Replacing Fuel Lines In A Chainsaw: A Step-By-Step Guide

Chainsaw fuel lines are the rubber hoses that carry fuel from the tank to the carburetor. Over time, they can become clogged, crimped, or cracked, restricting fuel flow and preventing the engine from starting. If your chainsaw won't start, you may need to replace the fuel lines. This is a step-by-step guide on how to replace fuel lines in a 3316 chainsaw.

Prepare your chainsaw

To prepare your chainsaw for fuel line replacement, you should first ensure that the chainsaw is switched off and cold. Place the chainsaw on a flat surface, preferably a table at waist height, to avoid back strain. Remember to wear protective work gloves for safety.

Next, drain the old fuel from the chainsaw into an approved container. You can use the old fuel to clean the inside of the components that you will be removing. Keep the container nearby.

Now, remove the cylinder cover and air filter. Use a screwdriver to remove the nuts on the cylinder shield, and then take off the cover. Remove the air filter and check if it can be cleaned and replaced, or if it needs to be replaced entirely. You might also need to replace the fuel filter if it is dirty and no longer functional. Additionally, disconnect the spark plug.

The next step is to remove the air filter housing. Remove the bolts holding the air filter housing in place and carefully inspect the throttle linkage attached to the backside of the housing, as you will need to reattach it in the same way when reassembling the chainsaw. Taking a picture with your phone can be helpful for reference later.

With these steps completed, your chainsaw is now prepared for fuel line replacement.

Remove the fuel

To remove the fuel from your 3316 chainsaw, you should first place the chainsaw on a flat surface, preferably a waist-height table, to avoid having to bend while working. Remember to wear work gloves for protection.

Next, grab an old container and empty the old fuel and other components from the gas tank into it. Keep this container close by, as you can use the old fuel to remove accumulated dust and debris from the inside of the components that you will be removing.

Now, remove the cylinder shield. Get an appropriately-sized screwdriver and remove the screws on the cylinder shield. Most Craftsman chainsaw models have 3-4 nuts on the shield. Once these are off, you can remove the cover.

Disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the air filter. Pull the cover off the air filter housing and remove the filter. You can check if the air filter can be replaced after washing it with fuel.

At this point, the fuel should be successfully removed from your chainsaw. You can now proceed to replace the fuel lines, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Remove the cylinder cover and air filter

To remove the cylinder cover and air filter from your 3316 chainsaw, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your chainsaw is switched off and cold. Place the chainsaw on a flat surface, preferably a waist-height table, to avoid having to bend over while working. Remember to wear protective gloves and safety goggles.

Now, grab an appropriately-sized screwdriver and remove all the nuts on the cylinder shield. Most Craftsman chainsaw models have three to four nuts on the shield. Once these are off, you can carefully lift and remove the cylinder cover.

Next, disconnect the spark plug wire. You can do this by pulling off the cover of the air filter housing and removing the air filter.

Check the air filter for any dirt or damage. If it is simply dirty, you can wash it with fuel and place it back in. However, if it is damaged, you will need to replace it.

After checking and/or cleaning the air filter, you can put it back in its place and then reconnect the spark plug wire.

Finally, screw the cylinder shield back into place. Remember to clean the inside of the shield and air filter housing, removing any oil, dust, or grease.

Remove the carburetor

To remove the carburetor from your 3316 chainsaw, you will first need to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. Ensure you are wearing work gloves and safety gear, and that your chainsaw is switched off and cold. Place the chainsaw on a flat surface, such as a table, to make it easier to work on.

The next step is to remove the fuel from the tank. Use an approved storage container to catch the fuel as you drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, remove the cylinder shield using an Allen wrench to unscrew the screws holding it in place. With the cylinder shield removed, disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the air filter cover and filter.

Now you can begin to remove the carburetor. Using a 7/16-inch socket driver, remove the two mounting nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine. Carefully pull the air filter housing off the carburetor, being mindful not to bend the throttle linkage or damage the gas lines. Detach the gas lines from the carburetor using needle-nose pliers. Pull the carburetor away from the engine block and disconnect the throttle linkage. Finally, pull the carburetor completely off the mounting studs, and set it aside.

At this point, you can begin to install the new carburetor. Connect the throttle linkage to the new carburetor and slide it onto the mounting studs. Ensure the carburetor is securely fastened in place, then position the air filter housing and replace the mounting nuts. Reattach the spark plug wire, and reinstall the cylinder shield.

Once everything is reassembled, refill the fuel tank and test your chainsaw to ensure it is running smoothly.

Install the new fuel line

To install the new fuel line in your 3316 chainsaw, you will need a manufacturer-approved fuel line and a pair of scissors or pliers.

Firstly, cut the new fuel line at an angle using scissors. This will make it easier to thread the line into the tank. Next, push the large end of the line about 1 inch into the tank. Now, push the small line into the tank and grab it with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Pull the small line out of the mouth of the tank and cut the end square.

At this point, you can install the fuel filter. Pull the line back into the tank so that the filter rests at the bottom. Trim the fuel lines and connect them to the carburetor. To make this process easier, you can lubricate the fuel lines with a drop of oil.

Finally, you can close the chainsaw by reinstalling the carburetor, air filter cover, and cylinder shield. Refill the fuel tank and test your chainsaw to ensure it is running smoothly.

Frequently asked questions