String trimmer fuel line gets caught in tank

[bnem]

I've been using a string trimmer I purchased recently and I find when I try to edge with it it dies a few seconds after I rotate the shaft 90 degrees. I played around with the trimmer and it appears as though the fuel line doesn't always flop down into the gas when rotated. For some reason the fuel tank isn't exactly cylindrical. The tanks has nooks where the fuel filter (on the end of the fuel line) is getting caught. My question is, short of replacing the tank, what can I do to ensure the fuel line actually falls where it needs to? I don't want to shorten the fuel line either as it's the perfect length to get most of the fuel out of the tank.

I thought about adding a lead fishing weight to the middle of the fuel line. That way if the filter gets caught in a nook, the weight should be able to pull it free. Does anyone have experience doing this? What could I use to possibly secure the weight to the fuel line?

For reference, the trimmer is a Maruyama B23L. The parts list can be found here if you'd like to visualize the fuel tank.

 

[merr6267]

I believe that some replacement filters have pretty heavy weights in them. sorry that I can't point you in the right direction for one, as all of my parts locations are a bit fuzzy in my mind now. Some are just empty plastic, others are plastic with a weight, others are a metal frame with plastic elements.

Good luck.
PM

 

[rlitman]

If you bought this new, or it is less than 5 years old, you should be talking to your dealer about warranty service.

If it is used, perhaps the fuel line has gotten too stiff (even if it is the right length), or someone replaced the filter with one without a weight.

 

[bnem]

I purchased the trimmer new and from what I can tell the fuel filter does have a weight. The problem is when it gets caught in a nook the weight is of no benefit. I was hoping someone had experience adding a weight to the line to help pull the filter down.

 

[redmondjp]

I purchased the trimmer new and from what I can tell the fuel filter does have a weight. The problem is when it gets caught in a nook the weight is of no benefit. I was hoping someone had experience adding a weight to the line to help pull the filter down.

Take some lead fishing weights and crimp them onto a piece of rebar tie wire wrapped around the filter. I find that it is really handy to use those bent-nose extended-reach pliers for working on the fuel lines inside of the tanks since you can't get your hands inside the tank.

 

[Cf mtn]

replacing the tank is probably not an option. what kind of trimmer is it, and how old? has the fuel line ever been replaced. it could be cracked. i use a piece of heavy insulated wire with a hook bent in the end to fish out fuel lines/filters. the line should be long enough to pull the filter out of the filler hole.

 

[gdocktor3]

If its new, bring it back and complain. If its used, replace the fuel line and filter. Good chance that if it is used, someone else replaced the filter and fuel line with one a little bit too short or too stiff.

 

[bnem]

Take some lead fishing weights and crimp them onto a piece of rebar tie wire wrapped around the filter. I find that it is really handy to use those bent-nose extended-reach pliers for working on the fuel lines inside of the tanks since you can't get your hands inside the tank.

That's what I'm thinking of doing. I just got a lead weight last night from someone and I have some wire that I'll use to wrap it around the fuel line mid-way.

replacing the tank is probably not an option. what kind of trimmer is it, and how old? has the fuel line ever been replaced. it could be cracked. i use a piece of heavy insulated wire with a hook bent in the end to fish out fuel lines/filters. the line should be long enough to pull the filter out of the filler hole.

Trimmer is new. Fuel line is that Tygon stuff and looks new. That wire tip is a good one - I'll use that.

If its new, bring it back and complain. If its used, replace the fuel line and filter. Good chance that if it is used, someone else replaced the filter and fuel line with one a little bit too short or too stiff.

Well, the store I got it from was clearing them out and they don't have any nor will they be getting anymore. So that's a no go. I can take it to a repair shop but they're few and far between here, so I don't think it's worth it. I'll try my home remedy first and then go from there.