A chainsaw fuel line is a critical component of a chainsaw. It is used to transport fuel to the carburetor from the fuel tank. If it is damaged, clogged, or crimped, the carburetor will not get fuel, and your chainsaw will not start. It is a major hurdle that stops the chainsaw from starting and then prevents it from running smoothly. Issues in the fuel line can develop naturally over time, from storing the chainsaw with fuel in it and using old gas. If you are experiencing such problems with your chainsaw, you need to check and replace the fuel line. Well, the good news is that you can replace this fuel line yourself without hiring a professional, and this guide will help you do it.
Please note that this guide will help you repair fuel lines on standard Craftsman, MTD, Poulan, Husqvarna, McCulloch, and Troybilt chainsaws. If you have a unique model, refer to the instruction guide that comes with the chain saw.
How to Change the Fuel Lines on a Craftsman Chainsaw
Make sure you read all the steps before getting to work and follow the safety precautions while changing the fuel line.
Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Tools Needed
- Manufacturer recommended fuel line
- Wrench
- Screwdriver kit
- Pliers (needle nose)
- Scissors
- Paper towels
- Work gloves
- Steel coat hanger
- WD 40
- Air filter (if clogged or too much dirty)
Procedure
Step 1:Preparing the Chainsaw – First of all, make sure that your chainsaw is cold before starting to work. It is best to place the chainsaw on a flat surface, preferably a table with waist height. It will keep your back straight, and you will not have to bend while working on it. Wear your work gloves and get to work.
Step 2: Taking the Fuel Out – The next step is to take out the old fuel in the chainsaw. Grab an old container and empty the contents of the gas tank in it. Keep the container nearby. You can use the old fuel to remove accumulated dust and debris on the inside of the parts you are going to remove in the next step.
Step 3: Removing the Cylinder Cover and Air Filter – Grab an appropriately sized screwdriver from your tool kit and remove the nuts on the cylinder shield. Most craftsman models have 3-4 nuts on the shield. Once the nuts are off, remove the cover. Take out the air filter and check if it can be placed back after washing it with fuel. You may need to replace the fuel filter also if it is too dirty and can’t work anymore. Disconnect the spark plug as well.
Step 4: Remove the Air Filter Housing – The next step is to remove the two bolts holding the air filter housing. Pull the air filter housing and place it nearby. Make sure you keep the nuts and other equipment in a container so that you don’t end up misplacing them. A part of the throttle linkage is attached to the backside of the air filter housing. Inspect it very carefully as you will need to attach it in the same way while closing the things down. Grab your mobile phone and take a picture of the arrangement. It will help you in setting it back once you are done.
Step 5: Taking the Fuel Filter out – You can use a steel coat hanger to take out the fuel filter from the fuel tank. Straighten out one end and slide it inside the fuel tank to bring out the fuel filter. Detach the fuel line from it.
Step 6: Taking the Fuel and Vent Line off – Now, you have to take the fuel line and the vent line out from the carburetor and the primer. You can do this with a flat head screwdriver. If the connections are rigid, use WD-40 to make them loose.
Step 7: Taking out the Carburetor – The next step is to remove the carburetor. Once the fuel and vent lines have been removed, you can easily pull the carburetor out. You don’t need to remove the carburetor. Just pull it on the side.
Step 8: Taking the Fuel Line Out – Once the carburetor is out of the way, the fuel line will be visible. Get the needle nose pliers and pull out the fuel line.
Step 9: Installing the New Fuel Line – You must get a manufacturer-approved fuel line for best performance. Though a standard fuel line can also work, it is better to install company-approved stuff in your Craftsman chainsaw. Splice one end with the help of scissors. It will go in easier in the hole for the fuel line. Feeding the fuel line in the hole is a little technical thing to do. Once you get a hold of it from the other side, it will be easier to pull it down. Compare the new line with the old line to get an idea of how much pipe you need to go into the carburetor. Make sure you have enough length of line on the other side to attach the fuel filter. Once the pipe has been attached to the carburetor and the primer bulb line, you can attach the fuel pipe to the fuel filter and put it inside the fuel tank.
Step 10: Closing the Chainsaw – It is now time to close the chainsaw. Start by placing the carburetor in its place. Make sure it fits properly on the studs. Attach the throttle linkage on the backside of the air filter housing. The pictures you took before will help you now. Put the air filter housing in its place and tighten the bolts. If everything is placed in its allocated place, you won’t have to force anything while fitting the housing. Now place the air filter in its place and connect the spark plug. Now you are just left with screwing down the cylinder shield. Ensure you remove any dust, oil, or grease on the inside of the shield and air filter housing.
Step 11: Testing – Once everything has been closed, it is now time to test the newly installed fuel pipe. Add some fresh gas and start the chainsaw. The chainsaw may need a couple of kicks, or you may have to turn on the choke to start it for the first time after replacing the fuel line. The air inside may need to be pushed out of the system. Just a pro tip: push the throttle while starting the chainsaw after replacing a fuel line.