October 01, 2013

How to replace a line trimmer fuel line

This DIY line trimmer repair guide shows how to replace line trimmer fuel lines that carry fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Fuel lines that are blocked, bent or split keep gas from flowing to the engine. Check the lines, clear any clogs you find and replace damaged fuel lines with the manufacturer-approved line trimmer part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide to complete weed eater fuel line replacement in common Craftsman, MTD, Poulan, Husqvarna, Toro and Weed Eater line trimmers.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

Needle-nose pliers

Approved fuel container

Scissors

Small screwdriver

Wire hanger (optional)

Work gloves

Paper towels or shop rags

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Disconnect the spark plug wire
Pull the spark plug wire straight off the spark plug.
PHOTO: Disconnect the spark plug wire.
02.
Drain the fuel tank
In a well-ventilated area, remove the fuel cap and empty the fuel tank into an approved storage container.
03.
Remove the fuel filter
Find the fuel filter inside the gas tank—it's a white cylinder attached to the end of the small fuel line.
Fish the filter out of the tank using a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a straightened wire clothing hanger with a hook formed on the end.
Pull the fuel filter off the end of the fuel line.
PHOTO: Fish the fuel filter from the fuel tank.
PHOTO: Pull the fuel filter off the fuel line.
04.
Disconnect the lines from the carburetor
Make a diagram or take a picture of how the fuel lines are configured between the tank and the carburetor.
Remove the fuel lines from the carburetor using a pair of needle-nose pliers.
PHOTO: Disconnect the fuel lines from the carburetor.
05.
Pull the fuel lines out of the tank
Pull the old fuel lines out of the tank. If necessary, use needle-nose pliers to grip the lines.
If you can't pull the lines out, cut the lines flush with the tank. The use a small screwdriver to push the rest of the lines into the tank.
Tip the trimmer and shake any fuel line pieces out of the tank.
PHOTO: Pull the fuel lines from the fuel tank.
06.
Feed the new fuel lines into the tank
Cut the ends of the new fuel lines at an angle so that they're easier to thread into the tank.
Force the cut ends of the fuel lines into the proper holes of the tank, using needle-nose pliers if necessary.
Push the larger vent line about an inch into the tank.
Push the smaller fuel supply line into the tank far enough so that the fuel filter will lay on the bottom of the tank.
Tip: If the lines are tight, apply a small amount of oil to the outside of the line.
PHOTO: Cut the end of the new fuel lines at an angle.
PHOTO: Feed the new fuel lines into the tank.
07.
Attach the fuel filter
Fish the smaller line out of the tank and cut the end of it square. Install the fuel filter onto the end of that fuel line and drop it into the tank.
PHOTO: Cut the end of the smaller fuel line even.
PHOTO: Attach the fuel filter to the smaller fuel line.
08.
Reconnect the fuel lines
Using your diagram or digital photograph for reference, reconnect the fuel lines to the carburetor.
PHOTO: Connect the fuel lines to the carburetor.
09.
Connect the spark plug
Reattach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
10.
Test the line trimmer
Fill the gas tank with the fuel mix and make sure the line trimmer works.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.