Replacing Fuel Lines: Leaf Blower Maintenance Guide

Leaf blowers are useful machines, but they can be hazardous if not maintained properly. Fuel lines can crack and deteriorate over time, leading to fuel leaks. This is a step-by-step guide on how to replace fuel lines on a leaf blower and prevent potential dangers.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of your leaf blower, you will need an approved fuel container and some paper towels or shop rags. It is important to perform this task in a well-ventilated area.

First, remove the fuel cap and empty the fuel from the tank into your approved storage container. Ensure that you do not spill any fuel and use paper towels or rags to soak up any excess.

Next, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the leaf blower from starting accidentally. Now, you can safely proceed to remove the blower tube by loosening the thumb screw on the front of the housing and pulling the tube off.

With the blower tube removed, you can access the fuel tank and begin the process of replacing the fuel lines. Remember to keep the work area well-ventilated throughout the entire procedure.

Before removing the fuel lines, make sure to note their configuration on the carburetor. This will ensure that you can reconnect them correctly later. Pay attention to the small and large fuel lines, as they will be reinstalled through the mounting hole and mouth of the tank.

Now, you are ready to proceed with removing the old fuel lines and installing the new ones.

Remove the fuel lines

To remove the fuel lines from your leaf blower, you will need long-nose pliers, a small screwdriver, and wire cutters.

First, drain the fuel tank by removing the fuel cap and emptying the fuel from the tank into an approved storage container. Next, disconnect the fuel lines from the carburettor using long-nose pliers. 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 any other parts that may be blocking access to the fuel tank, such as the carburettor adapter and air dam. Finally, use the long-nose pliers to retrieve the lower halves of the fuel lines from inside the fuel tank. One of these lines will contain the fuel filter.

It is important to keep track of the configuration of the fuel lines and any parts removed during this process to ensure they can be correctly reassembled.

Install the new fuel lines

Now that you have removed the old fuel lines and emptied the fuel tank, it's time to install the new fuel lines. This process will involve several steps and require some tools, including wire cutters, a utility knife, and long-nose pliers.

Firstly, inspect your leaf blower to determine which line(s) to use. The fuel line kit contains two different sizes of the line to fit a variety of models. For some leaf blowers, you will use the large fuel line for both the return and supply. Insert the tapered end of the new fuel line into one of the openings on 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 tank through the filler neck.

Next, cut away the tapered portion of the fuel line using wire cutters. Install the fuel filter onto the end of the new line. Now, install the fuel filter and the line back into the fuel tank, using the wire hook to position the filter at the rear of the tank. Place the fuel line in its approximate position on the carburetor, and trim the excess line slightly longer than needed using wire cutters.

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

Finally, connect the fuel lines to the carburetor. Place your finger over either of the ports on the carburetor while pressing and releasing the purge bulb. The intake port will draw your finger towards it, while the outgoing port will push your finger away. Determine if the fuel lines require additional trimming and use wire cutters if necessary. Install the fuel line with the fuel filter onto the intake port on the carburetor. Then, install the return fuel line (without the fuel filter) onto the outgoing port.

Reassemble the unit

Now that you have installed the new fuel lines, it is time to reassemble the unit.

First, ensure the rope and guide are correctly routed. The rope must go on the outside of the metal tube, and the eyelet must be positioned in the shrouds. Hold the rope and eyelet in place and install the other shroud. Insert two screws in the handle for now. Reinstall the bottom door hinge and move the spring out so it snaps shut.

Next, install the remaining screws and other parts in the reverse order they were taken off. Insert all the housing screws and tighten them firmly. Reinstall the guard cover on the muffler, then reinstall the fuel cap.

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.

Finally, push the blower tube back on the front of the housing and tighten the thumb screw. Reattach the spark plug wire.

Check the carburetor

To check the carburettor, you must first locate it. It is usually found near the air filter or at the base of the engine. Once you have found it, you can proceed to adjust it.

The carburettor mixes fuel and air in the correct proportions so that the spark plug can ignite the mixture inside the cylinder, powering the engine. If the leaf blower engine won't start even with fuel in the tank, the carburettor may be the problem. Clogged fuel and air passages in the leaf blower carburettor need to be cleaned.

To adjust the carburettor on a leaf blower, you will need a screwdriver and a spark plug wire. You may also want to have a small cup of fuel, a fuel line cleaning tool, and some engine oil. It is important to make sure the engine is cool before you begin. If the engine has been running recently, wait at least 15 minutes for it to cool down.

The first step is to disconnect the spark plug wire. Locate the spark plug at the top of the engine and gently pull the wire away from the spark plug. Next, locate the carburettor adjustment screws, typically found near the air filter and labelled "H" and "L". Turn the "L" screw a quarter turn to the right and the "H" screw a quarter turn to the left. Afterward, start the leaf blower and let it run for a few minutes. Finally, check the engine speed and adjust the screws as needed until the engine runs as desired.

If the carburettor is not properly adjusted, the engine can run too rich or too lean, which can lead to a lack of power, poor fuel economy, and even engine damage. Adjusting the carburettor allows you to fine-tune the engine's performance to meet your specific needs. For example, if you only use your leaf blower for light-duty work, you can adjust the carburettor to reduce power output and increase fuel efficiency. On the other hand, if you use your leaf blower for heavy-duty tasks, you can adjust the carburettor to increase power output and reduce fuel consumption.

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