Log splitter issue - this sucks.

[burns]

Hi folks,

This is my second year with my log splitter and it simply won't run consistently. It did great for about 6 months, then started "puttering" out once in awhile. Basically, out of nowhere, the motor starts puttering up and down, then just shuts off. Just last week I ran the splitter for about 4 hours without a single issue, then today it's back to it's old shenanigans, and won't run for more than 5 min before it putters out.
I read on here a bit and read some suggestions to try high-test gas and some added Seafoam. I tried them today and, if anything, it's doing worse.

It usually restarts right away, though today it takes a few pulls.

If you folks have suggestions on what to try first, second third, it would be appreciated. Also, I attached a couple photos including one of the side of the motor (prepare for greenhorn terminology) where there is a spring that attaches to the bar that regulates the speed of the motor. I'm not sure which hole this goes in, is that the right one?

Thanks, obviously I'm a frustrated newb. Your help is sincerely appreciated.

Burns

 

[Wazzu]

If you put ethanol fuel in it you my need to clean the carb out, also change the fuel filter if you have one.

 

[burns]

If you put ethanol fuel in it you my need to clean the carb out, also change the fuel filter if you have one.

Thanks Wazzu. Any idea where I can get carb removal instructions? I'm a newb and they aren't in the manual. Also, is the fuel filter a generic piece or does it have to be the exact model I'm taking out?

 

[Rookie1]

That is the governor. They have bunches of holes for different applications. Your puttering could be a couple things, I'm leaning towards ignition without much more info

 

[burns]

Wow - just took the carb off. The bowl is coated in what looks like calcium deposits.

 

[lone wolf]

Wow - just took the carb off. The bowl is coated in what looks like calcium deposits.

Do you leave gas in it all the time or drain it?

 

[farmer steve]

i have the same motor on my splitter and i pull the bowl off the bottom of the carb and clean it out when it acts up. some times i'll take the throttle linkage and rev it up a couple of times since it only runs at one speed. new plug and air filter helps too.

 

[burns]

Do you leave gas in it all the time or drain it?

Until recently I left gas in it multiple times.

 

[swed1162]

does the motor have an low oil senor on it? Sometimes they malfuction and cause a sputtering problem. you can disconnect the wire to the sensor and it will still run, just makr sure oil is kept full.

 

[Fred Wright]

Wow - just took the carb off. The bowl is coated in what looks like calcium deposits.

Use carb cleaner to clean that puppy up. The red fuel cutoff valve should be closed and the engine run 'til it stops after you're done using it.

Honda engines don't give much trouble. I had a mower with a similar engine for over 12 years. The deck rusted away but the engine still ran like new. Just don't leave gas in the carb when it's put away.

 

[farmer steve]

Until recently I left gas in it multiple times.

 

[farmer steve]

on my second hahahonda on my splitter. (troybilt). 20-30 cords a year. i can't complain much for a $1000 homeowner type splitter.

 

[wndwlkr]

Wow - just took the carb off. The bowl is coated in what looks like calcium deposits.

I would say a good carb cleaning is in order. that should fix your problems!

 

[lone wolf]

Depends how long ?

 

[burns]

It was left in there over a winter. However, it did pretty quickly after I got it.

 

[esshup]

My splitter carb was all gunked up from ethanol fuel, it got to the point where I had to run it on half choke to keep it running. I looked into what the gaskets would cost to rebuild it, and found new carbs on flea bay for what the gaskets alone would run. Bought one, and it's been going on 2 years now with no issues. I don't run ethanol gas any more either. I'll also run seafoam/gas mix every other 5 gallon gas can. I shut off the fuel, run it 'till it sputters, pull out the choke and really get all the gas out of it.

 

[burns]

What other parts would left gas effect? If this doesn't work I will likely start by ordering a new carb. I also just replaced the spark plug for the first time.

 

[NSMaple1]

How much did you run it with the seafoam in it? And are you sure you put the recommended amount? I've had real good luck with that stuff in my 6.5 Honda on my splitter when it gets gunked up. Last time I think I put in double the dose, it cleaned itself out after almost running a whole tank thru, and acted the worst just before it straightened itself out. Been purring like a kitty cat ever since.

 

[StructuresGuy]

You mentioned the spring. Do you have reason to believe it is not in the original hole? Having the spring in the wrong position may cause the engine to surge, but sputtering sounds more like a carb issue. VA is a big state, but any chance you're near the Shenandoah Valley?

 

[burns]

How much did you run it with the seafoam in it? And are you sure you put the recommended amount? I've had real good luck with that stuff in my 6.5 Honda on my splitter when it gets gunked up. Last time I think I put in double the dose, it cleaned itself out after almost running a whole tank thru, and acted the worst just before it straightened itself out. Been purring like a kitty cat ever since.

Good question - I used one ounce per gal and only ran about around a gallon. I'll try double dose tomorrow.

I went ahead and cleaned the carb and there was pretty much sediment in the bowl and a little in the internal parts. I ran it through an ultrasonic cleaner too.

I started it up and it sounded a bit better but cut off after 10 min or so. That said, when it cut off, the gas was a bit low so I'll have a better idea where I stand tomorrow. I don't want to keep my neighbors up!

Thanks for the advice folks. I'm going to put another half-day into it and, if it isn't fixed, I'll take it to a shop at that point.