Replacing A Fuel Line: Blower Maintenance And Repair Guide

Replacing the fuel line on a leaf blower is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail and a number of tools. The fuel line can become clogged, crimped, or cracked, leading to restricted gas flow and engine problems. Before beginning the replacement, ensure the engine is cool and the on/off switch is off. It is also recommended to perform this procedure with little to no fuel in the tank. The steps include draining the fuel tank, removing the fuel lines, installing the new fuel lines, and reassembling the unit.

Drain the fuel tank

To replace a fuel line blower, the first step is to drain the fuel tank. This is important as it ensures that no fuel is left in the tank, which can cause the fuel lines to harden and lead to cracks and leaks. Here's a detailed guide on how to drain the fuel tank:

Prepare the Work Area:

Before beginning, ensure you have a safe and well-ventilated workspace. Place the leaf blower on a flat, stable surface and have a receptacle ready to catch the drained fuel. It is recommended to perform this procedure with little to no fuel in the tank.

Disconnect the Spark Plug:

To prevent accidental starting, disconnect the wire from the spark plug. This adds an extra layer of safety while working on the fuel system.

Remove the Fuel Cap:

Locate the fuel cap and remove it. This will provide access to the fuel tank and allow for easier draining.

Drain Excess Fuel:

Using an approved fuel container, carefully drain the excess fuel from the tank. This step ensures that the majority of the fuel is removed before proceeding with the fuel line replacement. Place the drained fuel in a safe location, away from open flames or heat sources.

Use Needle-Nose Pliers:

With the tank partially drained, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the fuel filter from the mouth of the tank. The fuel filter is connected to the end of the small fuel line inside the tank. Gently pull the fuel filter out and set it aside.

Pull Out the Fuel Lines:

Now, focus on the fuel lines. Pull the small fuel line out of the tank through the mounting hole. This might require some gentle maneuvering, ensuring you don't damage the line.

Similarly, push the large fuel line into the tank through the mounting hole and then pull it out of the mouth of the tank. This ensures that you are working with fresh fuel lines and can install the new ones correctly.

Remove the fuel lines

To remove the fuel lines, start by draining the fuel tank. This is important for safety reasons, as you don't want to be working with a full tank of fuel.

Next, disconnect the fuel lines from the carburetor using long-nosed pliers. Be sure to make a note of the configuration of the small and large fuel lines so that you can reconnect them correctly later. Cut the fuel lines flush with the fuel tank using wire cutters. Then, use a small screwdriver to press the remaining portions of the fuel lines into the fuel tank.

Remove the fuel cap and use long-nosed pliers or a long wire hook to retrieve the lower halves of the fuel lines from inside the fuel tank. One of these lines will contain the fuel filter. Be careful when handling the fuel filter, as it may still contain some fuel.

It is important to dispose of the old fuel lines properly and to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when performing this task.

Install the new fuel lines

Now that you've removed the old fuel lines, it's time to install the new ones. This process will involve several steps and require some tools, including wire cutters, a utility knife, and a small screwdriver. Here's a detailed guide on how to install the new fuel lines:

Install the Filtered Fuel Line:

• The fuel line kit will contain two different sizes of lines to accommodate various models. Inspect your blower to determine which line(s) to use. For some blowers, you may only need the large fuel line for both the return and supply.
• Insert the tapered end of the new fuel line into one of the openings at the top of the fuel tank.
• Feed approximately six inches of the new line into the fuel tank.
• Use a wire hook to retrieve the fuel line from inside the fuel tank through the filler neck.
• Cut away the tapered portion of the fuel line using wire cutters.
• Install the fuel filter onto the end of the new line.
• Place the fuel filter and line back into the fuel tank, using the wire hook to position the filter at the rear of the tank.
• Position the fuel line approximately where it will connect to the carburetor, and trim the excess line slightly longer than needed with wire cutters.

Install the Return Fuel Line:

• Cut a taper onto one end of the new return fuel line using wire cutters.
• Insert the tapered end of the new fuel line into the second opening on the top of the fuel tank.
• Feed approximately two inches of the new line into the fuel tank.
• Place the return line in its approximate position on the carburetor and trim the excess line slightly longer than needed with wire cutters.

Connect the Fuel Lines to the Carburetor:

• Place your finger over one of the ports on the carburetor and press and release (prime) the purge bulb.
• Identify the intake (incoming) and outgoing ports by feeling the direction of the airflow. The intake port will draw your finger towards it, while the outgoing port will push your finger away.
• Determine if further trimming is needed and use wire cutters to trim the lines to their final length, if necessary.
• Install the fuel line with the fuel filter onto the incoming port on the carburetor.
• Install the return fuel line (without the fuel filter) onto the outgoing port on the carburetor.

Reassemble the unit

Once you have installed the new fuel lines, you can begin to reassemble the unit.

First, reinstall the fuel cap onto the fuel tank. Next, push the blower tube back on the front of the housing and tighten the thumb screw. Reattach the spark plug wire.

Now, push the fuel lines onto the proper connections on the carburetor. Insert the carburetor into the air box with the throttle and choke levers positioned properly. Position the carburetor on the side of the engine and reinstall the mounting screws.

Position the air filter cover over the carburetor and secure it with the mounting screws. Reinstall the guard cover on the muffler.

Finally, with the repair completed, rethread the spark plug and be careful not to strip the threads by over-tightening. Reattach the wire and boot to the plug. Turn the on/off switch to the on position and your leaf blower should be ready for use.

Reconnect the spark plug

To reconnect the spark plug, start by locating the spark plug wire. Ensure you can access the boot of the spark plug wire. Grab the spark plug wire boot and twist it in either direction, pulling it off simultaneously. This will ensure that the wire breaks free if it is slightly corroded. The rotation will also allow for the connection to unclip from the top of the spark plug, reducing strain on the wire.

Next, push the spark plug wire back into place. Push it firmly back into its original position until you either feel or hear a clip.

Before you attach the boot to the spark plug, apply some silicone lubricant to the inside of the boot. Then, push the boot over the exposed terminal of the new plug and press it firmly into place.

Finally, reattach the spark plug wire. Wrap up your installation by reinstalling the vehicle's spark plug wires or coil-on-plug connectors in the correct order.

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