How to Replace a Snow Blower Fuel Line: MTD and Others with a Tecumseh Engine

This video provides detailed instructions for replacing a leaking gas line on a snow blower. Shown is a MTD snow blower with a Tecumseh engine. The procedure is similar for many other brands of snow blowers.

[@nathansgv4227]

I really appreciated your video,especially the parts about limited space for anything bigger than a 7/16” O.D. hose and not needing to remove the gas tank and front cover. Unfortunately, I already had a 1/2” O.D. fuel line in hand and was not making another trip to the hardware store. I am happy to report I was able to use a 1/2” line, but I did need to pull the tank and cover to pass the hose through the tight spots. Thankfully this is shorter than a return hardware store trip. Definitely will be easier to swap in a 7/16” next time.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Sometimes we just have to make it work. Well done!

[@frankcastle5294]

Great vid. A few drops of oil on both ends of the new line helps immensely with installing them over carb and tank fittings.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Good tip, thanks for sharing.

[@frankcastle5294]

My pleasure Sir.@@TheOriginalMechanic

[@jmreck]

Clear and to the point! Thank you!

[@johncarr4427]

Changing the gas line I forgot to do your step of taping the new and old together. So instead of going the direction you went, I was able to feed the new line in from the carb side and it was fairly smooth going through. When it got to the square opening by the tank, just had to coax the end with a screw driver. Thanks for the video. Rewatched it to make sure I get the linkage hook up correctly.

[@davecameron1300]

Fantastic and very clear information. Especially running in New fuel line. Thanks

[@b.b.latuque9027]

Best info for sure, I learned exactly what I needed to know. Thanks

[@Gamerrock02]

Great, simple video. Thank you.

[@ft9932]

Just what I needed! Thanks!

[@nikoniko893]

I like the idea of the hose clamps. When I replaced the carburetor, it came with clear fuel line which allows me to see how the fuel is flowing. Another user claims that putting on a fuel filter helped with restarting the mower.

[@catslivesmatter1268]

Excellent video and since I am about to go out and do this same thing I won't use any heat gun to apply to the fitting, I recommend you stay away from anything that causes spark since vapor will ignite but I will use a little bit of lube like Vaseline or oil instead but I am glad I found this video

[@RAJOTTE7711]

Two things you should have done with that new gas line. One is to put on a gas filter on the gas line which keeps debris out of the carburetor. Second I can't believe there wasn't a shut off valve on that gas line. A shut off valve is a MUST! If there is a leak in the gas line you can safely shut off the gas. And the proper way to store your snowblower for the summer is to put stabilizer in your gas tank and then start the snowblower and shut off the gas line. Let it run until all the gas runs out of the carburetor and then the motor will shut off. By doing this there will be no gas sitting in the carburetor which will turn into turpentine and clog up the carburetor and you will have to take the whole carburetor apart and clean it which is a pain in the butt. So those are my suggestions and those parts are dirt cheap and so easy to install just go on KZbin and you will find videos on how to do it. 😊👍

[@Harpo.jr70]

I would of put on a new shut off switch for fuel line

[@UserUser-99]

Spray those hose fittings with silocone spray to slide the hose on easily.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks good tip. I'll try it next time.

[@robertknight4672]

If you pick up a used machine I might recommend taking the cover off for this repair just to make sure the snow mouse nests or anyting.

[@mattlane3594]

A very clear video! Question: is there no fuel filter on these Tecumseh engines?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I didn't see one.

[@walleyeye]

Do snowblowers typicaly use a specific size fuel line or all they all different? I have a craftsman briggs blower. 9.5 hp 27” cut. Model C950-52430-1

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I doubt that there's more than a couple different sizes used. If you don't have a manual that specifies a part number, I would just measure the old and find one just like it.

[@TheEthanRivera85]

Came across your video today. I have the same exact snowblower and found the other smaller fuel line off the carburetor was broken. Is that as simple to change out as this was?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

i haven't been able to find another fuel line on my machine. There is only what appears to be a short piece of vapor line.

[@TheEthanRivera85]

@TheOriginalMechanic it was the primer line that I needed replaced. Sorry I mis-named it. Luckily for me it had broken right at the barb. There was enough slack to clear the barb and reattach (for now), for quick fix.

[@TheDickBarron]

I pulled the hose out before watching the video, do you know of the best way to feed it through?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I would try feeding a wire through there and taping the hose to it. You should be able to pull it through without too much trouble.

[@soonstrgzr]

I pulled the metal box off and the starter key wire came out. Where does it plug back into?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Take a look at 1:06 in the video

[@dj5752]

Stens 056-150 or Tecumseh 430173 fuel lines will work.

[@patrickfranckable]

I have the same model...i have cleaned the carburator, i havr put new unleaded gas in the tank and I have changed the spark plugs..it still won't starr. I prime it...it starts running then dies. What should I do?? Any idea?

[@JeffinTD]

If it only runs when primed, I’d guess you have a clogged passage in the carb, or the idle or main mixture screws need backed out more.

[@dennisdettmann2650]

You need to clean the carb. The jet is plugged or the float is stuck. Ethanol fuel does bad things to small engines. Pinch off the fuel line Unscrew the hex on the bottom on the carb fuel bowl. Carefully remove the fuel bowl. Clean out the deposits in the fuel bowl and make sure the float moves easily up and down. I use brake clean and a rag to clean out the bowl. I also Carefully spray cleaner up the jet in the bottom of the carb and remove the float and needle and spray cleaner up the passages. Don't lose the needle, or retaining clip. With low pressure air hose I blow out the passages and reassemble the carb. Drain the fuel tank and start with fresh fuel. Ethanol gas goes bad quickly. Good luck.

[@dennisdettmann2650]

I just replaced the carb on my mtd blower. Got new carb from a company selling on Amazon under 20 bucks. They make Tecumseh replacement parts. I'll see if I can find the link and post it.

[@ryanausterlitz8864]

How'd that work for you? That's what I am doing now.

[@tomvalentine7208]

I have that same model, but can't find the fuel filter, is there one?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Come to think of it, I didn't notice a fuel filter. They didn't bother with an air filter either lol

[@jean-louisgervais5050]

@@TheOriginalMechanic And what if i add one ? just under the tank in the middle of the fuel line, would it be a good idea to save carburetor cleaning time ? Super video btw ;-)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@jean-louisgervais5050 Yeah that should work. Some other small engines have them.

[@stateniland]

Maybe you can suggest a solution to a problem I have with the HONDA SNOW BLOWER 'Fuel Valve knob'.. It will not TURN to ON.....I don't want to break it... any suggestions?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You might try heating it up with a blow dryer. If that doesn't work maybe spray with some penetrant like WD 40 or PB Blaster and let it soak in and try it.

[@stateniland]

@@TheOriginalMechanic YEP! I used Liquid Wrench and it's still stiff but I got it to turn.. thanks for your reply!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@stateniland You're welcome. All I have is a gas hose now. No more problems with the shut-off!

[@stateniland]

@@TheOriginalMechanic please explain... something I can do to get rid of this fuel line? And... what happens if I leave the fuel knob OPEN when not in use.. curious. Thanks for your help Joe

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@stateniland There's no real harm in leaving it open when not in use. The idea is to shut it at the end of the season and run the carb out of fuel. This keeps the carb jets from gumming up. Many people add some fuel conditioner like Sta-bil to the gas to help prevent this.

[@aguy1075]

Any issue / potential problems from removing the fuel cut off?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I had no issues. This comes in only if you need do some work on the carb and don't want to drain the fuel tank.

[@f62darkstar]

I see a potential problem....I use fuel shut offs just in case the float in the carb decides to stick after i park it...if that happens the carb will over fill with gas and make its way into the cylinder and fill the crank case with gas....If you shut the valve off after use this will prevent that from happening....just my 2 cents.

[@dennisdettmann2650]

For ease of starting and eliminating ethanol deposits I always turn the gas off and run the machine out of gas. The ethanol will eat the rubber and cause the particles to plug up the carb. Never had a problem on any of my equipment or equipment at the landscape company I used to work at.

[@ryanausterlitz8864]

Excellent point. I experienced that this morning.

[@patrickfranckable]

Where did you buy the fuel line?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

www.mowpart.com/30705-tecumseh-part.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnb79BRDgARIsAOVbhRq_MxKewvMjwAknitybc7rdZcdQfjQ1odVflV3_SxbDNfm_J8UEsqEaAgKgEALw_wcB

[@patrickfranckable]

@@TheOriginalMechanic I have the same model...i have cleaned the carburator, i havr put new unleaded gas in the tank and I have changed the spark plugs..it still won't starr. I prime it...it starts running then dies. What should I do?? Any idea?

[@peterbugarchich404]

​@@patrickfranckable Most likely two causes: Not enough gas reaching the carb, or there's something else wrong with the carburetor

[@hanssolo3215]

needle nose pliers to pull the hose and where's the shut off valve?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

It leaked and I took it out. I never used it anyway.

[@michaelnelsonsr9624]

You forgot the fuel shut off valve.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I deliberately left it out. I seldom used it and then it leaked.