Replacing The Fuel Line On Your Stihl Weed Eater

If you're a regular gardener, a weed eater is likely to be one of your most important tools. However, the fuel line of a weed eater can be damaged over time, either through reckless trimming or just regular wear and tear. The fuel lines on every Stihl engine contain a main or suction hose and an impulse or return hose. These hoses suck gas from the tank into the carburetor, and any excess fuel returns to the tank to be reused. The lines age quickly due to fuel impurities and must be replaced almost every season. Clogged or dirty fuel lines are also the cause of many common engine problems. This is how you replace them.

Drain old fuel into an approved container

To drain old fuel from your Stihl weed eater into an approved container, start by opening the fuel tank cap. Approved fuel containers are designed to safely store flammable liquids and are typically made of durable materials such as metal or thick plastic. They often have a secure lid to prevent spills and are marked with clear labels indicating their purpose.

Once the fuel tank cap is open, you can begin draining the old fuel by carefully pouring it into the approved container. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and to place the container on a flat, stable surface to reduce the risk of accidents. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to safeguard against fuel spills.

As you drain the fuel, be cautious not to overfill the container. Approved fuel containers usually have a maximum fill line indicated on their side, and it is important not to exceed this level. If the container does not have a clear maximum fill line, leave a few inches of space at the top to prevent spills when moving or storing the container.

After you have finished draining the old fuel, securely replace the cap on the fuel tank of your Stihl weed eater. Properly dispose of the drained fuel by taking it to a designated hazardous waste disposal facility or recycling centre. Do not pour old fuel down drains or into the environment, as it can pose a significant ecological risk.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Stihl weed eater, you'll first need to open the fuel tank cap and drain all the old fuel into an approved container. This is an important safety step to prevent accidental spillage. Once the tank is empty, you'll need a metal hook to reach down and pull the fuel filter out from the bottom of the tank. The fuel filter is attached to the end of the suction hose, so you'll need to carefully detach it.

There are a few different methods you can use to remove the fuel filter. One common approach is to use a metal hook, such as a baling wire, to reach down and detach the filter from the suction hose. You can also try using a long pair of hemostats to grab and remove the filter. If you don't have access to these tools, you can get creative and fashion a hook from a coat hanger to fish out the filter.

It's important to note that the fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank, so you may need to tilt the engine or remove the tank entirely to access it. Additionally, the fuel line and tank grommet are fragile and prone to breaking, so it's recommended to have replacements on hand in case they need to be replaced during the process.

After successfully removing the fuel filter, be sure to dispose of it properly and replace it with a new one before refilling the fuel tank and restarting your weed eater.

Unhook the air filter

To unhook the air filter of your Stihl weed eater, you will first need to remove its cover. The air filter cover is typically located on the side of the weed eater and can be easily unscrewed or popped off. Once you have located the screws or clips holding the cover in place, use a screwdriver or your fingers to loosen the screws or release the clips. Carefully lift off the cover, paying attention to its orientation so that you can replace it later.

With the cover removed, you will now be able to access and remove the air filter itself. Take note of the orientation of the filter to ensure you can easily put it back in later. Inspect the air filter for any visible dirt or debris. If it appears dirty or clogged, it's time to give it a good cleaning.

To clean the air filter, start by gently tapping it on a hard surface to dislodge any loose dirt or debris. You can then use compressed air or a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove any remaining dirt from both sides of the filter. Be careful not to damage the filter material or tear it.

Once the air filter is clean, you can proceed to reassemble your Stihl weed eater. Start by reinstalling the air filter, ensuring it is properly seated and aligned. Then, replace the air filter cover, screwing it securely into place. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your air filter, you can help ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Stihl weed eater.

Remove the choke cover plate

To remove the choke cover plate on top of the carburetor of your Stihl weed eater, you will first need to open the fuel tank cap and remove the old fuel, storing it in an approved fuel container. Next, identify the air filter and remove its cover. Unhook the air filter and remove the two mounting screws that are holding the air filter box in place.

Now, you can remove the choke cover plate. Once you have removed the choke cover plate, you will need to unhook the throttle cable from it.

After this step, you can pull the fuel return hose off the stub next to the spacer flange using your fingers. You can then pull the fuel suction hose out of its seat on the carburetor.

Disconnect the throttle cable

To disconnect the throttle cable on a Stihl weed eater, you'll need to first locate and remove the air filter cover. This will give you access to the carburetor and the throttle cable. With the air filter cover removed, you should be able to see the throttle cable attached to the carburetor.

Now, carefully disconnect the throttle cable from the carburetor. Note that it might be held in place with a screw or bolt, so you'll need to loosen or remove this fastener. Make sure you take note of how the cable is routed and attached, as you'll want to replicate this when installing the new cable.

If you're replacing the throttle cable, you'll also need to remove the handle housing to access the throttle trigger. This may involve unscrewing parts of the housing or loosening screws to access the cable. Once you've disconnected the throttle cable at both ends, you can feed the new cable through and reassemble the components, ensuring that the cable is properly routed and secured.

Frequently asked questions