Hedge Trimmer: Leaks Gas

The purpose of the fuel filter is to prevent foreign objects and dirt from entering the engine, and potentially causing damage. If your unit has an external fuel filter instead of an internal one, it could be leaking. To locate the filter, simply follow the fuel line from the carburetor and you will find a small, round filter. Once you’ve found it, you can check it for cracks, and ensure the fuel line seals at the entrance and exit of fuel filter are tight. If you see a leak, you will need to replace the filter. Check for an arrow indicating the direction of the flow of fuel, and make sure you re-install the filter correctly.

The purpose of the primer bulb is to pull fuel through the fuel line into the carburetor by creating a vacuum. A leak in the primer bulb will not allow the vacuum to be created, and therefore the carburetor will become starved of fuel. You can do a quick visual inspection to determine if the bulb is cracked or leaking. You will also see/smell fuel dripping when the bulb is depressed. In addition to leaking fuel, the primer bulb can also pull air in if it is cracked. To replace the bulb, simply pull it off with a pair of pliers. At this point you should clean out the housing. Next, put the new clip on the primer bulb with the tabs facing out. Then, use a socket that fits over the primer bulb and push into the housing and tap gently with a rubber mallet. Make sure the metal clip is as far in as it can go without damaging the primer bulb.

This part stores the fuel that powers the hedge trimmer. A crack in a fuel tank will cause a leak. Leaks are commonly found at the seams of the tank. If you see a leak, you will need to replace the fuel tank. To do this, first drain the tank of any remaining fuel and remove the fuel lines. Removal of the fuel lines may differ on certain models. Some lines attach on the outside while others are fed through a grommet into the tank. Remove any bolts or clips holding the tank in place and reassemble with the new tank.

The gas cap stops fuel from leaking out of the tank, while at the same time preventing debris from entering the tank. If the gas cap is cracked you may find that it will leak with the vibration of the trimmer. A worn-out O-ring on the inside of gas cap could also be the cause of the leak. In this case, you should be able to replace the O-ring and solve the issue. However, if the gas cap is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced.

The grommet on your hedge trimmer’s job is to provide a seal for the fuel line and vent line to enter the fuel tank. A quick visual inspection will tell you if the grommet is leaking. Over time, old fuel will break down the rubber grommet and it will eventually need to be replaced. To replace the grommet, insert a flat screwdriver under the lip of the grommet on the tank and pull up. Remove the gas cap and insert a hook into the tank to pull the fuel line out. Now you can remove the fuel filter and pull the fuel and vent lines out of the grommet. To replace the grommet, simply push a new one into place. You will want to spray the inside of the grommet with a lubricant to allow an easier assembly of the fuel lines.

The fuel lines in your hedge trimmer run from the fuel tank to the carburetor with the purpose of delivering fuel. Old, weathered, and cracked fuel lines will leak and should be replaced immediately. It may be the case that the fuel leak is being caused by a loose connection, either from the lines to the carburetor or the lines to the tank. To determine if this is the issue, you can simply check that the ends of the fuel lines are tight where they connect. Sometimes fuel lines will be fastened with a clamp, and you may be able to tighten them to fix this symptom. Sometimes fuel lines are simply pressure-fitted and you can fix a loose pressure-fitted line by cutting a small bit of the end off, and pushing it back onto its connection.