Regan Brown
Chainsaw fuel lines are typically made of clear plastic and most chainsaws have two fuel lines – one that feeds fuel into the carburetor and a return tube that allows unused fuel to flow back into the chainsaw gas tank. Chainsaw users may encounter issues with damaged or broken fuel lines, which can prevent the engine from starting. To replace the fuel lines, users should prepare their chainsaw, take out the old fuel, remove the cylinder cover and air filter, remove the air filter housing, take out the fuel filter, take out the fuel and vent line off, take out the carburetor, and take out the fuel line. Users should be careful not to crimp the fuel lines when reinstalling the carburetor. When inserting new fuel lines, it is recommended to cut the tip of the line at an angle and spray a small amount of lubricant to aid in ease of entry.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your chainsaw
Firstly, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment. This includes items like needle-nose pliers, hemostats or hemostat pliers, wire, a small engine fuel line kit, lubricant or WD-40, gloves, eye protection, and a jacket. It is important to prioritise your safety when working with machinery, so don't skip out on the protective gear.
Next, locate the fuel lines on your chainsaw. Typically, chainsaws have two fuel lines – one that feeds fuel into the carburetor, and a return tube that allows unused fuel to flow back into the gas tank. Identify which type of fuel line you need to work on, as this will determine the specific steps you need to take during the process.
Before you begin any maintenance or replacement work, it is crucial to drain the old fuel from the chainsaw. This step is essential for safety reasons and will make the process less messy. Make sure to carefully collect and dispose of the drained fuel in an appropriate manner.
Once the fuel is drained, you can start disassembling the relevant parts of the chainsaw. Remove the cylinder cover and air filter, followed by the air filter housing. It is important to be gentle and cautious during this process to avoid damaging any components. Take photographs of the carburetor and gas line connections for reference during reassembly, as this will ensure accurate positioning of the parts.
After disassembling the necessary parts, carefully remove the fuel lines. Use needle-nose pliers or hemostats to detach the lines from the carburetor and primer bulb, being cautious not to damage the surrounding components. If your chainsaw model requires it, remove the screws from the primer bulb before detaching the fuel lines.
Finally, before installing the new fuel lines, clean the area thoroughly. Remove any residual fuel, debris, or dirt that may have accumulated. This step will help ensure that your new fuel lines are not contaminated and will function optimally.
Remember, working on a chainsaw can be hazardous, so it is important to proceed with caution and ensure you are confident in your abilities before attempting any repairs or maintenance. If you are unsure about any steps or feel uncomfortable, it may be best to consult a qualified technician for assistance.
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Removing the cylinder cover and air filter
To remove the cylinder cover and air filter, you will need to first open the air filter by carefully putting a screwdriver between the upper and lower parts and separating them. If the air filter is broken or very dirty, you should replace it. Clean the air filter using a clean brush or wash it in soap and water. Wash the foam filter in clean, warm, soapy water. Squeeze the foam filter dry in a clean cloth. Apply foam filter oil, and then squeeze the foam filter in a clean cloth to remove excess oil.
Next, use a flattened screwdriver to open the three latches on the cylinder cover of the chainsaw. Remove the cylinder cover. Use the screwdriver to lift and release the metal latch that holds the air filter in place. Put the air filter back together and ensure that it is placed correctly in the chainsaw before putting the cylinder cover back on.
It is important to remove the cylinder cover and clean the air filter periodically. The air filter prevents dirt from getting into your chainsaw, and a dirty or damaged air filter can shorten its service life. Under more demanding conditions, the air filter should be checked and cleaned every time you refuel.
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Using lubricant to ease insertion
Chainsaw fuel lines are typically clear plastic tubing. Most chainsaws have two fuel lines – one that feeds fuel into the carburetor and a return tube that allows unused fuel to flow back into the chainsaw gas tank. The return tube may be slightly larger in diameter than the tubing that feeds the fuel, or both tubes may be the same size. Both tubes flow from the fuel tank and connect to metal tubes that protrude from the carburetor.
When it's time to replace the chainsaw fuel lines, it's important that you cut the new tubes to the proper length. You can use needle-nose pliers to remove the tubes from the carburetor and pull them from the tank. When you remove the fuel line that feeds fuel to the carburetor, the small cylindrical fuel filter will pop off of the tube.
If you are finding it difficult to feed the new plastic tubing into the plastic tank, you can spray a small amount of lubricant onto the tube before insertion to aid in ease of entry. You can also cut the tip of the fuel line that fits into the tank on a diagonal angle to help with insertion.
Some other tricks for installing fuel lines include:
- Using a ballpoint pen spring or something similar but stronger. Stretch it over the fuel line after you slide the spring over it and twist it in like a screw.
- Using a wire to puncture a hole through the wall of the line and pulling it into place, then cutting off the excess.
- Using a spring inside the fuel line for when it needs to make a real tight bend.
- Padding the jaws of needle-nose pliers or hemostats with strips of rubber.
- Using a product like Stihl's PressFit to make the line pliable and easier to install.
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Avoiding damage to the fuel line
To avoid damage to the fuel line of your chainsaw, it is important to take certain precautions and be aware of potential issues that can arise. Here are some tips to help you avoid damage to the fuel line:
Firstly, always use manufacturer-approved fuel lines and parts. While a standard fuel line may work, it is advisable to use company-approved components to ensure optimal performance and avoid compatibility issues. This is especially important when dealing with a complex machine like a chainsaw.
When installing or replacing a fuel line, be careful not to damage it with the tools you are using. Avoid sharp tools and consider using tools designed for this purpose, such as needle-nose pliers, hemostats, or the tool provided in a small engine fuel line kit. A thin wire can be useful for threading the fuel line through the hole, and a lubricant can aid in easing the line into the tank.
Another important factor in avoiding damage to the fuel line is proper fuel maintenance. Old, stale fuel can cause significant issues and should be avoided. Fuel should not be used if it has been sitting for more than a month. Additionally, the correct fuel mixture is critical. Different chainsaw manufacturers require different fuel ratio mixtures, and using the wrong mixture can lead to serious problems. Always consult your operator's manual for the exact fuel ratio required for your chainsaw.
It is also worth noting that the type of fuel used is important. Ethanol-containing fuel should be limited to a maximum of 10% ethanol content. Higher concentrations of ethanol can cause damage to the chainsaw over time and may even destroy the unit. It is best to use ethanol-free gasoline with a high octane rating when possible.
Finally, be cautious when handling the fuel line to avoid any kinks, crimps, or blockages. A blocked fuel line can lead to engine sputtering, which can potentially damage the engine. Additionally, take care not to bend or damage the gas lines when working on the carburetor or other nearby components.
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Using manufacturer-approved parts
When replacing the fuel lines in your chainsaw, it is important to use manufacturer-approved parts. This is because the fuel lines need to be the correct size to ensure a proper fit and avoid leaks. For example, some Craftsman chainsaws have a separate primer bulb, which requires an additional fuel line to run from the bulb to the metering inlet on the carburetor. Using manufacturer-approved parts will ensure that the new fuel lines are the correct length and diameter for your specific chainsaw model.
To replace the fuel lines, you will need to drain the fuel tank and remove the fuel cap, cylinder shield, spark plug wire, and air filter cover. You will then need to disconnect the fuel lines from the carburetor, primer bulb, and gas tank. When disconnecting the fuel lines from the carburetor, it is recommended to use needle-nose pliers to grasp the tubing and pull it through. Alternatively, hemostats or the tool provided in a small engine fuel line kit can also be used.
Once the old fuel lines have been removed, you can cut the new manufacturer-approved fuel lines to the proper length. It is important to cut the lines at an angle to thread them into the tank more easily. Lubricating the fuel lines with a drop of oil can also aid in easing the threading process. Push the large line about one inch into the tank, and the small line far enough so that it can be grabbed through the mouth of the tank.
After trimming the fuel lines to the correct length, you can connect them to the carburetor. Be sure to attach the fuel filter to the small line so that it rests at the bottom of the tank. This will ensure that the fuel is properly filtered before it reaches the carburetor. Finally, slide the hose fitting onto the larger hose and pull the hoses back through the small holes in the tank, creating a tight seal.
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Frequently asked questions
If your chainsaw has old fuel lines, they may need to be replaced. If your chainsaw won't start, even though it has fuel, the fuel line may be clogged or cracked.
First, remove the cylinder cover, air filter, and air filter housing. Then, take out the fuel filter, fuel and vent line, carburetor, and finally, the fuel line.
It is recommended to use manufacturer-approved fuel lines for the best performance. Before inserting the new line, cut it to the proper length and compare it to the old line to ensure a good fit.
You can use a variety of tools to help guide the new line into place, such as pliers, wire, or a thin piece of wire attached to a key ring. Lubricating the new line with WD-40 or a similar product can also aid insertion.
Once the new fuel line is in place, close your chainsaw and test it to ensure everything is running smoothly. Remember to wear safety equipment, such as gloves, a jacket, and chaps, when performing this task.
