Mercedes Mullins
Briggs & Stratton fuel tanks are commonly found in lawn mowers, tractors, pressure washers, and generators. Fuel tanks are designed to keep the engine's fuel clean, vented, and secure. If you spot debris in the tank or leaking gasoline, it's time for fuel tank maintenance. It is important to note that you should never attempt to repair a damaged tank as it may lead to leakage, fire, or fuel contamination. Instead, you should replace the tank with a new one, using only parts recommended by the engine manufacturer.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | Clamp cutter, screwdriver, nut driver, socket wrench, pan, fuel line clamp, smooth-faced clamp, needle-nose pliers, torque wrench |
| First steps | Ensure the engine has cooled, remove the wire and boot from the spark plug, drain the gas from the tank, place a container under the tank outlet, release the clamp to remove the gas line |
| Next steps | Remove the starter rope from the rope guide, remove the screws to release the engine cover, feed the starter handle through the cover, remove the screws to release the old gas tank, pull the old tank out |
| Fuel tank replacement | Position the new gas tank onto the engine housing, secure the screws, reconnect the gas line and secure it with the clamp |
| Fuel tank cleaning | Turn off the fuel valve, if equipped, at the base of the tank, if no fuel valve, stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp, loosen the mounting screws, remove the pump from the mounting bracket or carburetor, check for hairline cracks and other damage |
| Fuel pump | Used when the gas tank is mounted lower than the carburetor, has a plastic or metal body, develops pressure using the vacuum in the crankcase |
| Fuel filter | Located inside the tank at the fuel outlet, cannot be replaced, consult local Briggs dealers on how to service in-tank filters |
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What You'll Learn
How to clean a small engine fuel tank
First, ensure the engine has cooled down. Then, remove the wire and boot from the spark plug. Place a container under the tank outlet and release the clamp to remove the gas line. Drain the gas from the tank into the container. Next, remove the starter rope from the rope guide and remove the screws to release the engine cover.
Now, you can begin cleaning the tank. Use a flashlight to check for debris and beads of light that indicate holes or cracks. Use a baster to remove any loose debris. If there is a fuel filter located inside the tank, consult your local dealer on how to service it. If the filter is located outside the tank, simply disconnect the line from the carburettor and dispose of the fuel safely.
If you are replacing the fuel tank, use only parts recommended by the engine manufacturer. These parts will attach securely to your engine in the space provided. Older model fuel tanks use a vented gas cap to prevent a vacuum or pressure from forming in the fuel system. Modern fuel tanks will have either a charcoal filter or charcoal venting system.
Remember, fuel and its vapours are extremely flammable and explosive. Always handle fuel with extreme care and refer to your engine and equipment manual before starting any work.
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How to drain the gas from your old tank
To drain the gas from your old tank, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure the engine has cooled down. This is an important safety measure before beginning any repairs or maintenance on your engine. Once the engine is cool, remove the wire and boot from the spark plug.
Now, place a container under the tank outlet. This container will catch the drained gasoline, so ensure it is securely placed and suitable for holding flammable liquids. Then, release the clamp to remove the gas line. You can use a fuel line clamp to stop the flow of gas if there is no fuel valve.
At this point, you can drain the gasoline from your old tank. Be extremely cautious during this step, as gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Always handle fuel with care and dispose of it in a safe manner.
Once the tank is empty, you can proceed with further repairs or maintenance, such as replacing the gas tank or inspecting for debris and damage. Remember to refer to the engine and equipment manual for safety instructions and additional guidance.
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How to remove the gas tank
Before you begin, ensure that the engine has cooled down. It is important to exercise caution when handling fuel as it is highly flammable and explosive. Remove the wire and boot from the spark plug, and place a container under the tank outlet.
First, drain the gas from the tank. Release the clamp to remove the gas line. Remove the starter rope from the rope guide, and then remove the screws to release the engine cover. Feed the starter handle through the cover and set the cover aside.
Next, remove the screws that secure the gas tank in place. Pull the old tank out. At this stage, you may need to remove the mounting bracket or carburetor to access the gas tank.
Now, you can install the new gas tank. Position the new tank onto the engine housing and secure it with screws. Reconnect the gas line and secure it with the clamp.
Finally, you can reattach the spark plug wire and boot.
It is important to refer to the specific model and type number of your Briggs and Stratton engine when carrying out repairs. The manufacturer also recommends consulting an authorized dealer if you are unsure about any procedure or have additional questions.
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How to install a new gas tank
To install a new gas tank on a Briggs & Stratton small engine, you will need a pan, clamp cutter, screwdriver, nut driver, and socket wrench. Before you begin, ensure the engine has cooled down, and remove the wire and boot from the spark plug.
First, drain the gas from the old tank by placing a container under the tank outlet and releasing the clamp to remove the gas line. Remove the starter rope from the rope guide, then remove the screws to release the engine cover. Feed the starter handle through the cover and set it aside. Now, remove the screws to release the old gas tank and pull it out.
Next, install the new gas tank by positioning it onto the engine housing and securing it with screws. Reconnect the gas line and secure it with the clamp. Transfer the gasoline to the new tank and reattach the spark plug wire and boot.
If your engine uses a fuel filter located inside the tank, you will need to consult your local Briggs dealer on how to service it. If the filter is located outside the tank, you can replace it by first removing the spark plug lead and securing it away from the plug. Disconnect the battery by first removing the negative lead, then the positive. Use a fuel line clamp to seal the fuel line where it attaches to the carburetor, then disconnect the line from the carburetor and vent line (if equipped). Dispose of the fuel safely, then check the tank with a flashlight for debris and signs of damage.
If your engine uses a fuel pump, you may need to replace it if it is damaged or cracked. Fuel pumps are typically mounted on the carburetor, near the fuel tank, or between the tank and carburetor. To replace the pump, first turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank, or stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the pump, then disconnect the fuel hoses using needle-nose pliers. Soak metal parts in an all-purpose parts cleaner for up to 15 minutes, then check the hoses for damage and replace any worn parts. Reinstall the pump using the mounting screws and attach the pump to the carburetor or mounting bracket.
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$20.31
How to fix a fuel pump
Fixing a Fuel Pump
A fuel pump is used when the gas tank is mounted lower than the carburettor and cannot rely on gravity to carry gas through the fuel line. Briggs & Stratton fuel pumps have either a plastic or metal body and develop pressure using the vacuum in the crankcase, which is created by the motion of the piston.
If you are experiencing issues with your fuel pump, the first step is to turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank where the fuel line is attached. If there is no fuel valve, stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the pump from the mounting bracket or carburettor. Check for hairline cracks and other damage to the external surfaces of the pump. If the pump is damaged and has a metal body, discard it and replace it with a new one.
With the fuel valve closed or the line clamped, remove the mounting screws. Disconnect the fuel hoses using needle-nose pliers to loosen the clips. Remove the screws and disassemble the pump. Inspect the body for cracks or other damage. Soak metal parts in an all-purpose parts cleaner for up to 15 minutes. Check the hoses for cracks, softening, or hardening, and replace any faulty parts. Discard old gaskets, diaphragms, and springs, replacing them with parts from an original manufacturer's repair kit.
When installing a replacement fuel pump, place the diaphragm spring and then the cup over the centre of the pump chamber. Insert a valve spring, followed by the diaphragm, gasket, and cover. Attach these parts with pump screws and tighten them using a torque wrench. Finally, attach the pump to the carburettor or mounting bracket using the pump mounting screws.
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Frequently asked questions
If you spot debris in the gas tank or leaking gasoline, it's time for fuel tank maintenance.
Never attempt to repair a damaged tank. It poses a risk of leakage, fire or fuel contamination. Instead, replace the tank using parts recommended by the engine manufacturer.
First, ensure the engine has cooled and remove the wire and boot from the spark plug. Then, drain the gas from your old tank by placing a container under the tank outlet and releasing the clamp to remove the gas line. Next, remove the starter rope from the rope guide and then remove the screws to release the engine cover. Remove the old gas tank and install the new one by positioning it onto the engine housing and securing the screws. Reconnect the gas line and secure it with the clamp.
Turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank where the fuel line is attached. If there is no fuel valve, stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp. Disconnect the battery (if equipped) by first removing the negative lead and then the positive. Use a fuel line clamp to seal the fuel line where it attaches to the carburetor. Then, disconnect the line from the carburetor and dispose of the fuel in a safe manner. When the tank is empty, check with a flashlight for debris and holes or cracks. Use a baster to remove loose debris.
