Replacing Strimmer Fuel Lines: A Step-By-Step Guide

If your strimmer is leaking fuel, it could be that the fuel line has cracked. Fuel lines on strimmers need to be replaced regularly as they break down, become brittle and crack over time. This is a very common repair, and you can do it yourself with the right tools and safety equipment. You will need a set of drivers, cutters, needle-nose pliers, safety glasses, scissors, hemostat forceps, shop rags or paper towels, a small gas can, a funnel, a pen or pencil and paper, and possibly a lubricant such as WD-40. You will also need to wear nitrile gloves and work in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources.

Remove the trimmer's fuel system

To remove the trimmer's fuel system, you will need to disassemble the trimmer enough to access its entire fuel system. The first step is to remove the fuel system cover. The location of the fuel cover varies depending on the model, but it is generally located at the rear of the engine. Remove any fasteners that affix the cover to the engine so that you can access the carburetor.

The next step is to unscrew the carburetor fasteners. The carburetor will be affixed to the engine against a plate, which may be called a carburetor choke plate or choke plate. Release any fasteners on the carburetor, as the entire choke plate, carburetor, and fuel tank need to be removed.

Now, you can release the throttle cable from the carburetor. Most trimmer throttle cables thread through the carburetor choke plate and attach to the carburetor. Simply lift and tilt the carburetor to release the throttle cable.

The following step is to unscrew the fasteners holding the mount plate in place. With the carburetor freed up, you can now remove the entire fuel system. The fuel tank, carburetor plate, and carburetor are still connected by the system's fuel lines, so remove them together before disturbing the fuel line arrangement.

It is important to inspect and diagram the fuel line setup before continuing. Note the holes in the fuel tank and choke plate, as well as the connections to the carburetor and primer bulb. Drawing a diagram of the fuel line arrangement can prevent mix-ups during reassembly.

Finally, remove the old fuel lines from their fittings using a screwdriver or needle-nose pliers. You may also need to remove the overflow return line and the fuel filter line, which may have extra pieces holding them in place, such as a retaining ring. Once all the old fuel lines have been removed, you can proceed to install the new fuel lines and reassemble the trimmer.

Draw a diagram of the fuel lines

To draw a diagram of the fuel lines of a strimmer, you must first remove the trimmer's fuel system. This will differ depending on the model of the strimmer, but generally, you will need to remove the fuel system cover, the carburetor fasteners, the throttle cable, and the fasteners holding the mount plate. Once the fuel tank, carburetor plate, and carburetor are removed, you can begin to diagram the fuel line setup.

Note the hole in the fuel tank where the fuel filter attaches. Then, identify the hole in the choke plate through which the filtered "in" line from the fuel tank passes to the carburetor. Next, note where on the carburetor the "in" line connects, and where the carburetor "out" line passes through the choke plate.

Most primer bulbs will have one fuel line connection longer than the other. Note which primer bulb connection the "out" line from the carburetor attaches to, and which is the correct line to connect to the remaining primer bulb attachment site. Finally, identify the correct hole on the fuel tank through which the primer overflow line passes.

By following these steps and making a diagram of the fuel lines, you can ensure that you will be able to correctly reassemble the fuel system during the installation of new fuel lines.

Remove the old fuel lines

Before removing the old fuel lines, it is important to disconnect the spark plug wire and empty the fuel tank into an approved storage container. This should be done in a well-ventilated area.

The next step is to remove the fuel filter. This can be done by locating the white cylinder attached to the end of the small fuel line inside the gas tank. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a straightened wire clothing hanger with a hook formed on the end to fish out the filter. Once the filter is out, pull it off the end of the fuel line.

Now, disconnect the lines from the carburetor. It is helpful to make a diagram or take a picture of how the fuel lines are configured between the tank and the carburetor before removing them. This will make it easier to reconnect the new fuel lines correctly. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the fuel lines from the carburetor.

Pull the old fuel lines out of the tank. If they are difficult to remove, use needle-nose pliers to grip the lines and pull them out. If they still won't come out, cut the lines flush with the tank and use a small screwdriver to push the remaining parts into the tank. Tip the trimmer and shake it to ensure that all the pieces of the fuel line fall out.

Finally, locate the fuel filter and plastic connector (if your model has one) and set them aside. The rest of the old fuel line can be thrown away.

Install the new fuel lines

Now that you have removed the old fuel lines and prepared the new ones, it is time to install the new fuel lines. This process will involve feeding the lines into the tank, attaching the fuel filter, and reconnecting the lines to the carburetor.

Firstly, cut the ends of the new fuel lines at an angle to make it easier to thread them into the tank. Then, force the cut ends of the fuel lines into the proper holes in the tank, using needle-nose pliers if necessary. Push the larger vent line about an inch into the tank. Next, push the smaller fuel supply line into the tank far enough so that the fuel filter will lay on the bottom of the tank. If the lines are too tight, apply a small amount of oil to the outside of the line.

Now, fish the smaller line out of the tank and cut the end square. Install the fuel filter onto the end of the smaller fuel line and drop it into the tank.

Finally, using your diagram or digital photograph as a reference, reconnect the fuel lines to the carburetor.

Reattach the fuel system and reassemble the trimmer

Now that you have installed the new fuel lines and other components, it's time to reattach the fuel system and reassemble the trimmer.

First, double-check your installation of the new fuel lines against your diagram. Ensure that all connections are secure and tight. Once you're satisfied with the installation, it's time to reassemble the trimmer.

For most trimmers, this will involve positioning the fuel tank back into place and reinstalling the fasteners that hold the carburetor mount plate. You will then need to reinstall the throttle cable into the carburetor. Thread the throttle cable through its hole in the mount plate and reattach it securely.

Next, affix the carburetor to the mount plate. This usually involves reinstalling the fasteners that hold it in place. Finally, replace the fuel system cover. You may need to guide the carburetor's choke lever through an access opening, ensuring it is correctly positioned. Secure the cover in place with the appropriate fasteners.

Your trimmer is now reassembled with new fuel lines installed. It is recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your trimmer model, as the reassembly process may vary slightly between different makes and models.

Always exercise caution when working with fuel systems and power equipment, and ensure you are confident in your understanding of the repair process before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions