How to remove clogged/broken fuel filter screen in gas tank?

[Mmoore234]

BS 09p702 engine / craftsman m220 push mower

I have a fuel tank and it has one of those built in fuel filter screens in the tank thats is clogged and has a hole in it already. I tried removing it but ended up clogging it even more.

Is there a way to remove it without damaging the tank? I have fuel hoses with an inline filter i want you to use. I tested it with a new tank from another mower it works very well but that tank is to big to fit

 

[Auto Doc's]

Those filters have to be the trickiest way yet for engineers to cause problems with small equipment. Any trash that gets into a tank when refilling immediately blocks them.

The parts diagram only shows the entire tank for the economical sum of $124.99 on Parts Tree.

The "pencil" style filters are shoved into the tank outlet nipple. There should be a fine separation line that indicated the rim of the filter tube at the end of the fuel nipple. Take some pliers and gently squeeze it a couple of times and it will start to come loose. Once loose, the filter can be pulled out.

Option #2 is to ram a pocket screwdriver or a section of coat hanger wire through it and leave the remains in place. That will let fuel flow for the new line and inline filter.

 

[sgkent]

my understanding is they are attached to the drain or tank valve. Usually they come with a new drain or drain valve and are screwed in, or sit in a neoprene grommet. Most of that stuff is on Amazon. If the sock is plugged, it could mean it is time to drain and clean the tank.

 

[Mmoore234]

Those filters have to be the trickiest way yet for engineers to cause problems with small equipment. Any trash that gets into a tank when refilling immediately blocks them.

The parts diagram only shows the entire tank for the economical sum of $124.99 on Parts Tree.

The "pencil" style filters are shoved into the tank outlet nipple. There should be a fine separation line that indicated the rim of the filter tube at the end of the fuel nipple. Take some pliers and gently squeeze it a couple of times and it will start to come loose. Once loose, the filter can be pulled out.

Option #2 is to ram a pocket screwdriver or a section of coat hanger wire through it and leave the remains in place. That will let fuel flow for the new line and inline filter.

I ended up buying another tank on amazon for $35 still what a crazy decision to have a fuel filter built in the bottom of the tank. On the BS site it even says the in tank filter is “non-serviceable” . So now customers have to buy a new $125 oem or poor quality after market every time the tank clogs?insane Lol.

I also tried your suggestion unfortunately that screen is tightly sealed into the tank even after an hour of picking at it i was unable to remove all the bits of the screen and was worried at some point in the future a piece or two might break off and clog it again so i just bought an after market one instead.

 

[outdoorpowermike]

Maybe if you have enough room just add a small inline fuel filter with new hose and hose clamps.