How to replace a snowblower fuel filter

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the fuel filter on a snowblower. The fuel filter attaches to the fuel tank and screens out dirt and rust particles from gasoline.

If the fuel filter is clogged, gas can't flow to the carburetor, and the snowblower might not start. Replace the fuel filter with the manufacturer-approved replacement part if it's clogged or damaged.

Follow this general repair procedure for any brand and type of snow thrower that has a fuel filter at the bottom of its gas tank.

The fuel filter in many snow throwers should be changed at least once per season. Follow the directions in the owner's manual for replacing the fuel filter if the procedure differs from the process shown in this guide.

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the fuel filter 951-10651 on common Craftsman, MTD and Murray snowblowers with these models of engines:

• 370-SUA

• ZS170-V0A

• 170-LU

• 270-SU

• 365-SUA

• 752Z490-SU

• 478-SUA

• 478-SUC

• 170-V0A

Instructions

1. Drain the fuel tank and disconnect the spark plug wire

Drain the fuel from the tank or run the snowblower until the tank is empty.

Position the snowblower in a well-ventilated area.

Pull the spark plug wire up and off the plug.

2. Remove the electric starter switch

Remove the mounting screws and pull the starter switch off the bracket.

Let the starter switch hang by the electrical cord.

3. Remove the engine shroud

Remove the key.

Pull off the choke and throttle knobs. Remove the acorn nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine.

Remove the muffler shroud mounting screws.

Work the engine shroud off the carburetor mounting studs, leaving the primer hose and breather hose connected.

4. Remove the fuel filter

Release the fuel line clamp and pull the fuel line off the fuel filter.

Unscrew the fuel filter from the tank and remove it.

5. Install the new fuel filter

Screw the new fuel filter into the tank and tighten it firmly.

Reconnect the fuel line and secure it using the clamp.

6. Reinstall the engine shroud

Pull off the muffler shroud before reinstalling the engine shroud.

Remove the belt cover mounting bolts and pull off the belt cover.

Remove the bolts from the red chute support bracket and pull the support bracket forward, releasing the control rod from the 4-way control rod receiver.

Remove the front muffler shroud mounting bolts.

Release the wire control cables from the retainer clip and pull off the muffler shroud.

Align the choke knob shaft and the 2 carburetor mounting posts with the openings on the engine shroud and work the engine shroud onto the engine. Make sure that the breather hose passes through the opening and lines up with the rocker cover breather hose fitting.

Slide the breather hose over the rocker cover fitting and secure the hose with the clamp.

Reinstall the 2 acorn nuts to secure the engine shroud to the engine.

Slide the wire control cables into the retainer clip and position the muffler shroud on the engine.

Reinstall the muffler shroud mounting bolts.

Push the control rod back into the 4-way control rod receiver and line up the support bracket with the mounting holes.

Reinstall the bolts in the red chute support bracket.

Reinstall the belt cover using the mounting bolts.

Reinstall the choke and throttle knobs.

Tip: Removing the muffler shroud is necessary because the engine shroud fits under the bottom lip of the muffler shroud. You can remove the engine shroud without removing the muffler shroud but the muffler shroud must be removed for reassembly.

7. Reinstall the electric starter switch

Position the electric starter switch on the switch bracket and reinstall the mounting screws.

8. Reconnect the spark plug

Reconnect the spark plug wire.

9. Reinstall the key

Push the key into the slot.