Remove a gas tank from a Husqvarna lawnmower: Step by Step

Husqvarna lawnmowers are pretty sturdy machines with strong individual components. The gas tank is one such component, made from a corrosive-resistant material. However, at times, it may be a victim of problems like leaking or cracks. Then, you have to remove the tank to fix the issue. If you use low-quality or older gas, dirt, debris, and water can get into the tank and get stuck there. This causes power and quality cutting issues. In that case, you have to remove the tank to solve the problem. This article explains how to remove the tank from a Husqvarna lawnmower.

How to remove a gas tank on a Husqvarna lawnmower step by step:

• Step 1. Collect the tools, drain the tank and disconnect the spark plug cable.
• Step 2. Remove the fuel cap and check for any dirt and debris.
• Step 3. Remove the fuel line to the gas tank.
• Step 4. Cover the open fuel line and remove any left fuel.
• Step 5. Remove the empty gas tank.

The fuel tank is there to store the gas and keep it free from debris, dirt, and sediments. The Husqvarna mower tank is present beneath the hood at a height to the engine. Usually, it is immune to minor problems like water and dirt, but if you hit your mower somewhere, it can cause an issue. The Husqvarna lawn mower parts are built to be sturdy and last long. However, with time, they may need a repair or tune-up.

This blog post gives you a comprehensive and easy-to-follow procedure to remove a Husqvarna lawn mower gas tank.

General Troubleshooting Guide: 

For an efficient and effective process, we divided the process into several steps. Do not forget basic safety measures when you are working on these types of machines.

● Step 1. Drain the tank and disconnect the spark plug cable:

The first step is to drain the gas tank. You can do this in two ways. Use a siphon pump and pump the gas from the tank into a suitable container. Or disconnect the fuel line from the tank and let it flow in a fuel container.

For the process of removing the gas tank, you need the following tools:

• Fuel line clamps to hold the flow of fuel.
• An adjustable wrench to remove the fasteners.
• A siphon pump or empty gas container to drain the gas from the mower.
• A pair of safety gloves.

Disconnect the spark plug cables. This prevents any unintended engine start. It could be an excellent time to check your spark plug if you didn’t do this recently. If it is dirty, clean it with a metal brush, or replace it if the condition is bad.

Finally, turn the ignition off and apply the parking brakes.

● Step 2. Remove the fuel cap and check for any debris:

Remove the hood of your Husqvarna mower if the gas tank is positioned there. However, some lawnmowers have the fuel cap in an extruded position so that fuel filling it up is easier. Check the various components and clean them as you go along, like air vents, cap casing, and any leakages or rust. Make sure that they are free from dirt. Remove the fuel cap and check any signs of rust on it. This usually gives you a clue about the lawnmower tank condition. Always perform this task in a well-ventilated environment, preferably in your yard.

As a precaution, keep all inflammable and ignition sources at a distance. When you use a siphon pump, you can now start draining the remaining gas.

● Step 3. Remove the fuel line to the gas tank.

The next step is to remove the gas tank connections that connect it with the engine. As the fuel flow requires, it lies close to the main engine. The first step is ensuring that your Husqvarna mower is placed on flat ground, such as that of a driveway. Make sure the ground can deal with some gas spillage. Always keep a piece of old rug nearby to catch dripping fuel. Engage the parking brakes.

Now, remove the mower hood completely to expose the mower body, engine, and components. These are mounted on the engine block with the tank on top. Next, you need to remove the tank connections with the other parts. You will find one inlet (guarded by a fuel cap) and one outlet which supplies fuel to the combustion chamber.

The Husqvarna mower has only one fuel line to carry the fuel to the carburetor. The exit tube is fixed along the mower body and constrained by cable ties and fasteners. Remove these constraints to free the fuel lines and plug the lines out of the tank. If there are some seals and washers, remove them and keep them safe.

If you did not use a siphon, you would have the remaining gas from the tank flowing out now. Using a short plastic tube can make it easier to collect it in a gas container.

● Step 4. Cover the open fuel line and remove any left-out fuel.

Before you get on with removing the Husqvarna tank, you need to cover the fuel connections and the tubes that connect to the carburetor. Cover the flow line with a plastic sheet or wrap to remain free from any dirt or debris. You can use a rubber band for tight support. Before covering, remove the fuel if any is present in the tubes. Drain them into a drain pan.

● Step 5. Remove the empty gas tank.

Two mounting bolts usually fix the Husqvarna gas tank at its base. With the help of an adjustable wrench, you can easily loosen them by turning them in an anti-clockwise direction. Now, the tank is free, and you can pull it up to have the free tank. Recheck that all connections are covered. Keep them covered till you reattach them back in the same location.

Now you can inspect the removed gas tank for any cracks or other problems like rust. Using a flashlight can make this easier. The following link is for a John Deere lawnmower but the process is similar for Husqvarna lawnmower

Additional Tips:  

1. New gas: Always remember to attach the fuel line to the tank and carburetor before adding fresh gas to the tank.
2. Remove dust: Use an air pump to remove any dust or stuck dirt.
3. Spark plug: Inspect the spark plug before fixing a new tank on your Husqvarna mower.
4. Fuel stabilizer: Add Husqvarna fuel stabilizer to new and fresh fuel before using it in your engine. This gives the new or fixed tank a kick-start free from any jerks or missing.
5. Use safety gloves: Protect your hands with a pair of safety gloves always and keep a piece of cloth nearby to catch any dripping fuel.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How to open fastening bolts that are rusted or locked?

The lawnmower may face all sorts of weather like sunny, windy, or rainy. Over time, they affect the various components of the mower. Bolts and nuts may corrode and get locked in their position. If you are not careful with them, you might even break them. Here are a few solutions that you can try:

• Metal Plate: You can weld the locked nut bolt head to a metal plate. This forms a rigid connection and increases your approach distance. With lesser force, you can twist the nut bolt.
• File: You can use a thin metal file or a metal ruler to create two perpendicular grooves on the bolt head. This forms a cross-slot that fits the screwdriver’s head. Use it to open the nut bolt.
• Cleaner spray: Sometimes, the problem can be solved quickly by throwing in some cleaner spray and letting it rest for a while.

2. What happens if air bubbles get stuck in the tank or fuel lines?

Stuck air packets can cause some severe damage to your gas tank. The air prevents the continuous fuel flow and indulges gaps in between. This can cause issues like knocking, delayed ignition, or engine jerks. So, ensure that your fuel lines are air-free. It will help keep your lawn mower running smoothly, and no stalling or running rough issues occur.

3. Can old gas cause a lawnmower problem with starting?

Putting old gasoline into your lawnmower can cause a range of problems. Deposits and other remains can build up in the carburetor and fuel line, making it harder to start your mower. If left unresolved, it may prevent the mower from starting and cause stalling issues. In this case, removing the gas tank and thoroughly cleaning it becomes a must.

Final remarks:

A gas tank keeps the fuel clean and safe for a lawnmower engine. Husqvarna mowers are built to last, but they need regular maintenance and checks. Removing the gas tank is important if there is a problem with cracks, rust, or bad gas. Although removing it might seem like a big job if you haven’t done it before, it is a relatively simple procedure. It requires some small preventive measures to keep the rest of the components free from dirt. The steps mentioned above have shown the procedure in detail.