Can I use .095 trimmer line?
Yes, you can use .095-inch trimmer line on many gas trimmers, including Craftsman model 316791020, as long as the cutting head and spool are rated for that diameter. For the best performance and to avoid feed problems, match the line size listed in the 316791020 owner's manual.
Quick fit check (what to confirm)
- The trimmer head or spool label lists 0.095 in as an approved diameter
- The line feeds smoothly when you bump the head (no sticking)
- The engine reaches full RPM without bogging down
- The guard and line cutter blade can trim .095 cleanly
- You are using the correct line type (round line feeds easier than aggressive shapes)
What changes when you go thicker
Thicker line can cut heavier weeds, but it also increases load on the engine and head. If .095 is larger than your head is designed for, you will usually see poor feeding, frequent line breaks, or the engine running rough.
Typical results by line diameter
| Line diameter | Best for | Common downside if oversized |
|---|---|---|
| .080 in | light grass, edging | wears faster in thick weeds |
| .095 in | heavier grass, weeds | can reduce RPM and feed poorly |
| .105 in | very heavy trimming (only if rated) | often too large for many heads |
If the trimmer runs rough after switching line
Use these steps in order:
- Remove the spool and rewind with less tension; avoid crossing wraps
- Clean debris from the head and eyelets
- Inspect the air filter; a clogged filter can make the engine struggle under load
- Check for fuel issues if it bogs under throttle
For symptom-based troubleshooting, use our line trimmer runs rough guide.
Why it matters
Using the correct line diameter helps the Craftsman 316791020 maintain proper RPM, reduces clutch and drive shaft stress, and keeps the bump-feed system working reliably.
If you need replacement parts while you are servicing the trimmer, you can order from the parts list for model 316791020 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to unflood a string trimmer?
If your Craftsman 316791020 gas line trimmer is flooded, clear the excess fuel by stopping the choke, opening the throttle, and pulling the starter to move fresh air through the engine until it fires. Then let it warm up briefly before trimming.
Quick steps to unflood it
- Move the choke to OFF/RUN (no choke).
- Hold the throttle wide open (or set it to full throttle if your control has a lock).
- If your model has a primer bulb, do not press it while unflooding.
- Pull the starter rope in steady pulls until the engine sputters or starts.
- Once it starts, keep it running at a fast idle for 20 to 30 seconds.
If it still will not start
Dry the spark plug (most effective)
- Turn the switch to OFF.
- Remove the spark plug, then pull the starter 5 to 10 times to vent the cylinder.
- Dry the plug, reinstall it, then retry the “no choke, full throttle” start.
Check the air and fuel basics
A flooded engine often happens alongside restricted airflow or an over-primed fuel system.
- Clean or replace a dirty air filter; a clogged filter makes starting harder. Consider the mtd line trimmer air filter 753-06417.
- If the trimmer runs rough after it starts, the carburetor may be loading up with fuel; use the line trimmer runs rough guide to narrow it down.
- If you smell fuel or see wetness around the tank area, inspect the tank and lines; the mtd line trimmer fuel tank assembly 753-06183 is a common fix when fittings or the tank body leak.
What “flooded” looks like (and what to do)
| Symptom | What it usually means | Best next move |
|---|---|---|
| Strong gas smell, wet plug | Too much fuel in cylinder | No choke, full throttle; dry plug |
| Starts then dies immediately | Still too rich, restricted air | Check air filter; retry start |
| Won’t fire at all after many pulls | Plug soaked, fuel not clearing | Remove/dry plug; vent cylinder |
Why it matters
Unflooding correctly prevents repeated hard pulls that can wear the recoil starter and helps avoid plug fouling. It also gets you back to a stable air-fuel mix so the 2-cycle engine can ignite consistently.
For model-specific starting and choke positions, follow the 316791020 owner's manual.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 316791020 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman 316791020 gas line trimmer, we remove the trimmer head cover, reload the line into the spool or Easy Wind channels in the correct direction, then reassemble and test bump-feed. Line diameter and head details are listed in the 316791020 owner's manual.
Before you start
- Shut the engine off and let the muffler cool.
- Disconnect the spark plug boot.
- Clean debris off the head so arrows and tabs are visible.
- Cut two equal lengths of line (most bump-feed heads use two).
Reload steps (typical bump-feed or Easy Wind style)
- Remove the head cover (press side tabs or remove the bump knob, depending on head style).
- Pull the spool out; note the spring position.
- Load line:
- Two-channel heads: feed one line into each channel.
- Wind in the direction of the arrow; keep steady tension so line does not cross.
- Thread line ends through the eyelets and reassemble the spool, spring, and cover.
- Start the trimmer and tap the head lightly to confirm bump-feed advances line.
If the line will not feed
- Rewind to match the arrow direction on the spool.
- Reduce tangles by rewinding with firm, even tension.
- Use the line diameter specified in the 316791020 owner's manual.
- Clean packed debris from the spool case and eyelets.
Parts that often relate to line problems
| Symptom | What to check | Example part |
|---|---|---|
| Line breaks or throws off | Guard loose or missing | Line trimmer guard assembly 753-04283 |
| Guard will not stay tight | Screw stripped or missing | Line trimmer guard mounting screw 753-04282 |
| Line binds at the head | Eyelet/spool case worn | Mtd line trimmer spool case and eyelet 753-04284 |
Why it matters
Correctly loaded line feeds smoothly, cuts cleaner, and reduces vibration that can damage the guard and spool components.
Replacement parts for Craftsman 316791020 are listed with the diagrams for this model; for broader model searches, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is the fuel line on a Craftsman trimmer?
For Craftsman line trimmer model 316791020, the correct fuel line size is the one that matches the tank grommet and the carburetor fittings on your exact unit. Most gas line trimmers use small-engine fuel tubing in the 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch inside diameter range; confirm the exact size using the routing and fuel system details in the 316791020 owner's manual.
How we recommend confirming the correct fuel line size
Use the old line (if available) as your template; fuel line sizing is about getting an airtight seal.
- Measure inside diameter (ID) with calipers; ID must fit snugly on the tank and carburetor nipples
- Measure outside diameter (OD); OD must pass through the tank opening and seat correctly in the grommet
- Cut the new line cleanly (square cut) so it seals
- Route the line with smooth bends; kinks restrict fuel flow
- Replace any hardened, swollen, or cracked tubing immediately
Quick sizing guide (typical for gas line trimmers)
These are common sizes used across many Craftsman and MTD-built trimmers; your unit must be measured for an exact match.
| Common fuel line ID | Typical use | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Smaller fittings, return/vent on some designs | Too loose causes air leaks and hard starting |
| 3/16 inch | Larger fittings, supply line on some designs | Too tight can split or not seat fully |
Symptoms that point to the wrong size (or a leak)
A fuel line that is too loose, too tight, or kinked changes fuel delivery and can make the trimmer unreliable.
- Won’t start or only runs on primer fuel
- Starts, then dies when you squeeze the throttle
- Surging or “runs rough” at idle
- Fuel odor or wetness around the tank opening
Parts that are commonly involved in fuel-line issues
If the leak is at the tank opening or fittings, replacing the tank assembly is often the most reliable fix. A restricted air filter can also mimic fuel problems.
Why it matters
Correct fuel line sizing keeps the fuel system sealed so the carburetor can pull fuel consistently; even a small air leak causes hard starting, stalling, and poor throttle response.
You can order parts for model 316791020 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





