- 1). Pour out any gas remaining in the fuel tank into an approved fuel container. Run the trimmer until it shuts off. Inspect the check valve on the gas cap. This small hole can get blocked with dirt. Clean with the brush if necessary. Inspect the rubber seal underneath the gas cap. Replace the cap if it's old or broken.
- 2). Rinse out the gas tank with a little soapy water. Scrub the tank clean with the brush and rag. Inspect the tank for any warping. Check the outer seal that connects the tank to the crankcase for any damage. Remove and replace the fuel tank if it's broken, has holes or is badly warped.
- 3). Remove the air filter cover and the air filter from the engine. Make sure these are both clean, as they can cause trouble in your fuel system as well. Wipe them down with the brush and rag. Wash the air filter in warm, soapy water and let it dry.
- 4). Unscrew the screws holding the choke cover plate over the carburetor, using the screwdriver. These screws usually are above and below the air filter's mounting plate. Remove the plate and if it's attached to the choke lever, disconnect the lever as well.
- 5). Disconnect the fuel lines from the elbow connectors on the carburetor (some models may only have one line). Unscrew the primer bulb's mounting screws, if your trimmer uses a primer bulb.
- 6). Reach into the fuel tank with the needle-nose pliers and grab the fuel filter and fuel line. Pull them out through the tank. These are inexpensive parts, which should be replaced regularly. Install a new fuel line and fuel filter and connect them to the carburetor.
- 7). Fill the trimmer with freshly mixed gas. Use a 40-to-1 fuel-oil mixture. Leave the air filter cover and air filter off. Set the choke to the half-open position. Spray a one-second blast of carburetor cleaner into the carburetor's neck.
- 8). Start the trimmer. If it starts, then spits out a lot of thick, white smoke and dies, the carburetor needs service.
- 9). Remove the front gasket and the limiter caps, if your trimmer uses them. Unscrew the four mounting screws holding the carburetor to the crankcase. Disconnect the throttle cable from the carburetor and remove the carburetor from the engine.
- 10
Disassemble the carburetor and the attached, but separate fuel pump (if your trimmer uses a fuel pump). Take out the filters and screens from the inlet and outlet valves and make sure they aren't clogged. - 11
Inspect the mixing chamber of the carburetor. Check the metering arm and needle valve are properly seated. Check the diaphragm to make sure it isn't warped. Replace the carburetor if any of these parts are heavily damaged. - 12
Soak all of the parts in a carburetor cleaner solution overnight. Scrub them clean with the brush to free up any remaining gunk. Reassemble and install the carburetor with a carb kit. Replace the carburetor if you're still having troubles in the fuel system.
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