Replacing Cultivator Fuel Lines

My Earthquake MC43 cultivator / tiller stopped running in the middle of dethatching my lawn. It had plenty of fuel but wouldn't start back up. I notice the primer bulb wasn't sucking any fuel from the tank. When I looked inside the tank, the return line had rotted off completely and the intake line was hanging on by a thread. The top port on the carb is the return line. The line below is the intake and will have the fuel filter on the other end. I cleaned the carburetor in a separate video ( • Mini Cultivator Carb C... ), which I highly recommend when replacing the fuel lines. See the links below for the parts and tools I used:
Fuel Line:
amzn.to/3duqAvS (affiliate*)
Hemostat Locking Forceps:
amzn.to/2Uxik7l (affiliate*)
Milwaukee Stick Light:
amzn.to/33WCACm (affiliate*)
*Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!

[@mikehenson7136]

Thank you very much for posting this. I have the identical tiller with the identical issue.

[@Mikeattempts]

I'm glad the video was helpful. However, there's a chance you might need to clean the carb too. Small pieces of the old fuel line were sucked into the carb and it recently started to bog down when I squeezed the throttle. My next video (3 weeks from today) will cover cleaning the carb. Thanks for watching!

[@Mikeattempts]

Mike, I uploaded the MC43 carb cleaning video today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4e8k6ukls99mpY

[@docbrandy915]

I couldn’t find 1/4 OD with 1/8 ID, but found 5/16 OD and threaded a short remnant of the old line into the 3 areas where it connects to the carburetor and the fuel filter. Now working like a charm. Thanks Mike!

[@Mikeattempts]

Great idea, I'm glad it worked out. I ended up having to clean the carburetor recently because some pieces of the old fuel line got in there. I'll have a video coming out on that soon. Thanks for watching!

[@neildawson8576]

Exactly what is wrong with mine!Thanks for the fix video.

[@Mikeattempts]

No problem, thanks for watching! :)

[@Apeiria]

Very grateful for this + the 1 on cleaning the carb., as I had the same issue. I only use non-E fuel and a stabilizer when in storage. While I don't look fwd to doing either of these (not a mechanic), I do appreciate your easy to understand videos on how to do it

[@Mikeattempts]

I'm no pro either but it'll be a big confidence booster once you get it fixed and then you'll be looking for more stuff to fix. :)

[@douggroh7476]

Thank you for posting this video. I'd like to know which line gets the filter (please show this specifically)?

[@Mikeattempts]

The top port on the carb is the return line. The line below is the intake and will have the fuel filter on the other end.

[@Mikeattempts]

Fuel Line: amzn.to/3duqAvS (affiliate*) Hemostat Locking Forceps: amzn.to/2Uxik7l (affiliate*) Milwaukee Stick Light: amzn.to/33WCACm (affiliate*) *Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!

[@thewhitewolf2218]

Unfortunately, the link you have for the fuel line shows a 3/8 diameter interior when your video mentions 1/8 diameter interior. Make sure your numbers are correct. I just wasted money on buying the wrong fuel line.

[@Mikeattempts]

Sorry about that, they must have changed the product but kept the same ASIN. The ID is still correct (1/8") but the OD should be 1/4". Here's the correct line: amzn.to/3duqAvS , or you could get a pack that comes with 4 common sizes, like this: amzn.to/3db0zl8 . Thanks for brining this to my attention, I have updated the link.

[@wniner8194]

Nice video. Good job. I was able to get my question answered in the comments section.

[@Mikeattempts]

Thanks for watching!

[@markw5043]

Great video. The only question I have is how much fuel line goes into the tank? From the video I'm guessing 6"?

[@Mikeattempts]

For the intake line, you want it long enough so the filter can reach the bottom right corner of the tank (when looking at it from the front).The other line just returns the excess fuel to the tank so about 2 inches into the tank would be plenty.

[@robertpsarudakis3474]

Did the same to my dads, had to replace lines and rubber grommet in addition to attaching the filler cap vent. Only used it a few times too.

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, I noticed that my grommet seems to have shrunk so now it's not tight in the hole and lets fuel seep out. I sill have the replacement that was sent to me, but I assume I'll be in the same position in a couple years. :)

[@robertpsarudakis3474]

Any issues with the carburetor? @@Mikeattempts

[@Mikeattempts]

@@robertpsarudakis3474 Yeah, not long after replacing the fuel lines, I started to notice it not running quite right. I did a follow up video cleaning the carb. Tiny pieces of the deteriorated fuel line had made it into the carburetor. In hindsight, I should have done the carb cleaning and new lines at the same time. :)

[@markintx2628]

thank u so so much for the comment the carb is on the way. Will have to have u guide through the process. Thank You.

[@publicsquarenetwork5705]

Thanks and thanks for the fuel line tips That will save me from replacing them again soon. Cant get ethanol free gas around here.

[@Mikeattempts]

I've found those generic yellow fuel lines they sell on Amazon actually seem to hold up well to today's fuel too. I bought a pack that has a few feet of four different sizes and it has come in handy. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreyfuller9829]

Thanks, I had a brainfart and couldn't figure out WHY the fuel lines were at top and not the bottom dahhhh I didn't think I didn't think

[@Mikeattempts]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@scott2744]

On which side does the line with the fuel filter go on the carburetor left or right, and the return line is it not supposed to go into gas at all, or if the line curves down and would be touching some gas if the tank was totally full is that ok?

[@Mikeattempts]

The fuel pickup line, the one with the filter on the end, is the one closest to the engine. The return line is the one closest to the air filter. It doesn't matter if the return line goes all the way to the bottom of the tank, it just doesn't need to. All it does is squirt the excess fuel back into the tank to be reused. Thanks for watching!

[@stevena1982]

Hey there again..where were you able to find the right size fuel line? I used one Frome lowes that was slightly smaller in outer diameter (3/16 I believe) with same inner diameter but still leaks obviously

[@Mikeattempts]

You need 1/8" ID x 1/4" OD. I got the Oregon fuel line from eBay but this will also work: amzn.to/3duqAvS

[@davidfrancis2325]

I recently replaced the carburetor on my earthquake tiller. When I reconnected the fuel lines, I wasn’t sure which lines connected to which inlets. How can you tell which goes where? Does it matter?

[@Mikeattempts]

Yes, it definitely matters because of the fuel filter. The top fuel line on the carb is the return line to the tank (no filter). The lower line is the intake so that one needs to have the filter. Thanks for watching!

[@jamint5ky507]

My question exactly... thank you.

[@tghepburn1390]

This was my question too. To be more precise the fuel line inlet port will be closest to the priming bulb....I think? Great video!

[@여행멋진인생]

Very good ~

[@stevena1982]

I have the exact same problem (let alone same brand tiller) but I believe you can do this with out removing the fuel tank?

[@Mikeattempts]

Yes, you can replace the lines without removing the fuel tank. However, mine had crumbled pieces of the old line in the bottom of the tank and it was easier to clean when removed from the tiller.

[@JJSS-vg1qs]

So you hook the fuel filter to the end of the line, then put it in the tank?

[@Mikeattempts]

Yes, the fuel filter will go on the line that connects to the lower port on the carb. The top port on the carb is the return line. I cleaned the carburetor in a separate video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4e8k6ukls99mpY ), which I highly recommend when replacing the fuel lines.

[@JJSS-vg1qs]

@@Mikeattempts thank you

[@MelissLaPo]

My Earthquake Badger Pro Series XT675 is only 3 years old and I've only used it 4 or 5 times. I've been trying to get it to start since last year. I'm getting ready to replace the spark plug, fuel lines and filter and the carburetor since I'm still quarantining in California and couldn't lift it in or out of my car anyway. I have new air filters ready to go. (I was hoping that was all it needed) (but noooo). Thank you for making this video. I'll watch it a few more times and take good notes before I get started. Question for anyone: Would using Premium (92+) octane instead of regular (87) be the cause of my problem getting it to start???? Thanks again! mrl in Sacramento P.S. I'm 71 yrs young!

[@Mikeattempts]

Before you buy more parts, call Earthquake, you probably have 2 years of warranty left. I don't think the higher octane would cause any issues. My guess is that it's the fuel line. However, they'll probably send you the same type that already failed so you'll need to buy some better quality fuel line. Also, I like to use fuel stabilizer to help limit the negative effects of ethanol and prevent the fuel from gumming up in the carb during the months it isn't being used. Thanks for watching!

[@Liquidforce4441]

Same exact thing happened to mine, did not have to take the tank off to replace the lines.

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, you're right, this could easily be done without removing the tank. However, mine had a bunch of crumbled piece of the old fuel line down in the tank and I think it would have been more difficult to clean it out without taking it off.

[@markintx2628]

Which line is the filter line and the return line. I think I have them mixed up thanks

[@Mikeattempts]

The top port on the carb is the return line. The line below is the intake and will have the fuel filter on the other end.

[@robertfliss2584]

Thanks man…..very helpful.

[@Mikeattempts]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@ocrun6765]

Did that Oregon fuel line work out better with the ethanol?

[@Mikeattempts]

So far so good but only time will tell. Thanks for watching!

[@bleepnsheep2310]

I have learned to use only non ethical gas in all of my two sroke motors and lawn equipment. Keeps me from replacing fuel lines and primer bulbs and makes things dependable.

[@petesauer9729]

How well does the dethatcher work. I've been thinking of buying one.

[@Mikeattempts]

The dethatcher works pretty well, I'm always surprised by how much it pulls up. Then I just go over the lawn with the bag on the mower to pick most of it up. It's not as thorough as raking but it takes way less time. :)

[@douggroh7476]

Thank you.

[@RayBove]

How do I know which line to hook up and where bottom or top? wich is wich?

[@Mikeattempts]

The top line on the carb is the return line. The lower one is the intake line, which should be long enough to rest at the bottom of the tank and have the fuel filter on the end. Thanks for watching!

[@RayBove]

@@Mikeattempts Thanks Mike

[@jackiesnowflake2255]

Also where can i get a new tank mine has a hole in the top corner that my husband and or brother inlaw just put duck tape on it. Dont know which one did it.

[@Mikeattempts]

I'm pretty sure you'd hafta order a new tank from Earthquake. However, since the hole is at the top, you could try to patch the tank with some epoxy.

[@tomsturgeon1966]

Thank you!

[@Mikeattempts]

Thank you for watching! Hey, also be sure to clean the carb after replacing the fuel lines. I did a follow up video kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4e8k6ukls99mpY

[@johnwalters7415]

Do you ever grease the gear box

[@Mikeattempts]

The transmission doesn't have a grease zerk so the manual recommends that you split the gear case yearly to check the grease level. It says to add a high quality molylithium grease only if the grease level is below top of the gears. Maybe that'll be a future video. Thanks for watching!

[@magicone9327]

It is super simple to remove ethanol from gas!

[@Mikeattempts]

Yeah, I use Sta-Bil in all of my fuel but these lines were still ruined very quickly. I think it was just the material used to make the lines because I have a 4-stroke string trimmer and its lines lasted a really long time.

[@thefreese1]

Sorry but that is a dumb move... yes... you can replace the line with higher quality line ... however all the seals in the carb will eventually head south too.. And... worst of all, you'll wind up with a waxy buildup in that little carb .. and those little carbs don't handle and of that stuff very well . And you'll be replacing the carb a lot more often than if you'd stuck with high grade alcohol free stuff. These have tiny fuel tanks.... why not just buy ethanol free gas... you only going to save pennies... because you're only going to need 1 gallon or less.. anymore gas than that will simply go bad before you can use it up anyway.... so most of the time you wind up throwing it into the lawnmower or something... not many engines run 50:1 so you use it as regular fuel...

[@Mikeattempts]

It's been over 2.5 years since I replaced the lines and I haven't had a problems yet. I did clean the carb after replacing the lines, some of the deteriorated lined had been sucked in and it wasn't running properly at full power. Instead of trying to find ethanol-free gas, I just use fuel stabilizer that also contain ethanol treatment.

[@thefreese1]

@@Mikeattempts ya. But give it time.. ive had some nasty messes in carbs where people were using regular gas. The problen is ... that before they finally do go out tou wind up wearing yourself out before you wven stat start using it... same witj weed eaters.. like i said .. only pennies difference on the price

[@bobbyarp2936]

How to hook the fuel lines up to the carburetor😅

[@Mikeattempts]

The top port on the carb is the return line. The line below is the intake and will have the fuel filter on the other end.

[@jimmyhuffman6802]

You forgot to show us where the line's connect to the carburetor. Thanks

[@Mikeattempts]

The top port on the carb is the return line. The line below is the intake and will have the fuel filter on the other end.

[@jackiesnowflake2255]

Whete do you get the Oregon. Line

[@Mikeattempts]

I think I got the Oregon fuel line from eBay but this will also work: amzn.to/3duqAvS

[@anoka114]

I never use ethanol gas in my equipment

[@Mikeattempts]

You can't go wrong there, as long as you have stations close that still sell it.