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

Homelite string trimmers are popular gardening tools, but they can be prone to fuel line problems. The fuel line connects the fuel tank to the carburetor, and it can degrade over time, leading to issues with the seals and gaskets in the carburetor. Replacing the fuel line is a straightforward task that can save you time and money in the long run. This guide will take you through the process of replacing the fuel line on your Homelite string trimmer, step by step, and offer tips for troubleshooting common issues.

Drain the gas tank

To drain the gas tank of your Homelite string trimmer, you'll first need to remove any remaining fuel from the tank. Start the trimmer if possible and let it use up the last of the fuel in the lines.

Once the tank is empty, you'll need to access the carburetor. To do this, remove the air filter cover or cylinder cover, depending on your model. This will give you access to the carburetor, which you can then disconnect from the fuel line using needle-nose pliers.

With the carburetor disconnected, you can now focus on draining the gas tank. Using the needle-nose pliers, reach into the gas tank and locate the fuel filter and old fuel line. Remove these from the tank and dispose of them responsibly.

At this point, the gas tank should be drained and you can begin the process of installing the new fuel line and fuel filter. However, it's important to note that whenever you replace the fuel line, you should also replace the fuel filter to ensure optimal performance and prevent future issues.

Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor

To disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor, you will first need to drain the gas tank. Start the trimmer and let it use up the last of the fuel in the lines. Once the tank is empty, remove the air filter cover or cylinder cover to access the carburetor. You will need a pair of needle-nose pliers to disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. Reach into the gas tank with the pliers and pull out the old fuel line and fuel filter. Dispose of these parts responsibly.

It is important to replace the fuel line in your Homelite string trimmer regularly as the plastic line will degrade over time. Additionally, improper storage of the trimmer can cause the gas to dry out in the line, reducing the amount of fuel in the carburetor. This can lead to problems with the seals and gaskets in the carburetor, which are much more difficult and costly to replace. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the fuel line seasonally and always replace the fuel filter when replacing the fuel line.

When disconnecting the fuel line from the carburetor, be careful not to damage any other components in the engine. If you are unsure about the procedure, it may be helpful to refer to a repair manual or seek assistance from a qualified technician.

After disconnecting the fuel line, you will need to cut and insert a new fuel line. Cut off 6 to 8 inches of new fuel line and cut one end in a 45-degree taper. Insert a metal wire into the other end of the fuel line. Push the tapered end into the hole at the bottom of the fuel tank using a metal hook for leverage. Once most of the way through, grab and pull it towards the carburetor with the needle-nose pliers.

Remove the fuel filter and old fuel line

To remove the fuel filter and old fuel line from your Homelite string trimmer, you will need to first drain the gas tank. Start the trimmer to use up any remaining fuel in the lines. Next, remove the air filter or cylinder cover to access the carburetor, and disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor using a pair of needle-nose pliers. With the carburetor disconnected, reach into the gas tank with the needle-nose pliers and pull out the fuel filter and old fuel line. Dispose of these parts responsibly.

It is important to replace the fuel line on your Homelite trimmer regularly as the plastic line can degrade over time. Additionally, improper storage of the trimmer can cause the gas to dry out in the line, reducing the amount of fuel in the carburetor and leading to problems with the seals and gaskets. Always replace the fuel filter when replacing the fuel line.

Cut the new fuel line to size

To cut the new fuel line to size, you will need to cut off 6 to 8 inches of the new fuel line. Cut one end at a 45-degree angle to create a taper. This tapered end will be inserted into the hole at the bottom of the fuel tank. The taper will make it easier to feed the line through the hole and into the tank.

It is important to ensure that the new fuel line is the correct size and made of suitable material for your Homelite string trimmer model. The fuel line connects the fuel tank to the carburetor, and it is essential that it is secure and properly fitted to prevent fuel leaks.

Once you have cut the new fuel line to the correct length, you can insert a metal wire into the end opposite the taper. This wire will be used to guide the fuel line through the hole in the fuel tank and ensure it feeds through smoothly. It is helpful to have a metal hook or similar tool to provide leverage when pushing the tapered end of the fuel line into the hole.

After the fuel line is mostly fed through the hole, use needle-nose pliers to grab it and pull it towards the carburetor. At this point, you can remove the metal wire and cut off any excess line inside the tank, leaving approximately 2 inches of line remaining inside. Pull the fuel line up slightly so that you can insert the tip of the fuel filter into the end of the line.

Insert the new fuel line into the tank

To insert the new fuel line into the tank, start by cutting off 6 to 8 inches of the new fuel line. Cut one end in a 45-degree taper and insert a metal wire into the other end. Push the tapered end into the hole at the bottom of the fuel tank, using a metal hook to gain leverage. Once you have pushed it most of the way through, grab the end with needle-nose pliers and pull it towards the carburetor.

At this point, the new fuel line should be protruding from the fuel tank. Take out the metal wire and cut off any excess line inside the tank, leaving around 2 inches of the line inside. Pull the fuel line up slightly so that you can insert the tip of the fuel filter into the line. Now, pull the line towards the carburetor and connect it to the same spot you removed it from earlier.

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