Replacing Weed Eater Fuel Lines: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace the fuel line on your weed eater, you've come to the right place. This is a common issue for owners of gas-powered weed eaters, as plastic fuel lines can dry out and crack over time, causing leaks and inefficient fuel flow. Luckily, you can replace the fuel line yourself without having to take it to a repair shop. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of your weed eater, you will need to disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Ensure that the spark plug wire cannot make contact with the spark plug. You will then need to pour the gasoline from the trimmer into a gas can. It is recommended to use a funnel to ensure there is no spillage and that the gas flows easily into the can.

Old fuel is considered hazardous waste, so be sure to dispose of it in accordance with applicable laws. Most cities or counties have some type of hazardous waste recycling facilities.

Disconnect the fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines is a crucial step in repairing or replacing the fuel system of a weed eater. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely disconnect the fuel lines:

First and foremost, safety should be a priority. Ensure you are wearing the appropriate protective gear, including nitrile gloves and safety glasses. It is also imperative to work in a well-ventilated area, away from any ignition sources such as open flames.

Before beginning any work on the fuel system, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent any accidental ignition. This step is crucial for your safety.

Next, drain the remaining fuel from the tank into an approved container, such as a small gas can. Use a funnel to ensure there is no spillage during this process. Old fuel is considered hazardous waste, so be sure to dispose of it properly according to the applicable laws and guidelines in your area.

Now, you can start to disconnect the fuel lines. Begin by removing the fuel lines from the carburetor. You can do this by hand or with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Be cautious, as a small amount of fuel may leak from the lines when you detach them. Have some shop rags or paper towels ready to wipe up any spills.

After detaching the fuel lines from the carburetor, you will need to remove the gas tank from the weed eater. Unscrew the screws holding the gas tank in place with a Torx screwdriver and set them aside safely.

With the gas tank removed, you can now pull out the damaged fuel lines. Do this carefully, one line at a time. As you pull out the lines, you will notice a small cylindrical fuel line filter attached to the thin line leading into the tank. Remove this filter and set it aside, as you will need to reattach it to the new fuel line later.

Once you have completely removed the old fuel lines and set aside any reusable components, such as the filter, you can proceed to install the new fuel lines. Remember to work cautiously and refer to your diagram or photos if needed.

Remove the fuel tank

To remove the fuel tank from your weed eater, you'll first need to open the cap and remove the remaining fuel. You can store this fuel in an approved container until it's ready to be disposed of properly. Alternatively, you can run the engine to burn off any remaining fuel.

Next, you'll need to identify and remove the air filter cover. Behind the air filter's mounting box, you'll find the fuel hoses. To access these, you'll need to unscrew the bolts holding the starter to the engine and lift the starter away.

Now, using a screwdriver, remove the tank plugs. Most weed eaters have two tank plugs, but this may vary depending on the model. Once the plugs are removed, you can take out the screw holding the engine to the fuel tank. After unscrewing, remove the sleeve that the screw was sitting in.

At this point, you should be able to remove the fuel tank. Simply lift it out carefully, making sure not to spill any remaining fuel. With the tank removed, you can now clean it or inspect it for any damage, such as holes or cracks. If the tank is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If it's just dirty, you can wash it with soapy water, rinse it, and let it dry before reinstalling it.

To reinstall the fuel tank, simply follow the above steps in reverse. Make sure to connect the fuel hoses securely and reattach any other components that were removed during the process.

Feed the new fuel lines into the tank

To feed the new fuel lines into the tank, you will need to identify the two holes at the bottom of the fuel tank. One of these holes is smaller than the other. The new fuel lines are bigger than these holes, so the lines can seal against the tank.

Start by feeding the thinner of the two new fuel lines into the smaller hole. Push it through the small hole and out through the larger hole where the lid for the gas tank goes. If necessary, use a pair of bent needle-nose pliers to grasp the fuel line and pull it through. Attach the fuel line filter to the end of the tube and push it back through the big opening. Feed enough fuel line into the tank until the fuel line filter sits at the bottom of the tank.

Now, feed the thicker fuel line into the larger hole. Shove the fuel line just far enough into the tank until it reaches the bottom. If your model is equipped with a connector, hold the fuel line and push the connector onto the fuel line. Then, pull the fuel line out of the top of the tank until the connector is against the hole in the top of the tank.

Reattach the fuel tank and fuel lines

Now that you have the new fuel lines in place, you can reattach the fuel tank. First, push the fuel tank back into place, and secure it with the Torx screws. Next, reattach the fuel lines to the carburettor, ensuring they are in the same position as they were originally. Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire.

Before you start the engine, check for leaks. If there are none, your repair is complete. If there are leaks, you may need to trim the fuel lines to the correct length.

Frequently asked questions