How do I know what is the right length of the fuel line inside the gas tank?

[Alan0354]

I have problem with my Shindaiwa M242 when I use it in different position. The engine keep stalling.

When I first bought it, it ran very well. As I use it as a hedge trimmer, I have to run at all position. I notice the gas filter stuck into the filling neck right at the gas cap a few times when it was new and cannot get gas. I change to a big gas filter hoping the weight will pull the filter down by itself. Not only it did not work, the engine start boggging on and off. I believe it is because of the filter is in position that it cannot get gas. I change back to another small gas filter yesterday and it got even worst today.

Today right in the middle of the trimming, it actually die, I cannot start it. When I prime, it was sucking air, I have to shake the engine until I can get gas and it started right up.

Right now, when I pull the filter out, it will be about 1.5 inches out of the neck of the gas tank.

The unit has very low hours on it and is only a few months old. How do I adjust the length? Is it longer the better or should I cut it shorter?

[Alan0354]

I cut the line, but it is still doing it.

I double verified. I ran in different position until it fail. I hold in the same position and prime the bulb. It is sucking air!! I have no double the cause of stall is from the filter not reaching the gas. I then lay it horizontal and prime, I immediately get gas and the engine start right up.

Is fishing weight in the calling?

[Jay Ray]

I don't know the right, proper answer to this problem, but have gotten better results with a longer line than a short line.

I have a Stihl trimmer that quits with less than 3/8 of a tank, and an edger that will not prime unless the blade end is lifted up high. I just live with those quirks and hope to wear those sticks out.

I do know stick equipment is more finicky than mowers.

I think a Shindaiwa dealer would tell you how long the take-up line and the primer line should be. Last time I bought it, it was $2 a foot so I bet the margin is not too shabby on it. They told me there are only three sizes of fuel line that are used in 2-cycle equip no matter who makes it.

[Alan0354]

Thanks for the reply.

Out of despiration today, I took the gas filter off and put 3 1/4" nuts onto the line. It actually fit snug on the line and won't slip. I put back the filter and trim for 15 minutes in all position. The engine never even burble once!! Look like I sure improve it.

Problem is I use it as a short reach hedge trimmer and I literally wave it around in all position, that was when I experience the problem. If someone use it as a string trimmer, they will never see that.

Hopefully the extra weight load the filter down and not sticking up in the air. I'll see the next time when I use it for extended period of time.

[topsites]

Could also be the fuel filter needs replacing? :p

[Alan0354]

Could also be the fuel filter needs replacing? :p

It is a new filter!!! Anyway, I hope that's the end of it. I wonder anyone using a short/long reach hedge clipper run into this problem? I cannot be the first one here!!:hammerhead:

[Breezmister]

The unit has very low hours on it and is only a few months old. How do I adjust the length? Is it longer the better or should I cut it shorter?

I've seen a few tanakas come in with that problem, the fuel line in the tank is to short and won't reach the low end of the tank when it's turned, with the fuel line out let at the high point.

Take it back to the dealer and have them put in a longer fuel line. If it's only a few months old, it should still be under warranty. The fuel line should reach the lower end of the tank with the fuel out let at the high end, then fall back to the other end when turned 180 degrees.

[echoman8]

I agree with the suggestion before, but there may be a different problem.

If I understand correctly, then the problem occured with the first tank filter and the original hose (factory length).

After changing hose length and 2 more filters, then the problem is the same or worse, correct?

I feel that that there is a "restriction of fuel" or an "air leak", but it is not from the hose length or filter.

Restriction of fuel - screen in carb, or adjustment of metering lever.

Air leak - hole in fuel line, loose screws/bolts on carb or intake, loose bolts on motor cylinder, and other unlikely places like crank gaskets and seals.



This is assuming that you have removed the muffler and inspected the motor thoroughly. If there is damage on the lower end of the engine, then the unit will only run when cold, starve for fuel when warm and die when hot.


echoman

[Alan0354]

I agree with the suggestion before, but there may be a different problem.

If I understand correctly, then the problem occured with the first tank filter and the original hose (factory length).

After changing hose length and 2 more filters, then the problem is the same or worse, correct?

I feel that that there is a "restriction of fuel" or an "air leak", but it is not from the hose length or filter.

Restriction of fuel - screen in carb, or adjustment of metering lever.

Air leak - hole in fuel line, loose screws/bolts on carb or intake, loose bolts on motor cylinder, and other unlikely places like crank gaskets and seals.



This is assuming that you have removed the muffler and inspected the motor thoroughly. If there is damage on the lower end of the engine, then the unit will only run when cold, starve for fuel when warm and die when hot.


echoman

I put 3 1/4" nut onto the fuel line close to the filter as dead weight, I have since trimmed for about 15 minutes and worked great. Normally it should start acting up already particularly I intentionally drain the tank down to less than half full. I'll try again in the near future and make sure it is really fixed.

[echoman8]

Hi,

Great troubleshooting. If the engine ran well for 15 minutes, then then the engine is fine.

echoman