Katerina Swanson
Trimmer fuel lines are notorious for becoming blocked, bent, or split, which can prevent gas from reaching the engine and cause the trimmer to stop working. The good news is that replacing a trimmer fuel line is a common and simple repair that can be done at home in about 30 minutes. This guide will take you through the steps to fix your trimmer fuel line and get it running again in no time.
How to fix a trimmer fuel line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to fix | When the trimmer won't start even though it's filled with gas; when the fuel line is blocked, bent, or split; when the fuel line has degraded and broken; when fuel is leaking from the trimmer |
| What you need | Replacement fuel line (compatible with your trimmer model), needle-nose pliers, gloves, safety goggles, long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, funnel, gas can, screwdriver, scissors, hemostat forceps |
| Steps | 1. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug. 2. Pour gas from the trimmer's fuel tank into a gas can. 3. Remove fuel system cover. 4. Remove fuel lines from carburetor. 5. Remove fuel assembly from the trimmer. 6. Remove old fuel lines from the tank. 7. Insert new fuel line into the tank. 8. Reattach the gas tank and fuel lines to the carburetor. 9. Reattach spark plug wire. |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify if your trimmer's fuel line is cracked
If your trimmer is not starting or running properly, it could be due to a clogged or damaged fuel line. Fuel lines are the tubes that deliver fuel from the tank to the engine of the trimmer. Over time, the plastic fuel line on a gas line trimmer becomes hard and brittle, and eventually, the line will crack and leak. Therefore, it is important to inspect the fuel line for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or leaks.
To identify if your trimmer's fuel line is cracked, start by turning off the trimmer and disconnecting the spark plug wire to ensure your safety. Then, remove the air filter cover and the top cover to access the fuel tank and fuel line. Once you have direct access to the fuel tank and fuel line, carefully inspect the fuel line for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or leaks. If the fuel line is cracked, you will need to replace it.
It is recommended to drain any remaining fuel from the trimmer's tank before removing the fuel line. This can be done by removing the fuel cap and emptying the fuel into an approved storage container. Additionally, creating a diagram of the fuel line setup or taking a digital photo can be helpful before removing the fuel line, as it can prevent mix-ups during the reassembly process.
By following the steps outlined above and inspecting the fuel line for any cracks or damage, you can identify if your trimmer's fuel line is cracked and take the necessary steps to replace it if needed.
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How to remove the old fuel line
Before removing the old fuel line, make sure you are wearing protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and safety goggles. Now, let's get started with the process:
Firstly, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and keep it at a distance to avoid any accidental contact. Next, pour the fuel from the tank into a separate container—a gas can, for instance—using a funnel to prevent any spills. You can use a small screwdriver to push any remaining fuel lines into the tank.
Now, locate the fuel lines inside the tank. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to get a good grip on the lines and pull them out. If the lines are particularly stubborn, you can try cutting them flush with the tank and then pushing the remaining pieces into the tank. If the fuel line breaks while you're pulling it out, tip the trimmer and give it a good shake to ensure all the pieces come out.
Once you've removed the fuel line, find the fuel filter and plastic connector (if your trimmer has one) and set them aside. You can throw away the rest of the old fuel line. It's worth noting that the fuel filter is usually a white cylinder attached to the end of the small fuel line. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a straightened wire coat hanger with a hooked end to fish it out.
Finally, before installing the new fuel line, it's a good idea to inspect and diagram the fuel line setup. This will make the installation process much smoother, and it will also help when it comes time to replace the fuel line again in the future.
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How to buy a new fuel line
Fuel lines on grass line trimmers deteriorate over time and can become brittle, split, or crack, requiring replacement. When buying a new fuel line, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with your trimmer model. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to buy a new fuel line for your trimmer:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Before purchasing a new fuel line, identify the issue with your trimmer. Common problems include stale fuel, a clogged fuel filter, faulty spark plug, clogged air filter, or a cracked fuel line.
Step 2: Determine the Compatibility
Ensure that the new fuel line is compatible with your trimmer model. Check the manufacturer's website or your user manual to identify the correct fuel line for your specific trimmer model. Incompatibility or using the wrong size of fuel line can lead to further problems.
Step 3: Source the Correct Parts
You can purchase new fuel lines at your local hardware store or online. Some manufacturers offer a kit that includes both the small and large fuel lines. If your model does not have a kit available, make sure to order both sizes separately.
Step 4: Gather Necessary Tools
Before starting the repair, gather the necessary tools, such as safety glasses, scissors, hemostat forceps or long needle-nose pliers, shop rags or paper towels, a small gas can, a funnel, and nitrile gloves.
Step 5: Prepare the Work Area
Work in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames or any ignition sources. Drain any remaining fuel from the trimmer's fuel tank into an approved container, and dispose of it according to applicable laws.
Step 6: Remove the Old Fuel Line
Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and then remove the fuel tank and the old fuel lines. Cut the ends of the new fuel lines at an angle to ease threading into the tank.
Step 7: Install the New Fuel Line
Insert the new fuel line into the same hole from which you removed the damaged one. Push the line through the small hole and out through the large hole to the lid of the gas tank. You may need needle-nose pliers to grip the line and guide it through the holes.
Step 8: Reassemble the Trimmer
Reattach the gas tank and the new fuel lines to the carburetor. Finally, reattach the spark plug wire.
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or a qualified technician if you are unsure about any steps in the process.
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How to insert a new fuel line
Before attempting to insert a new fuel line, you must remove the old one. To do this, first, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Keep the wire at a distance so that it cannot make any contact with the spark plug. Next, pour the gas from the string trimmer's fuel tank into a gas can. Use a funnel to prevent spills.
Now, using a pair of needle-nose pliers, pull the two fuel lines off the carburetor. If oil spills during this step, wipe it away with a cloth before continuing. Check the ground before continuing to make sure that there is no oil that can make you trip or slide.
Locate the two screws on the gas tank and remove them, then remove the gas tank from the string trimmer. With the gas tank removed, you should be able to easily remove the two gas lines. Do this slowly and carefully.
Now that the old fuel lines have been removed, you can insert the new ones. First, cut the ends of the new fuel lines at an angle so that they're easier to thread into the tank. Force the cut ends of the fuel lines into the proper holes of the tank, using needle-nose pliers if necessary. Push the larger vent line about an inch into the tank. Push the smaller fuel supply line into the tank far enough so that the fuel filter will lay on the bottom of the tank.
Tip: If the lines are tight, apply a small amount of oil to the outside of the line.
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Safety precautions when fixing a trimmer's fuel line
Fixing a trimmer's fuel line can be a complex task, and safety should be a top priority. Here are some detailed safety precautions to follow when performing this repair:
Protective Gear: Always wear protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, put on gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from any debris or fuel spills.
Work Environment: Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of fuel vapors, which can be hazardous. Keep the area clear of any flammable materials or sources of ignition to minimize the risk of accidents.
Fuel Handling: Before beginning any repairs, remove the fuel tank cap and empty the fuel tank into an approved storage container. Use a funnel to prevent spills, and if any fuel spills occur, wipe it away with a cloth before continuing.
Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and keep it at a safe distance to prevent any accidental contact. This is crucial to avoid any unintended ignition during the repair process.
Diagramming: Before making any adjustments to the fuel lines, carefully inspect and diagram the existing fuel line setup. This will ensure that you understand the routing of the lines and will help you install the new lines correctly.
Compatibility: When purchasing new fuel lines, ensure they are compatible with your trimmer's model. Using fuel lines that are the wrong size or incompatible with your model can lead to further problems.
Expert Advice: If you are unsure about any aspect of the repair process or feel uncomfortable proceeding, don't hesitate to consult an expert or qualified technician. Some repairs may be too complex or hazardous for novice individuals to attempt.
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Frequently asked questions
A split or blocked fuel line could be the reason gas is not reaching the engine. Remove the fuel line from the carburetor with hemostat forceps or long needle-nosed pliers. Pull the old fuel lines out of the tank and insert the new lines into the same holes from which you removed the damaged ones.
If you notice fuel leaking from your trimmer, the fuel line might be cracked. Fuel lines can become hard and brittle over time, eventually cracking and leaking fuel.
Always wear protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and safety goggles when working with a trimmer. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and use a funnel to prevent spills when pouring gas from the trimmer's fuel tank.
