Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Weedeater, coat hanger, plastic web

Question
After non-use for a couple years, couldn't start my model number 358.797150 weedeater, but appears to be a fuel issue.  Opened carb, checked everything including diaphragm, all settings are correct and everything looked good, however, while re-filling with gas, I found 3 parts just floating around in the gas tank.  A small round sponge (1/2" round x 1/4" thick), a plastic web looking thing with a tail on it and a round snap-on clip that appears to snap onto the tail and hold in place, somewhere in the tank.  I didn't want to force open the gas tank to see where these parts came from, as I was concerned the tank's two halves were glued together and would cause more problems than I already had.  I'm very capable of repairing this, but want to make certain I'm not opening a bigger can of worms by forcing the tank open, and even if I did, I may not know what I'm looking at.  A service manual or something showing this repair would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!  

Answer
Hello Robert:

DO NOT SPLIT THE TANK. Use a Piece of Coat Hanger and Put a Small U in One End. The Parts you Described are the Fuel Filter and Fuel Line. The Coat Hanger is for Installing the New Line and Filter. You Use the Hanger to Catch the Hose as it it Pushed into the Tank from the Fuel Line Port and then Once you have Enough Fuel Line so the End of the Line is Out the Tank Fill Hole, you Attach the New Filter. Then you Pull the Line Back Enough so the Filter Lays on the Bottom of the Tank. Do Not Leave a Lot of Extra Line in the Tank. The Line and Filter are Listed as Diagram Numbers 9 & 10. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. You May need to  Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John