Why the Gas Won't Stop Flowing in a Craftsman Edger

Gas Mix Problems

• The small engine that the edger uses requires a precise mixture of oil and gas to operate correctly. A common Craftsman ratio is 40 parts unleaded gas to one part 2-cycle engine oil, although ratios may differ based on manual specifications. The mix ratio is very important for effective engine operation, and many problems can stem from improper mixes or dirty fuel. A gas flow problem could be caused by too much or too little oil. Draining and replacing the gas may provide a solution to the problem.

Carburetor Seals

• The carburetor takes in air and combines it with the fuel in the edger. The air-fuel mixture is then sent on to the injection system and combustion chamber. The carburetor uses caps, plugs and gaskets that can start to fail or develop leaks because of cracked O-rings. If gas is leaking continuously from your edger and you cannot find the source, taking the carburetor apart may reveal the problem. Replacing the damaged part and correctly installing the carburetor back into the engine can fix the issue.

Carburetor Floats

• Carburetor floats help keep the fuel levels inside the carburetor steady no matter how much the engine is being used. The float works according to pressure differences, eventually opening a valve to introduce more fuel as needed. If you notice gas leaking from your air filter and the problem persists, your carburetor float may have been damaged and will need to be replaced to stop the leaking problem. Floats can wear or may be damaged during other carburetor repairs.

Injection Problems

• The injection system introduces a specific amount of fuel and air into the edger combustion chamber. Because the edger engine is a relatively simple system, the injection system is not highly advanced, but it can still develop leaks and flaws that cause too much fuel to enter the chamber. This can prevent the engine from idling or cause it to overspeed when used.