Replacing Fuel Line In A Weed Eater: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace the fuel line in your weed eater, you've come to the right place. This is a common issue, as fuel lines tend to deteriorate over time, becoming hard and brittle, and eventually cracking and leaking. Luckily, you can replace it yourself without having to take it to a repair shop. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Characteristics of fuel line replacement in a weed eater

Draw a diagram or take a photo of the fuel line routing before removing the old line

It is important to draw a diagram or take a photo of the fuel line routing before removing the old line. This will ensure that you have a reference to help you remember how the fuel line was configured when it is time to install the new one.

To start, locate the fuel tank. There should be two holes at the bottom of the tank, one smaller than the other. The smaller hole is for the thin fuel line, which is the fuel feed, and the larger hole is for the thick fuel line, which is the fuel return/breather. The thin line connects to the filter inside the tank, so make sure to take note of this when drawing your diagram or taking your photo. Pull out about 1" of the thin fuel line from the fuel cap opening and attach the filter. The thick line inside the tank should have a breather nipple attached to it, and this should be about 1/4" to 1" below the fuel cap hole.

Next, follow the fuel lines from the tank to the carburetor. The thin line will go from the tank to the bottom connector on the carb, while the thick line will connect to the big connector on the primer bulb base. From the primer bulb, the thin line will then go to the top connector of the carb.

Make sure to include all of these details in your diagram or photograph so that you have a clear reference when replacing the fuel line in your weed eater.

Cut the new lines at an extreme angle

When replacing the fuel lines of a weed eater, it is important to cut the new lines at an extreme angle. This is because the fuel lines need to be fed through small holes, and by cutting the lines at an extreme angle, you create a sharp point that can be more easily guided through these tight spaces.

To do this, you can use a variety of tools, such as a pair of snips, a small pipe cutter, a tubing cutter, or a hacksaw. A tubing cutter will leave a nice, straight cut without causing any sparks, which could be dangerous when working with fuel lines. It is also important to ensure that you are using the correct size of the fuel line. If the line is too small, it may leak, and if it is too big, it could choke off the fuel supply.

When feeding the new fuel line through, you can use a piece of small-diameter trimmer line or stiff wire as a guide. Feed this through the hole first, and then thread the fuel line over it, pushing it through with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Once the fuel line is through, cut the end square again, ensuring it reaches slightly beyond the bottom of the housing.

Cutting the new fuel lines at an extreme angle is a crucial step in the replacement process, as it allows for easier navigation through the tight spaces of the weed eater's fuel system.

Feed the new line through the hole in the tank

To feed the new line through the hole in the tank, you will need to first cut the end of the line at an angle. This sharp point will help guide the line through the hole. Use a pair of scissors to cut the line at a 30-degree angle.

Next, you can use a small diameter trimmer line or a piece of stiff wire to guide the new line through the hole. Feed this guide through the hole from the bottom, so it sticks out of the top of the tank, where the fuel cap is. You can then feed the new line down from the top, over the guide, until it pokes through the hole. Grab the new line with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it through.

Alternatively, you can try feeding the new line through the hole without a guide. Simply feed it through the hole from the bottom until you can grab it with pliers and pull it out from the top.

Once the new line is through the hole, cut the end square and attach the filter. You can then drop the filter into the tank and attach the line to the carburettor.

Use pliers to pull the new line through

When you have the new fuel line ready, it's time to feed it into the weed eater. Cut the end of the line to a 30- or 45-degree angle to make a sharp point that will help guide it through the hole in the tank. You can then use a pair of pliers to pull the new line through.

One method is to first feed a piece of small-diameter trimmer line or stiff wire through the hole. Feed it up from the bottom until you can pull it out of the tank from the top where the fuel cap is, so that you have trimmer line sticking out of both ends. You can then feed the fuel line down from the top over the trimmer line or wire until you see the fuel line poking through. Grab the fuel line with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it through.

Alternatively, you can try feeding the pointed end of the fuel line up from the bottom without using trimmer line or wire as a guide. Just feed it up until you can grab it with a pair of pliers and pull it out.

Once you have pulled the new fuel line through, cut the end square again at about 4 inches. It should reach just slightly beyond the bottom of the housing. Cut the tank end to about 6 inches and put a new filter on and drop it into the tank.

Dispose of old fuel in accordance with applicable law

When disposing of old fuel, it is important to follow the applicable laws and regulations to ensure safety and protect the environment. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for disposing of old fuel in a responsible manner:

Do Not Dispose of Old Fuel with Regular Trash or Down the Drain

It is illegal and harmful to the environment to dispose of old fuel by pouring it down the sink, toilet, or storm drain. It is also dangerous to place it in your regular trash pickup, as it may catch fire or explode.

Contact Local Authorities and Facilities

Get in touch with your local government, as they often have specific guidelines and facilities for hazardous waste disposal. Many counties have hazardous waste drop-off events or permanent collection centres that accept old fuel. Your local fire department may also allow you to drop off old fuel for proper disposal.

Reach Out to Auto Repair Shops and Garages

Some auto repair shops and garages may be willing to take your old fuel off your hands if it is free from contaminants. It is worth contacting a few places in your community to inquire about this option.

Participate in Community Collection Events

Keep an eye out for community collection events organised by your municipality. These events are designed to collect hazardous materials, and some may accept old fuel. Be sure to read through the list of acceptable items before heading out.

Use a Local Recycling Centre

Search for recycling centres in your area that specifically handle vehicle fluids, as they may charge a small fee for this service.

Proper Transportation and Handling

When transporting old fuel, use a safe container made of heavy plastic and marked with the appropriate symbols. Do not fill the container while it is in your vehicle, and always secure it to prevent sliding or tipping over during transport. Remove the container from your vehicle as soon as you arrive at the disposal facility.

Other Options

If you are unable to utilise any of the above methods, there are a few alternative options to consider:

• Dilute the old fuel with fresh gasoline and use it in small engines, such as lawnmowers or small boat engines.
• Use it as a parts cleaner or weed killer, but exercise caution and do not inhale the fumes.
• Mix it with used motor oil and burn it in a controlled manner, such as a campfire or brush pile.

Remember to always follow local regulations and dispose of old fuel in a manner that is safe for yourself, others, and the environment.

Frequently asked questions