Stop
Gasoline is highly flammable. Move the equipment outdoors away from any flame or spark source, let it cool, and do not attempt to start it until the leak is fixed.
Symptoms
- Visible fuel puddle or wet spot under the machine
- Strong gasoline smell
- Fuel dripping from a specific hose or seam
- Fuel level drops faster than expected
Likely causes
- CommonCracked or brittle fuel lineEthanol fuel and age cause rubber lines to crack over time.
- CommonOverfilled fuel tankFuel expands with heat and can overflow from an overfilled tank.
- PossibleFailed carburetor gasket or floatA stuck float or bad gasket lets fuel seep out of the carburetor.
- PossibleCracked fuel tankPlastic tanks can crack from age, impact, or UV exposure.
What to do
- Stop using the equipment immediately and move it away from any ignition source or flame.
- Let it cool and inspect the fuel line, tank, and carburetor for the source of the leak.
- Wipe up spilled fuel with rags and dispose of them safely, away from heat.
- If the fuel line is cracked, replace it with the correct diameter fuel-rated line.
- If the tank is overfilled, don't fill past the manufacturer's fill line in the future.
- Check the carburetor for a stuck float causing overflow, and have it serviced if suspected.
- If the tank itself is cracked, replace it rather than attempting a repair.
Tools and parts
- Rags
- Replacement fuel line
Fuel lineSearch: “small engine fuel line replacement”
Fuel tankSearch: “small engine fuel tank replacement”
When to call a pro
If the carburetor or tank itself needs replacement, a small-engine shop can safely handle the repair.
Safety
Stop
Gasoline is highly flammable. Move the equipment outdoors away from any flame or spark source, let it cool, and do not attempt to start it until the leak is fixed.