The Complete Guide to Lawn Mower Fuel Filter
Have you ever had to deal with a clogged fuel filter on your lawn mower? If so, then you know how frustrating it can be. It’s not something that is easy for the average person to fix. That’s why we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about these filters in this blog post!

What is the fuel filter on a lawn mower for, and how does it work?
The fuel filter on a lawn mower works to trap impurities in the gas before they make their way into your engine. This helps prolong the life of both components, keeping them running smoothly for many years! Find out more about how lawn mower fuel filters work below:
Why do I need to change my fuel filter?
You need to change your fuel filter when it becomes clogged. Over time, the small particles trapped in this component will build up and reduce gas mileage while also contaminating other components of your mower’s engine! This is why you should always replace a clogged lawn mower filter with a new one as soon as possible for optimal performance.
Some lawn mowers come with their own fuel filter, while others require you to replace it periodically along with the gas. Read on below for more information about how often you should change your fuel filter!
How often should I change my fuel filter?
Most lawn mowers will require you to replace the fuel filter every season. However, this isn’t always the case! Some filters can go longer than one year before needing replaced depending on how often they are used and what kind of gas they use. It’s important to inspect your filter regularly for any signs that it may need replacing soon – an obviously clogged filter is a sure sign that it’s time for some new parts!
What are some signs that indicate that I need to change my fuel filter?
There are a number of signs that indicate you need to change your fuel filter. One of the most obvious being if it is clogged! You can also check for any leakage from this component by looking over all sides and underneath where it mounts onto the mower itself. If there’s fluid leaking, then chances are it has sprung a leak and needs to be replaced as soon as possible!
If you have a gas mower, another telltale sign is that your lawn mower will start running roughly. Gas filters are responsible for filtering out impurities in fuel before they reach the engine itself – if there’s too many of these particles in the air intake system, then it can affect how smoothly your lawn mower runs.
If you notice any of these signs, then it’s probably time to go ahead and replace the fuel filter on your lawn mower as soon as possible! Inspecting this component regularly is a good way to catch issues before they become more serious problems that need professional repair or replacement. Read below for information about how to replace a fuel filter on your lawn mower.
How do I change my fuel filter?
Changing the fuel filter on your gas lawn mower is relatively simple and can be done in under half an hour if you already have some of the tools needed! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Socket wrench or adjustable wrench (to remove the filter)
- New fuel filter (make sure you get one that is specifically made for your mower!)
Once you have all of these tools, follow these steps:
- Turn off the gas valve to stop the flow of gas into your lawn mower. Remove any remaining gasoline from inside using a paper towel or other disposable material.
- Locate the fuel filter on your lawn mower. Usually, it will be underneath a protective metal or plastic cover near where you add gasoline to the tank of your machine.
- Using an adjustable wrench or socket wrench, remove the gas line nut holding in place this component (you may need to use penetrating oil beforehand).
- Grasp and remove the fuel filter from your lawn mower. If it’s very clogged, you may need to gently pry back and forth until it comes loose – be careful not to damage any other components on your machine!
- Once the old fuel filter is removed, set aside for recycling or proper disposal later on.
- Using a new gas line nut, attach the new fuel filter to your lawn mower in reverse order of how you removed it previously.
- Once the gas line nut is firmly attached and there are no leaks, turn on the valve for your lawn mower’s tank so that gasoline begins filling up again. Once this has reached its maximum capacity (or close), try starting up your lawn mower again to see if it runs smoothly!
- If the fuel filter is clogged or damaged, then you will likely need to replace it. You can find these filters at most home improvement stores in the section with all of your other lawn care supplies – just make sure that you get one specifically made for your specific model and brand of lawn mower.
- If you’re unsure about whether or not to replace the fuel filter on your machine, then just follow these steps and see if it is clogged – chances are that this is why there might be something wrong with how well it starts up! Even if your lawn mower runs smoothly however after performing this quick fix, you’ll still want to replace the fuel filter in a few hours or days at most since it is still worn down and clogged.
These tips should help you figure out whether or not your lawn mower needs a new fuel filter! After performing this simple task, then you’ll be able to have fresh gasoline flow into your machine once more so that it runs smoothly.
How do you know when your fuel tank needs to be filled up again?
Turn off the gas valve to stop the flow of gas into your lawn mower. Remove any remaining gasoline from inside using a paper towel or other disposable material. Locate the fuel filter on your lawn mower. Usually, it will be underneath a protective metal or plastic cover near where you add gasoline to the tank of your machine. Using an adjustable wrench or socket wrench, remove the gas line nut holding in place this component (you may need to use penetrating oil beforehand). Grasp and remove the fuel filter from your lawn mower. If it’s very clogged, you may need to gently pry back and forth until it comes loose – be careful not to damage any other components on your machine! Once the old fuel filter is removed, set aside for recycling or proper disposal later on. Using a new gas line nut, attach the new fuel filter to your lawn mower in reverse order of how you removed it previously. Once the gas line nut is firmly attached and there are no leaks, turn on the valve for your lawn mower’s tank so that gasoline begins filling up again. Once this has reached its maximum capacity (or close), try starting up your lawn mower again to see if it runs smoothly!
Should a lawn Mower fuel filter be full?
Yes, a lawnmower fuel filter should be full. Lack of enough fuel in the filter will hamper the performance and is bad for its health. Lawnmower filters that do not fill up with fuel often signal a problem.
How to Clean a Lawn mower Fuel Filter?
A fuel filter prevents debris from entering your vehicle’s engine, and changing or cleaning it regularly is essential. If your filter is nylon or paper, you should just replace it with a new one. If it’s made of metal and isn’t too grimy, you can clean and reuse it. Before you start, relieve your fuel system’s pressure and disconnect your battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines, then spray it with a solvent cleaner. Let it dry for an hour, then reinstall it, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.
What Is a Fuel Pump & Where Is It Located?
A fuel pump is used when the gas tank is mounted lower than the carburetor and cannot rely on gravity to carry gas through the fuel line. Briggs & Stratton fuel pumps have either a plastic or a metal body and develop pressure using the vacuum in the crankcase, which is created by the motion of the piston. A fitting on the crankcase cover or the dipstick tube draws the pressure to pump fuel.
The fuel pump is typically mounted on the carburetor, near the fuel tank or between the tank and carburetor. Reference diagram below.