Log splitter issue - this sucks.

[burns]

Another odd thing about this Honda engine is that it has a different fuel filter than I have ever seen. The fuel filter is integral to the fuel tank and I cannot access it. Bizarre.

 

[dave_376]

I have the same splitter. I also had the same issue. It's a dirty carb. From what I read it is an issue with the emulsion tube and the holes being too small. The tiniest bit of gunk clogs it and then it surges trying to run correctly. I cleaned my carb 2 or 3 times in the ultrasconic cleaner then gave up and ordered a new carb off amazon for $27. I have also read that using tiny drill bits to open the hole up a size with fix the problem. This carburetor and series of engine is popular with go cart racing and that is where I found most of this information.

Now that my carb is good and the splitter runs I always run the carb dry by shutting the fuel off. If I know I wont be splitting for a while I drain the tank.

 

[Fastshivy]

Ditto on carb, use ethanol free gas and put in a fuel stabilizer when storing it for more than 3 months (Ethanol sucks). Take the carb off, turn it upside down, take off the large nut in the center remove float bowl .Do this carefully so u don't rip the gasket also do this in a clean area on a paper towel or rag and don't tilt the carb or your float pin will come out. Take pics of linkage etc so u will know what holes to put it back in. Right under that nut is the main jet unscrew with a flat blade screw driver remove the jet and blow carb cleaner through it and then air . If you want u can just remove the float bowl (carb off) and shoot the carb cleaner thru the main jet, but best to remove main jet. Sometimes u have to run a small wire thru the jet as a piece of crap will clog the hole. Reinstall and u will run fine. If u need pics u can go to a site like jackssmallengines.com and look at exploded view of carb parts. here is a site for ethanol free gas pure-gas.org Good luck common problem easy fix!

 

[palmrose2]

I f-*.* hate ethanol gasoline. Brought to you and I by some jackwagons in government that assured us that up to 10% alcohol would be just fine.

 

[burns]

I have the same splitter. I also had the same issue. It's a dirty carb. From what I read it is an issue with the emulsion tube and the holes being too small. The tiniest bit of gunk clogs it and then it surges trying to run correctly. I cleaned my carb 2 or 3 times in the ultrasconic cleaner then gave up and ordered a new carb off amazon for $27. I have also read that using tiny drill bits to open the hole up a size with fix the problem. This carburetor and series of engine is popular with go cart racing and that is where I found most of this information.

Now that my carb is good and the splitter runs I always run the carb dry by shutting the fuel off. If I know I wont be splitting for a while I drain the tank.

Thanks for the info! Do you happen to have a record of which one you ordered on Amazon? There are several available (for the Honda gcv160).

 

[zogger]

White death inside a carb makes it about unfixable, just get a new carb and run pure gas, not booze contaminated. Went through this with my tiller engine when I first got the tiller as a "barely running" deal, rebuilt and cleaned the carb twice, it had that white corrosion in it, bah..new carb, zoobah, one pull starts, very reliable.

 

[burns]

Just ran it with some premium gas and seafoam for another try following the carb clean, and it went through a full tank with no problems! I'm not going to call it "fixed" yet, but I'll see how things go. If I have further trouble, I'll get a new carb.

Some folks on another posting suggested using premium gas. What do you folks think of that? Is there any disadvantage other than cost?

 

[philoshop]

Around here all ethanol-free gas is 91 or 93 octane and it's generally called 'premium' and labelled as e-free. OTOH, not all premium gas is e-free.
You want ethanol-free gas for any engine that doesn't get used on a daily basis, and especially 'small' engines.. Splitters, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, etc. Even if used daily the cost difference in the small engines is negligible, and e-free is a lot better for 'em.
Check this site for availability in your area: http://pure-gas.org/

 

[zogger]

Just ran it with some premium gas and seafoam for another try following the carb clean, and it went through a full tank with no problems! I'm not going to call it "fixed" yet, but I'll see how things go. If I have further trouble, I'll get a new carb.

Some folks on another posting suggested using premium gas. What do you folks think of that? Is there any disadvantage other than cost?

Why fool around, small engines don't take much fuel compared to what most people ride around in. Buy and use premium and non ethanol if possible.

 

[burns]

It was nice while it lasted. I got home from work and started using it today, and it worked great for 10 min. Now, back to the same ol' crap.

I'm ordering a new carb. After that, it's going to the shop and my credit card is taking the beating.

 

[dave_376]

Thanks for the info! Do you happen to have a record of which one you ordered on Amazon? There are several available (for the Honda gcv160).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084HCC84/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
there were about 10 different carbs that fit this engine. I chose this one because it has a drain in the bowl.

 

[burns]

Update: new carb did the trick. It's running well now. I'm only running PURE gas.