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How to Clean a Fuel Line
How to Clean a Fuel Line. A fuel line is a pipe that runs from the gas tank to the engine. Fuel lines are often made of reinforced rubber to keep them from splitting. Over time, if gas is allowed to sit in the fuel line for a prolonged period of time, the gas may break down, leading to the buildup of slimy deposits within the line. Fuel lines can...
A fuel line is a pipe that runs from the gas tank to the engine. Fuel lines are often made of reinforced rubber to keep them from splitting. Over time, if gas is allowed to sit in the fuel line for a prolonged period of time, the gas may break down, leading to the buildup of slimy deposits within the line. Fuel lines can also get clogged with rust and deposits from the gas tank. Cleaning the fuel line is essential to a small engine's maintenance and upkeep, such as a lawn mower.
Things You'll Need
Safety goggles
Protective gloves
Shop cloths
Siphon pump
Gas container
Carburetor cleaner
Engine fuel
Compressed air
Put on safety goggles, work gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. Work in an area that is well ventilated.
Unscrew the gas cap and examine it. Clean off any dirt and debris with a soft cloth.
Locate the fuel line on your engine. Look for a flexible tube which runs from the base of the gas tank to the carburetor.
Remove the fuel line from the carburetor by either turning a screw counterclockwise or removing a clamp.
Use a siphon pump to remove all of the fuel from the gas tank. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the siphon pump and empty the fuel into a container which has been approved for this use.
Remove the carburetor to clean out any accumulated slime. Remove the screws that hold the float bowl to the carburetor body. Gently pull on the float bowl to remove it from the carburetor body. Check the inside of the float bowl and clean out the carburetor bowl with carburetor cleaner if you find that slime has accumulated there.
Position a drip pan under the fuel line. Rinse out the fuel line with new engine fuel to help break down any slime that has built up from the breakdown of fuel.
Turn on the air compressor. Attach a tapered end nozzle to the compressor. Clean and dry out the fuel line by blowing air through the disconnected end of the fuel line. Listen for any air entering the gas tank while you are blowing air through the fuel line. Check the inside of the gas tank for any debris that may have been blown through from the fuel line.
Reattach the fuel line to the carburetor, making sure that all connections are fully fastened and secure.
Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel.
