Weed Eater 24 cc - Won't Start

tspencer1

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Ran last year but now won't start. Is getting spark. I checked the gas lines/tank and am pretty sure I found the issue. Pls. Se attached pics. It appears that the inside of the gas tank is missing the fuel line that runs down to the bottom of the tank. In the pic with the primer, it is the top line. Am I correct?

Thx,

TimIMG_0940.jpgIMG_0944.jpg
 

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RDA.Lawns

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One line only goes to the bottom of the tank. The other only goes into the tank and has a little check valve on it.can you see 1 line in the bottom with a filter on it?
 

tspencer1

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One line only goes to the bottom of the tank. The other only goes into the tank and has a little check valve on it.can you see 1 line in the bottom with a filter on it?

No - no other lines visible.
 

Telesis

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That smaller diameter line is the fuel "pickup" line. When you took your gas cap off, you should see (and hear when you shake) what looks like an aquarium air stone connected to that line. What happens, primarily due to the ethanol in our gas, is the fuel line hardens up and breaks off. That typically happens right at the air stone(which is really a filter and weight all in one!) or it happens near where it exits the fuel tank. You need this part as that is how the fuel line will always be "in the gas" because the weight keeps it at the bottom no matter how the unit is positioned.

If you've lost the filter, no big deal. You can usually pick them up at auto parts stores or at a Home Depot or Sears. You need to make sure you get the same diameter fuel line so it seals properly where it enters the tank. You may or may not have to go to a mower place(or online) for it. Too small and it will leak there as you move the unit. Too big and you can't get it through the hole.

Good luck!
 

tspencer1

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Thanks. The small tube and weight are gone. Don't know how. Ordered a new tank, lines and cap for $10. Hopefully does the trick.
 

primerbulb120

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That smaller diameter line is the fuel "pickup" line. When you took your gas cap off, you should see (and hear when you shake) what looks like an aquarium air stone connected to that line. What happens, primarily due to the ethanol in our gas, is the fuel line hardens up and breaks off. That typically happens right at the air stone(which is really a filter and weight all in one!) or it happens near where it exits the fuel tank. You need this part as that is how the fuel line will always be "in the gas" because the weight keeps it at the bottom no matter how the unit is positioned.

If you've lost the filter, no big deal. You can usually pick them up at auto parts stores or at a Home Depot or Sears. You need to make sure you get the same diameter fuel line so it seals properly where it enters the tank. You may or may not have to go to a mower place(or online) for it. Too small and it will leak there as you move the unit. Too big and you can't get it through the hole.

Good luck!

Could you explain why the smaller line is the pickup line? In my experience, the larger line is the pickup line and the smaller one is the return line. The reason being that the pickup line needs to be sturdier so it doesn't collapse from fuel pump suction. The smaller line is not subject to suction and therefore does not need to be as sturdy.
 

Telesis

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That is a great question for which I don't have an answer, at least from an equipment or carb manufacturer. Having said that, as an engineer my guess is the following. The pressure created when you push the purge bulb can and probably is greater than the vacuum created by the expanding bulb. Having a larger exhaust line from the bulb to the tank may minimize the chance of damage to the check valve that is closed when you press it(bigger line, lower max pressure). That pressure goes up even more when the air is purged and the bulb is full of fuel. No telling how 'hard' a customer will push the bulb.

The vacuum is in essence 'controlled' by the bulb expansion. I don't believe it's anywhere near a level to collapse the fuel line, even if the filter was completely plugged. What I've observed with a plugged fuel filter is the purge bulb doesn't expand or does so very slowly.

I realize it is equipment mfg dependent but it seems that most of the Poulan/Weedeater/Craftsman gear I see use this setup with their Walbro carbs(i.e. small inlet line to filter, larger exit line into tank to a connector). Clearly no absolutes though!
 

primerbulb120

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That is a great question for which I don't have an answer, at least from an equipment or carb manufacturer. Having said that, as an engineer my guess is the following. The pressure created when you push the purge bulb can and probably is greater than the vacuum created by the expanding bulb. Having a larger exhaust line from the bulb to the tank may minimize the chance of damage to the check valve that is closed when you press it(bigger line, lower max pressure). That pressure goes up even more when the air is purged and the bulb is full of fuel. No telling how 'hard' a customer will push the bulb.

The vacuum is in essence 'controlled' by the bulb expansion. I don't believe it's anywhere near a level to collapse the fuel line, even if the filter was completely plugged. What I've observed with a plugged fuel filter is the purge bulb doesn't expand or does so very slowly.

I realize it is equipment mfg dependent but it seems that most of the Poulan/Weedeater/Craftsman gear I see use this setup with their Walbro carbs(i.e. small inlet line to filter, larger exit line into tank to a connector). Clearly no absolutes though!

Primer bulb isn't enough to collapse the thin fuel line, but the fuel pump suction is. It happens most often when the fuel line has aged a little and grown softer from exposure to gas.
 

Telesis

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That's certainly a new one for me. My experience has been just the opposite. The lines I've repaired have always gotten hard and brittle leading to the breakage(normally in the tank as one would expect due to the movement of the pickup line in normal use). I've never had a one that softened due to fuel exposure and caused a problem.

What I have seen fuel exposure soften and turn literally to mush(due to ethanol), is the fuel tank rubber grommet used on an Echo SRM weed whacker or a Mantis tiller. (for those who are not familiar, those fuel lines enter the tank through holes in a rubber grommet and the grommet is pressed into a larger hole in the tank)

FWIW....

Let us know how the new lines work out. FYI, there are plenty of YouTube videos on replacing the lines if you are not sure how.
 

ILENGINE

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Could you explain why the smaller line is the pickup line? In my experience, the larger line is the pickup line and the smaller one is the return line. The reason being that the pickup line needs to be sturdier so it doesn't collapse from fuel pump suction. The smaller line is not subject to suction and therefore does not need to be as sturdy.

Poulan has always used the smaller line for the fuel pickup on their trimmers, and chainsaws. Reason unknown
 
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