Replacing Fuel Line On Echo Trimmer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel line on an Echo trimmer is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. The fuel line grommet, which creates a seal between the fuel lines and the fuel tank, is usually made of rubber and can deteriorate and crack over time due to the ethanol in the fuel. This can cause fuel leakage and affect the performance of the trimmer. The repair process involves removing the air filter, fuel cap, and fuel lines, and installing a new grommet and fuel lines. It is recommended to use ethanol-free fuel to prolong the life of the fuel system components.

Disconnect and remove fuel lines

Disconnecting and removing the fuel lines from your Echo trimmer is a straightforward process. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the steps:

Step 1: Remove the Air Filter

Before beginning any work on your trimmer, it is important to ensure that you empty any gas from the tank into an appropriate container. Once the tank is empty, you can start by removing the air filter. Twist the knob on the air filter counter-clockwise and remove it.

Step 2: Disconnect Fuel Lines

You will now need to disconnect the fuel lines from the carburetor. Simply pull the lines firmly to detach them. If they are stuck, you can gently pry them off with a flat-head screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Be cautious, as some fuel may spill out during this step.

Step 3: Remove the Grommet

After disconnecting the fuel lines, you will need to remove the grommet from the gas tank. The grommet is the rubber seal that fits around the fuel lines. You can use a flat-head screwdriver or pliers to carefully pry it out. It may require some force to remove it completely.

Step 4: Prepare for New Grommet Installation

Before installing the new grommet, it is recommended to oil or grease its perimeter to ease the installation process. This will help the new grommet slide into place more smoothly. Additionally, you will need to insert the fuel filter through the small hole in the gas tank, as it will be difficult to do so after the grommet is in place.

Note: It is important to be cautious when handling fuel and to work in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected and removed the fuel lines from your Echo trimmer, preparing you for the next steps in the replacement process. Remember to refer to the trimmer's manual or seek professional advice if you encounter any issues or complications during the process.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Echo trimmer, first, make sure the engine has cooled down and that there is little to no fuel left in the tank. If there is fuel in the tank, empty it into an appropriate container.

Next, remove the wire and boot from the spark plug to prevent the engine from accidentally starting. Then, note the orientation of the fuel lines attached to the primer assembly and disconnect them. Be prepared for some fuel to spill out.

Now, release the check valve and vent tube. Remove the mounting screws securing the fuel tank and pull it off. Pull out the fuel line assembly from the tank.

Slide off the retaining ring and pull the fuel filter out of the old fuel line.

Alternatively, if you are using a fuel line retriever, curve the end of a sturdy length of wire into the shape of a hook and insert it into the fuel tank to retrieve the fuel line containing the fuel filter. Remove the fuel filter from the fuel line with a twisting and pulling motion.

Reattaching fuel lines

Reattaching the fuel lines is a simple process. First, attach the black line to the hose attachment on the inside. Then, attach the yellow line to the outer hose attachment. The black hose with the white attachment should slide into the area circled in the picture. This is just a vent cap, so it is not imperative that it be placed in this spot if you are unable to do so. Just make sure that the vent hose is not kinked.

Next, reconnect the fuel lines to the appropriate ports on the primer assembly. It is important to keep the lines properly oriented. Be prepared for some fuel to spill out.

Replacing the purge bulb

The primer bulb, also known as the purge bulb, is part of your Echo trimmer's carburetor. Its purpose is to prime the engine for starting by pumping fuel into the carburetor and removing air from it, which helps the engine start more quickly and easily. Over time, the primer bulb may begin to deteriorate or crack.

Removing the Primer Bulb

• Remove the air cleaner assembly by loosening the thumb screw, then removing the air cleaner lid and air filter.
• Drain the fuel before servicing the unit.
• Remove the air cleaner case by loosening the two bracket retaining screws. Remove the air cleaner case, along with the bracket and screws, from the engine.
• Remove the carburetor by using a wrench to loosen the throttle cable-adjusting nut. Disconnect the throttle cable from the throttle body.
• Disconnect the two fuel lines from the carburetor. Remove the carburetor from the engine.
• Locate and remove the intake insulator gasket. This gasket is situated between the carburetor and the intake insulator block. It will usually fall away as the two components are separated.
• Remove the four screws from the primer pump cover, then remove the cover itself.
• Remove the old primer bulb.

Installing the New Primer Bulb

• Install the new primer bulb onto the purge base assembly.
• Install the primer pump cover over the primer bulb.
• Secure the primer pump cover and the new bulb with the four screws.

Reassembling the Unit

• Reconnect the fuel lines to the carburetor. Remove the gas cap and locate the fuel filter. The filter will be attached to the incoming fuel line. Make a note of this fuel line for the next step.
• Plug one of the carburetor ports with the tip of your finger, then depress the primer bulb several times. If the bulb softens (deflates) without returning to its original shape, you have plugged the incoming port. If the bulb fills with air (hardens) and won't allow further priming, you have plugged the return port.
• Connect the incoming fuel line to the intake port on the carburetor, and connect the return fuel line to the return port.
• Reinstall the throttle cable to the carburetor. Rotate the throttle lever on the carburetor to fully open the throttle.
• Thread the throttle cable through the brass connector at the top of the carburetor. Pull back slightly on the throttle cable to secure the tip of the cable beneath the slots of the brass connector.
• Press the throttle adjustment nut on the cable into the recess on the throttle body, then use a wrench to secure the secondary throttle nut.
• Reinstall the carburetor by threading the two mounting screws through the mounting holes on the air cleaner bracket and the air cleaner case. The bracket should be flush against the interior of the air cleaner case, on the same side as the choke valve.
• Thread the screws protruding from the air cleaner case through the holes on the carburetor assembly.
• There are two small holes on the intake gasket, in addition to the main intake opening and the two mounting holes. These small holes need to align with the small hole on the insulator block. Thread the screws through the mounting holes on the intake gasket and slide the gasket flush against the carburetor.
• Install the intake assembly (bracket, air cleaner case, carburetor, and intake gasket) onto the intake insulator block. Secure the intake components with the screws.
• Reinstall the air filter into the air cleaner case.
• Reinstall the air filter lid onto the air cleaner case and secure it with the thumbscrew.

Replacing the vent cap gasket

To replace the vent cap gasket on an Echo Trimmer, follow these steps:

Removing the vent cap gasket

• Unscrew and remove the gas cap: The plastic piece that keeps it attached will pull out of the tank.
• Pry out the old gasket: Use a screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the old gasket.

Installing the new vent cap gasket

• Install the new gasket: Use your fingers to position the new gasket.
• Reinstall the fuel tank cap: Put the cap lanyard back into the fuel tank and screw the fuel cap back on.

Reassembling the unit

• Check the reused gaskets: Ensure all reused gaskets are in good condition and reinstall them in the same way they were removed.
• Reverse the disassembly steps: To finish reassembling your device, follow the previous steps in reverse order.

Frequently asked questions