Fuel Lawn-Boy Model # 17732 fuel line

[thetheway]

I just purchased a Lawn-Boy Model # 17732 and considering I can only purchase gas with 10% ethanol was hoping to install a fuel shutoff to stop the ethanol from degrading the parts in the carburetor.

When I removed the fuel line from the gas tank I noticed a small white plastic tube inside the fuel line extending into the tank.
What is the purpose of the plastic line and does this mean I will be unable to install a fuel shutoff?

 

[mechanic mark]

It's called a fuel strainer, purchase a quality brand of fuel treatment to mix in gas can to take care of ethanol problem, read label carefully.

 

[Phototone]

I just purchased a Lawn-Boy Model # 17732 and considering I can only purchase gas with 10% ethanol was hoping to install a fuel shutoff to stop the ethanol from degrading the parts in the carburetor.

When I removed the fuel line from the gas tank I noticed a small white plastic tube inside the fuel line extending into the tank.
What is the purpose of the plastic line and does this mean I will be unable to install a fuel shutoff?

Are you sure you can't get ethanol-free gas? I live in Arkansas and it is readily available but not at every station. Sometimes it is just the Premium 91 octane that is ethanol-free. I have an app for my smart phone called Pure Gas that uses its database and the phone GPS to find the nearest stations that offer ethanol-free in at least one grade. It seems that Premium is the one most often ethanol-free. This works fine in all yard equipment. I think you will find that "most" premium gas 91 octane is almost or completely ethanol-free.

 

[thetheway]

Thanks for the reply about the fuel strainer tube.
I was wondering how it filters fuel because the 1/8 of an inch diameter tube is inside the fuel line and the inside diameter of the fuel line is about 1/4 of an inch. It seems to me the fuel would just flow around the strainer.

 

[thetheway]

Are you sure you can't get ethanol-free gas?

I live in St Louis, Mo and all stations are required to only sell gas with 10% ethanol.
The politicians bowed to the the corn lobbyist's in the metro area and we are stuck with their decision.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[mechanic mark]

Thanks for the reply about the fuel strainer tube.
I was wondering how it filters fuel because the 1/8 of an inch diameter tube is inside the fuel line and the inside diameter of the fuel line is about 1/4 of an inch. It seems to me the fuel would just flow around the strainer.

The strainer prevents any dirt particles etc. from entering carburetor. Fuel flows through strainer from gas tank to carburetor. Strainer should be replaced every year when you replace spark plug, air filter, etc. My sons Honda that I purchased new in 1990 has strainer in gas line, same as yours. I use high octane gas & add B&S fuel treatment to can per specs. on bottle before filling gas container. You can install fuel shut off valve, just be sure to check for leaks after completing installation by running engine a few minutes, shutting down making sure everything is dry at fuel shut off.

 

[Phototone]

I don't think you can make a 91 octane premium gas with 10% ethanol.