs to be regularly checked and cleaned or replaced to ensure the mower works effectively. The fuel filter is located either inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. This article will explain how to clean a lawn mower fuel filter, including the steps of locating the filter, relieving the fuel system's pressure, removing the filter, cleaning it, and reinstalling it.
How to clean a lawn mower fuel filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Disconnect the wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting accidentally |
| Step 2 | Locate the fuel filter. It will be somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and the gas tank. Refer to your owner's manual if you are unsure |
| Step 3 | Place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch any fuel |
| Step 4 | With pliers, release the spring clips holding the line to the gas tank spigot and filter. Pull the fuel line off the spigot and remove the filter |
| Step 5 | If you have a canister-style filter, look through the transparent plastic casing and examine the pleated material inside. If you see debris or severe discolouration, you will need to replace the filter |
| Step 6 | For tube-style filters, look closely at the meshed end. If you see dirt or debris, rinse it out carefully with water until it is clear, or buy and install a new filter |
| Step 7 | If you are replacing the filter, be sure to install it in the correct direction, usually indicated by an arrow on the casing pointing in the direction of fuel flow |
| Step 8 | Reconnect the spring clamps and check for leaks |
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What You'll Learn
Locating the fuel filter
If you are unsure where your fuel filter is located, refer to your owner's manual. The manual will also help you identify the correct replacement filter for your lawnmower.
Before attempting to locate the fuel filter, it is important to prepare your mower by placing it on a flat surface and disconnecting the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. You can usually locate the spark plug on the side or front of the engine. Once located, use a spark plug socket wrench to disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
Now, you can begin to locate the fuel filter by following the fuel line from the fuel tank. With pliers, release the spring clips or clamps holding the line to the gas tank spigot and filter. Pull the fuel line off the spigot to access the filter.
Once you have located and removed the fuel filter, you can proceed to inspect and clean or replace it as needed.
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Disconnecting the battery
First, locate the battery in your lawn mower. It is usually located near the engine, but the exact location may vary depending on the make and model of your mower. Once you have located the battery, identify the negative terminal. This is usually marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover.
The next step is to disconnect the negative terminal. Using a suitable tool, such as a wrench or a pair of pliers, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the cable to the negative terminal. Do not allow the wrench or pliers to come into contact with any other part of the battery, as this could cause a spark and potentially lead to an explosion. Once the nut or bolt is loose, carefully remove the cable from the negative terminal.
After the negative terminal has been disconnected, you may want to cover the terminal with tape or a plastic bag to prevent accidental contact. Place the battery in a safe location, away from any metal objects or sources of heat or flame. Ensure that children or pets do not have access to the battery.
Now that the battery is safely disconnected, you can proceed with cleaning or replacing the fuel filter. Remember to reconnect the battery once you have completed the maintenance and before starting the mower's engine.
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Removing the filter
To remove the filter, first, relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. The fuel filter will be located either 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 with needle-nose pliers, and slide the filter out of the fuel line. For this step, you will need pliers and a plastic container to catch any gas sitting in the bottom of the tank or in the fuel line.
If your mower has a canister-style filter, once you’ve removed the old filter, push the ends of the fuel line segments onto the spigots of the filter and use pliers to replace the spring clips. Be sure to install the canister-style filter in the correct direction, usually indicated by an arrow on the casing pointing in the direction of fuel flow.
For tube-style filters, pull the old one out and pop in a new one, making sure to orient it the same way the old one was. If your mower has a transparent casing, look through it and examine the pleated material inside. If you see debris inside or it is severely discoloured, you will need a new filter. There is no convenient way to clean canister-style filters, but they are cheap and easy to replace.
For tube-style filters, look closely at the meshed end. If you see dirt or debris, rinse it out carefully with water until it is clear.
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Cleaning the filter
To clean the filter, start by relieving your fuel system's pressure and disconnecting the battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines, then pour out any remaining gas from the filter. You can do this by gently tapping the fuel-in and fuel-out nozzles into a container. Next, spray the filter with a solvent or pressurized carbon/carburetor cleaner. Allow the filter to dry for about an hour.
After that, carefully knock the filter against the container to tap out any loosened debris. Reinstall the filter, reconnect the battery, and run the engine. Check your owner's manual to find the fuse for the fuel pump. Remove it, then start the engine and let it run for 1-2 minutes. It might sputter before the time is up, indicating that the pressure has been relieved.
If your filter is nylon or paper, skip the cleaning process and simply replace it with a new one. Tube-style filters can be rinsed with water if they are dirty or clogged. However, canister-style filters cannot be conveniently cleaned, so they should be replaced if they are discoloured or clogged with debris.
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Reinstalling the filter
For canister-style filters, push the ends of the fuel line segments onto the spigots of the filter. Make sure the canister-style filter is installed in the correct direction, indicated by an arrow on the casing pointing in the direction of fuel flow.
For tube-style filters, simply pop the new filter into place, ensuring it is oriented the same way as the old one. Reconnect the fuel line and replace the spring clamps.
Once the new or cleaned filter is in place, check for leaks. Do not operate the mower if any leaks are found. It is also important to note that some filters have a direction of flow arrow, and the filter must be installed correctly for proper operation.
Finally, reconnect the wire to the spark plug, and your mower is ready to use.
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Frequently asked questions
The cleaning process will depend on the type of fuel filter your lawn mower uses. Canister-style filters cannot be conveniently cleaned, but they are cheap and easy to replace. Tube-style filters can be cleaned by rinsing them out with water.
First, drain all the gas from the tank with a siphon or run the mower dry outside. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting while you work. Locate the fuel line and 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 remove the filter. Push the ends of the new filter onto the spigots and use pliers to replace the spring clips. Reattach the fuel line and replace the spring clamps.
At least once a year.
The fuel filter will be located either 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 you are unsure, refer to your owner's manual.
