A broken fuel line can cause real damage to your lawn if the leaking fuel manages to spill across your grass. A trail of dead grass is definitely not a good look for any lawn. So, if you notice one of your fuel lines leaking, then you want to install a replacement as soon as possible. Here are our steps to replace a lawn mower fuel line.
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The Basics of Replacing A Lawn Mower Fuel Line
To replace a lawn mower fuel line, you’ll first need to remove the fuel from the gas tank. Then remove the spring clips securing the fuel line to the mower. Next, remove the old fuel line from the mower. Finally, install the new fuel line and reattach the spring clips to secure the new fuel line.
Why Do You Need to Replace a Fuel Line?
Lawn mower fuel lines are usually tucked out of the way and protected from potential hazards. But this doesn’t always prevent them from getting snagged. In addition, fuel lines have a tendency to degrade over time, resulting in cracks and leaks. This is probably one of the more common reasons you will need to replace your lawn mower fuel line. Also, you might run into a situation where the fuel line becomes clogged. Unfortunately, it is common to accidentally damage the fuel line’s rubber during the cleaning process. If this happens, you’ll need to install a replacement.
How to Replace a Fuel Line On a Lawn Mower (Step-by-Step)
Now that I’ve gone over why you might need to replace a fuel line, let’s look at how to replace a fuel line on a lawn mower. By following these 12 steps, you’ll have your lawn mower back up and running in no time.
What You’ll Need to Replace a Lawn Mower Fuel Line
To successfully complete this repair, you’ll need to gather a selection of basic tools. Here is a list of everything that you will need.
- Fuel Line Clamp
- Screwdriver
- Socket Wrench
- Pliers
- Hose Cutters
- Heat Gun
- Lawn Mower Fuel Line – Fuel lines can vary from one lawn mower to the next. So there isn’t one size fits all. The best approach is to check your service manual or take your old fuel line to a lawn mower repair store or to an automotive shore. Either of these retailers will be able to provide you with the correct size and length of pipe that you need to complete your lawn mower fuel line replacement.
Turn Off the Fuel
If your mower has a fuel cut-off valve, turn the valve to the off position. If you do not have a cut-off valve, you will need to drain the fuel tank. For fuel lines that need to be replaced and are not connected directly to the fuel tank, you can use a fuel line clamp to stop the flow of fuel.
Remove the Spark Plug Cable
Any time that you are working on your lawn mower, it is always recommended that you remove the cable from the spark plug. This is to that your lawn mower has no chance of starting.
Remove the Engine Cover
Depending on the design of your lawn mower, you may need to remove the engine cover to get access to the fuel lines. This is common for smaller lawnmowers such as walk-behind mowers. To remove the cover, you can use either a screwdriver or a socket wrench.
Remove the Spring Clips at Both Ends of the Fuel Line
You’ll find spring clips at both ends of the fuel line clamping the fuel line to the lawn mower. To open these clips, use a pair of pliers to compress them. Then slide the clips a few inches down the fuel line so that they are no longer clamping the fuel line to the mower.
Remove the Fuel Line
Next, twist the fuel line to break the seal between the fuel line and the lawn mower. When the fuel line can turn easily, pull and twist the fuel line from the mower. Repeat this method for both ends of the fuel line.
Cut a New Length of Fuel Line
Use the old fuel line that you just removed as a reference to cut the new fuel line to the correct length. When cutting the new fuel line, cut the pipe at a square angle. A good quality pair of cutters will ensure a clean cut.
Attach the Spring Clips to the New Fuel Line
Using your pliers again, remove the spring clips from the old fuel line and attach them to the new fuel line. Make sure to slide the clips a few inches on at each end so that they do not obstruct the installation of the new fuel line.
Connect the Fuel Line to the Lawn Mower
Next, attach your new fuel line to your mower, making sure to slide the line on as far as it can go. To make this step easier, you can use a heat gun to make the ends of the new rubber fuel line more pliable.
Reposition the Spring Clips
Once you have the line in place, use your pliers to reposition the spring clips so that they clamp the new fuel line into position.
Reattach the Engine Cover
Next, place the engine cover back onto your lawn mower engine and install the fixings securely.
Reattach the Spark Plug
Now that you’ve finished replacing the fuel line go ahead and reattach the spark plug cable to the spark plug.
Test Your Lawn Mower
Finally, either switch on the mower gas tank, remove the clamp, or refill the tank and start up your lawn mower. Since the mower’s fuel system is full of air, you will need to pull the starter cord or turn the key a few times.
