My Weed Eater Keeps Leaking Oil

Spill

• Fuel and oil may have spilled onto the outside of the Weed Eater during a fill-up. Clean the area with warm water and soap; set the Weed Eater aside for 15 minutes. Come back to check if more oil has leaked. If none has, use the Weed Eater normally, checking periodically to see if more oil has appeared.

Cracked Fuel Tank

• The plastic fuel tank on a Weed Eater can break down, particularly on an older model. Empty the fuel tank and move to a quiet area. Seal the fuel cap and squeeze the fuel tank gently. Listen carefully for the sound of air being squeezed out of the tank. Do not put another liquid, like water, in the tank to try to do this test visually. It will hurt the engine. If the leak is caused by a cracked fuel tank, the tank needs to be sealed or replaced. Find an epoxy or sealant at a hardware store. Replacing the tank should be left to professionals.

Faulty Fuel Line

• The line from the fuel tank to the carburetor can corrode and crack with age. Check to see if the line is broken, or if the seals at either end are faulty. Wipe away the excess oil; determine if oil is coming from these areas. If the leak is coming from a faulty fuel line, the line needs to be replaced. Check the Weed Eater user manual to see what part number is needed.

Loose Gas Cap

• The seals on the gas cap and the cap are plastic. Hard use and old age could cause these pieces to break. Again test by emptying the fuel tank, sealing the cap and squeezing the tank gently. Listen for air coming out from around the cap. If the cap is faulty, it can be replaced with the correct part. Weed Eaters come in a variety of sizes, so check the user manual to be sure the right part is used.