Replacing Blower Fuel Tank Vent: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel tank vent on a blower is a quick and easy fix that can save you a lot of trouble. The fuel tank vent is a check valve that allows air to enter the fuel tank and prevents a vacuum from forming inside. A faulty vent can cause the engine to stop suddenly after running normally for 5-10 minutes. To replace the fuel tank vent, first remove the air cleaner assembly and drain any excess fuel from the tank. Then, remove the fuel tank vent by gently pulling it away from the pocket behind the engine cover. Install the new tank vent by sliding the metal clip over the vent tube and positioning it a quarter of an inch from the end. Finally, thread the fuel tank vent and tube behind the remaining fuel lines and tuck the vent into the pocket beneath the engine cover.

Characteristics of How to Replace Blower Fuel Tank Vent

Identify the problem

The fuel tank vent is a check valve that allows air to enter the fuel tank and prevents fuel and fuel emissions from escaping. A faulty fuel tank vent will cause the engine to stop suddenly after running normally for 5-10 minutes. This is due to a vacuum being created inside the fuel tank, depriving the engine of air.

A faulty fuel cap can also cause similar issues. If the O-ring is cracked or missing, fuel may leak. If the engine dies after several minutes of operation and won't restart, you may have a bad cap vent. The vent allows air into the fuel tank as the fuel level drops. If air cannot enter, a vacuum forms, and fuel stops flowing to the carburetor.

There are a few ways to identify a faulty fuel tank vent or fuel cap vent:

• The engine stops suddenly after running normally for 5-10 minutes. After removing and replacing the fuel cap, the engine starts and runs normally again, but only for another 5-10 minutes.
• When you open the fuel cap, you hear air rushing into the tank, indicating a vacuum.
• Fuel leaks from the tank, possibly due to a cracked or missing O-ring.
• The fuel pump starts squealing, and air comes rushing out of the valve when you park.
• Difficulty starting the engine after driving for a while.
• Loss of acceleration or response when opening the throttle fully.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to check your fuel tank vent or fuel cap vent for faults and replace them if necessary.

Remove the air cleaner assembly

To remove the air cleaner assembly, first loosen the thumb screw and remove the air cleaner lid. Then, take out the air filter. It is important to drain any excess fuel from the tank before servicing the unit.

The next step is to remove the fuel tank vent. Locate the fuel tube containing the fuel tank vent and gently pull the vent assembly away from the pocket behind the engine cover. Remove the fuel tank vent from the end of the vent tube by pulling gently from both sides. Then, remove the metal clip from the end of the vent tube. Finally, remove the vent tube from the fuel tank by pulling the tube up and out of the fuel tank grommet.

Now that the air cleaner assembly has been removed, you can proceed to install the new tank vent and reassemble the unit.

Remove the fuel tank vent

To remove the fuel tank vent, first, remove the air cleaner assembly. Loosen the thumb screw, remove the air cleaner lid, and take out the air filter. Drain any excess fuel from the tank before servicing the unit.

Next, locate the fuel tube containing the fuel tank vent and gently pull the vent assembly away from the pocket behind the engine cover. Remove the fuel tank vent from the end of the vent tube by pulling gently from both sides. Then, remove the metal clip from the end of the vent tube and take the vent tube out of the fuel tank by pulling the tube up and out of the fuel tank grommet.

Some fuel tank vents are glued or plastic-welded on, so you may need to cut the vent with a PVC cutter or an oscillating cutter. Alternatively, you can try loosening it up with penetrating oil or carb cleaner.

Install the new tank vent

Installing the new tank vent:

Now that you have removed the old fuel tank vent, it's time to install the new one. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Slide the metal clip over the vent tube: Position a metal clip on the vent tube, approximately a quarter of an inch from the end of the tube.
• Install the new tank vent: Place the new tank vent onto the end of the vent tube. The ring clip should expand slightly to fit the flared connection, then tighten around the narrower portion of the fitting. This step should be done in one continuous motion. If the ring clip slides backward, reposition it and start again.
• Thread the fuel tank vent and tube: Tuck the vent into the "pocket" beneath the engine cover by threading the fuel tank vent and tube behind the remaining fuel lines.

Reassembling the unit:

• Reinstall the air filter: Place the air filter into the air cleaner lid.
• Reinstall the air filter lid: Put the air filter lid onto the air cleaner case and secure it with the thumbscrew.

Reassemble the unit

Now that you have installed the new tank vent, it is time to reassemble the unit.

Firstly, install the air filter into the air cleaner lid. Then, reinstall the air filter lid onto the air cleaner case. Secure the air filter lid with the thumbscrew.

You have now successfully restored trimmer functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement and taken the edge off future repairs.

Frequently asked questions