Lawn Tractor: Leaks Gas

Your lawn tractor’s bushings provide a seal where the fuel line enters the tank. A quick visual inspection will tell you if the bushing is leaking. Over time the fuel will break down the rubber bushing and it will need to be replaced. To replace the bushing, you will first need to drain the fuel tank. Be sure to remove the fuel shut-off valve or fuel nipple. To replace the bushing, simply insert a flat screwdriver under the lip of the bushing on the tank and pull outwards. To re-insert the bushing, push the bottom part of bushing into the entrance and push down on the top with a Philips screwdriver. Finally, lubricate the fuel valve or fuel nipple.

The carburetor mixes air and fuel together in the proper mix for combustion. If your carburetor leaks fuel, it is likely coming from the O-ring on the bowl, or the needle valve. To determine the cause, inspect where the bowl attaches to the carburetor housing for a leak. Another strategy is to feel the area for dampness. To check for a needle valve leak you will need to check the oil on the dip stick. If your reading is clearly not as thick as oil and smells like gas, then the leak is coming from your needle valve. For needle valve replacements see our section on the needle valve. To replace your bowl O-ring, simply remove the bolt at the bottom of solenoid, pull it of and replace the O-Ring.

The purpose of the fuel filter is to eliminate foreign objects and dirt from entering the engine, causing damage. Locate the fuel filter by following the fuel line (it will be a small, round, plastic tube) and check for leaks. If the filter is leaking, replace it by simply twisting gently and pulling off the fuel line at each end, and then re-installing a new one. Be sure to check for an arrow indicating the direction of flow.

The job of the fuel pump is to pull fuel from the tank to the carburetor. It utilizes vacuum pressure from the engine to pump the fuel from the source to the destination. The fuel pump is found on the engine, usually near the valve cove. This may differ on your specific tractor model, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications. Once you have located the fuel pump, check for leaks by searching for wetness, drips, and a fuel smell. If the fuel pump is leaking, it will need to be replaced.

Your lawn tractor’s fuel tank stores the fuel that powers the machine. A crack in your fuel tank will cause a gas leak. Leaks in your fuel tank are most common at the seams. Inspect the tank carefully to determine if your fuel tank is, in fact, leaking. If you see a leak, you will need to replace the fuel tank. Be sure to drain the tank first then remove the fuel lines. The process of removing the fuel lines may differ on certain models. Remove any bolts or clips holding the tank in place and reassemble with the new tank.

A carburetor kit has everything required to disassemble and rebuild your carburetor. A carburetor kit will not cause your lawn tractor to leak gas, obviously, but we have chosen to list it here because it can be helpful in rebuilding a damaged carburetor. Take care in rebuilding a damaged carburetor, because if this process is done incorrectly, the carburetor can leak gas. When rebuilding the carburetor, it’s a good idea to take pictures of all the parts as you take them apart so you know where they go when you’re re-assembling them.

The fuel line runs from the fuel tank to the carburetor and is designed to deliver fuel to the carburetor. Old, weathered, and cracked fuel lines will leak and should be replaced immediately. Loose fuel lines can cause a leak as well, so it is important to check the ends of the fuel lines and ensure they are properly connected. If your carburetor has clamps that connect the fuel lines, be sure to check those for tightness as well. Sometimes fuel lines are pressure-fitted, and you can fix this by cutting a small bit of the end off and push back into place.