Craftsman Leaf Blower: Replacing The Fuel Tank

If you need to replace the fuel tank on your Craftsman leaf blower, you'll first need to remove the fuel lines, which can become clogged, crimped, or cracked over time. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, and that you understand all the steps involved. Start by draining the fuel tank into an approved storage container in a well-ventilated area. Then, disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the blower tube, air filter cover, carburetor, and fuel tank. Be sure to keep track of the configuration of the fuel lines so that you can reconnect them correctly later. Finally, pull the fuel lines out of the tank and install the new fuel tank, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Remove the fuel tank

To remove the fuel tank from your Craftsman leaf blower, you will need to first remove the fuel from the tank. Do this in a well-ventilated area, removing the fuel cap and emptying the fuel into an approved storage container.

Next, disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure the leaf blower can't start accidentally. Then, remove the blower tube by loosening the thumb screw on the front of the housing and pulling the tube off.

Now, you can access the fuel tank. Remove the screws from the front of the muffler guard cover and pull the guard cover off the muffler. Then, remove the blower tube thumb screw from the front of the housing.

At this point, you can remove the screws from the right side of the housing and carefully pull the left side of the housing off the blower, along with the fan cover and handle. Finally, you can lift the fuel tank out of the housing.

Be sure to note the configuration of the fuel lines and the carburetor before making any changes, so you can reconnect them correctly later.

Remove the fuel lines from the tank

To remove the fuel lines from the tank, you will need needle-nose pliers. The end of the small fuel line is connected to the fuel filter inside the tank. Use the needle-nose pliers to fish the fuel filter out of the mouth of the tank. Once you have removed the fuel filter from the end of the small fuel line, pull the small fuel line out of the tank through the mounting hole.

Now, push the large fuel line into the tank through the mounting hole and pull it out of the mouth of the tank. You can also cut the fuel lines at an angle to make it easier to pull them through. Spraying the lines with WD40 will also help to keep them lubricated and make it easier to slide them through the tank hole.

It is important to keep track of the configuration of the small and large fuel lines so that you can reconnect them correctly later. Make sure to also check for any cracks or damage in the fuel lines and replace them if necessary.

Cut the fuel lines at an angle

When cutting the fuel lines at an angle, it is important to use the right tools and safety equipment. Needle-nose pliers are ideal for this task. You will also need fuel lines, a fuel filter, and a carburetor.

For the large fuel line, cut one end at an angle. Push this angled end into the tank through the mounting hole. Ensure it goes far enough that you can grab the end through the mouth opening with needle-nose pliers. Once you have a grip on the end, cut it square and install the grommet. Pull the opposite end of the line until the grommet is snug against the tank. Finally, cut the line to match the length of the original.

For the small fuel line, repeat the process. Cut one end at an angle and feed it into the tank through the mounting hole. Again, ensure it goes far enough that you can grab it with needle-nose pliers. Pull the line out through the mouth of the tank, cut the angled end square, and attach the fuel filter. Push the line back into the tank through the mouth, ensuring the filter rests at the bottom. Finish by cutting the small fuel line to match the length of the original.

Angling the ends of the fuel lines helps ease the threading process. You can also lubricate the lines with a drop of oil to help guide them through the tank's mounting hole.

Install the large fuel line

To install the large fuel line, follow these steps:

First, cut one end of the large fuel line at an angle. Push the angled end into the tank through the mounting hole. Ensure that you push it far enough so that you can grab the end through the mouth opening with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Next, cut the angled end of the fuel line straight or square, and install a grommet on the end.

Now, tug on the opposite end of the large fuel line until the grommet touches the side of the tank. Finally, cut the large fuel line to match the length of the original large fuel line. To make threading easier, lubricate the fuel line with a drop of oil.

Install the small fuel line

To install the small fuel line, begin by cutting one end at an angle. Then, push this angled end into the tank through the mounting hole. Ensure you push it far enough so that you can grab the end through the mouth opening with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Next, pull the small line out of the mouth of the tank and cut the angled end square. Now, attach the fuel filter. Push the small line back into the tank through the mouth opening. Tug the other end of the small line until the filter rests at the bottom of the tank.

Finally, cut the small fuel line to match the length of the original small fuel line.

Frequently asked questions