replaced fuel lines originals rotted. primer bulb line is two pieces one from the carb to the tank connects to a nipple then small line inside tank to pumus stone? the other line is straight from the back side of carb to the tank I assume it is the return. that line leaks where it goes thru the tank from the outside to the inside. Is this my issue why the fuel side won't primer with the bulb? I took the fuel line off and manually primered it with my mouth and it worked. Do I need a nipple for the return line to seal the leak. If so what is the part number? thanks jal

jal, August 2010

This is the answer to Steve's question. Use a small wire cutter to cut one end of the fuel line on a bias into a small point. You can still only get a small part of the line through the hole. Use a pair of clamps such as a hemostat to reach inside the tank and pull the line through. It may take several passes to pull enough line through to reach the tank opening. Pull it through the tank opening and square it off with the same cutters used in the beginning. Then attach the fuel pickup/filter before dropping it back into the tank. Adjust to proper in-tank length by gently pulling line back through the opening until the pickup rests on the tank bottom with a little slack to allow it to move around in the tank when the trimmer is tilted to various positions.

There is also a larger return line which requires the same procedure but, instead of attaching to the pickup, it attaches to a small plastic fitting that must be snugged up against the larger line hole at the top of the tank. You can reach a finger or thumb inside the tank to help snug it up without pulling the line all the way out.

Tip: When replacing fuel line(s) on 2 cycle engines, save yourself some trouble later. Replace the primer bulb. Any time you replace one, replace the other.

Good luck

Doctor Dave, May 2012

FUEL LINE KIT - usually available at retail or hardware stores that carry an extensive line of yard equipment after-market parts - Locally in MN, Fleet Farm has the kit which includes the large & small hose - about $2.00.
INSTALL HOSES - Hoses are larger than the hole in the tank so that they seal properly. To thread hoses through holes, with a razor blade, cut the hose end at about a 135 degree angle so you have a slim point on the end of the hose - Then it's snap to push the oversize hose into the holes. Pull through enough hose so that you can cut hose end square to install the filter or the nipple, and then pull back into proper position in tank.

DINGO, November 2011

Where can I purchase a fuel line?

J, September 2011

How do you thread a new fuel hose through the hole in the fuel tank? The hole is too tight to fit the new hose in... I know it needs to be a tight fit to ensure no leaks.. But I can't seem to get it started through the hole.

Steve, August 2011