Homelite XL12: fuel pours out of muffler when saw is tipped

[rwh963]

Trying to figure this issue out. In a cold saw, filled up the tank. If I tip it towards the muffler side, fuel empties from the tank out the muffler. Saw runs pretty well. Where do I focus my efforts?

 

[buzz sawyer]

Only way to get to the muffler from the tank is a flooding carb - and the engine would be literally filled with fuel. Since it runs, that can't be the case. Maybe it's leaking from the tank to behind the muffler? Have you pulled muffler to see where the fuel is coming from? pics?

 

[sand sock]

Are you sure it's coming through the muffler? Rotted fuel lines will let the tank drain out and run where ever it can. If it's running through the carb, into the crank,out the piston, out the exhaust. That's something different, gasket or carb. I don't know if a homelite gas tank and piston are even 1 piece.

 

[Sidecarflip]

Sounds like the 'Homie' is taking a leak.....lol

 

[rwh963]

Are you sure it's coming through the muffler? Rotted fuel lines will let the tank drain out and run where ever it can. If it's running through the carb, into the crank,out the piston, out the exhaust. That's something different, gasket or carb. I don't know if a homelite gas tank and piston are even 1 piece.

I’ll have to continue to examine the situation. It runs well, as seen in the video. Idles ok. Getting steady fuel. Don’t think that would happen with bad fuel line. Not leaking gas while running. I wouldn’t try to get fuel leaking over a hot muffler.

 

[jcallahan2]

I have XL12 that's doing the exact same thing, still need to check it out.




One place for parts is the Lil Red Barn, the link is for their Ebay store have a regular website also.

https://www.ebay.com/str/lilredbarnpowerequipmentsupply?_trksid=p2047675.m145687.l149086

 

[buzz sawyer]

I’ll have to continue to examine the situation. It runs well, as seen in the video. Idles ok. Getting steady fuel. Don’t think that would happen with bad fuel line. Not leaking gas while running. I wouldn’t try to get fuel leaking over a hot muffler.

It could be leaking where the fuel line goes into the tank but still getting enough fuel to run.

 

[rwh963]

It could be leaking where the fuel line goes into the tank but still getting enough fuel to run.

You might be right. I took a closer look as I tipped it. Started pouring out down the area below the bulge that the fuel line emerges from. The line is glass hard. It might have a fracture but held in place and fuel is still passing through. Is it a PITA to change that line?

 

[Sidecarflip]

Whatever you do, replace it with a Tygon fuel line, especially if you are running ethanol gas. E gas destroys rubber fuel lines, they either get hard and fracture or the turn to goo.

Tygon is very resistant to the corn alcohol in ethanol gas.

 

[rwh963]

Ok, took out the fuel line, no cracks, intact. I could wiggle it in the passage though. Maybe the tube shrank a little and fuel could bypass it? Anyone know the proper replacement diameter? Hope I don’t have to pull the carb to get it connected .

Chain gear has some teeth damage. OE replacements available. Also need a new chain guard as it has some lower damage.

 

[Sidecarflip]

Measure the barb and buy accordingly.

 

[rwh963]

tucked in too tight to measure. I’ll bring the saw and line to the shop.

Also need a duckbill. Who knows what size.

 

[rwh963]

Hopefully this will resolve the leak

 

[rwh963]

nope, didn't even bother connecting it. ran the new line in, but it was loosey goosey. no sealing. fuel would just spill out again. must be a size up. have to bring the saw in next time to be fitted.

 

[rwh963]

ok people, looks like the wrong fuel line was in there from the PO. this is the correct style. see how it would provide a seal.

 

[rwh963]

and possibly this grommet

 

[buzz sawyer]

Yes, some of those used a grommet. I think I once made my own grommet with a larger piece of hose, then ran the actual line inside. It fit tightly so no leaks.

 

[rwh963]

Update: emptied the blue tank completely. A disc rattled out. Turns out it fits the gas cap. A type of duckbill. Never knew it was there. You can also compare two different fuel cap styles.

The red xl 12 also has the black fitted rubber fuel hose and both of the grommets. gonna remove them all and see if I can match grommets at hardware store.

 

[rwh963]

Ok, so pried black line off red Walbro barb. It has the bell shaped barb, unlike the blue Tillitson. So, back to square one. Need two grommets for the blue.

 

[rwh963]

Where to find OE part numbers for the two grommets; or are they the same grommet?