If fuel drips slowly from the carburetor when the fuel line is removed, what is the likely issue?

When fuel drips slowly from the carburetor after removing the fuel line, this situation suggests that there is likely an issue with the proper flow of fuel due to a blockage rather than a direct problem with the fuel source or carburetor itself.

A clogged vent in the fuel tank cap can create a vacuum effect that prevents fuel from flowing freely from the tank to the carburetor. When the vent is obstructed, it doesn't allow air to replace the fuel as it flows out, leading to a slow drip from the carburetor rather than a consistent flow.

In contrast, a damaged fuel line would typically cause visible leaks or a complete loss of fuel, not a slow drip from the carburetor. If the fuel tank were empty, fuel wouldn’t flow at all, and if the carburetor were malfunctioning, other symptoms would likely present themselves, such as erratic engine performance, not just a slow drip of fuel.

Thus, the indication of a slow fuel drip points more towards issues related to the fuel tank's venting system.