Symptoms
- Fuel smell around the trimmer
- Visible wet spot near the tank or lines
- Fuel dripping from the primer bulb
- Fuel seeping from the cap area
Likely causes
- CommonCracked primer bulbThe clear rubber primer bulb dries out and cracks with age and sun exposure.
- CommonDeteriorated fuel linesEthanol fuel breaks down rubber fuel lines over time, causing cracks and leaks.
- PossibleDamaged fuel cap gasketA worn gasket under the fuel cap no longer seals properly.
- PossibleCracked fuel tankImpact or age can crack the plastic tank itself.
- Less commonLoose carburetor fuel line fittingA fitting that has worked loose lets fuel seep at the connection point.
What to do
- Stop use immediately and move the trimmer away from any heat or ignition source if you smell fuel.
- Let the trimmer sit on a dry surface and visually trace where the wet fuel spot originates.
- Inspect the primer bulb for cracks and replace it if compromised, since these are inexpensive and easy to swap.
- Check the fuel lines running from the tank to the carburetor for cracking or a soft, swollen texture, and replace if degraded.
- Inspect the fuel cap gasket and replace it if it looks flattened or cracked.
- Look over the tank itself for stress cracks, especially around the fill neck.
- If you can't identify the source or the tank is cracked, take it to a small-engine shop rather than continuing to use a leaking trimmer.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Small screwdriver
Primer bulbSearch: “trimmer primer bulb replacement”
Fuel line kitSearch: “small engine fuel line replacement kit”
Fuel capSearch: “trimmer fuel cap replacement”
When to call a pro
If the fuel tank itself is cracked, replacement of the tank assembly is best done by a small-engine repair shop.
Safety
Use caution
Never run or start a trimmer that's actively leaking fuel; move it outdoors away from any spark or flame source until repaired.