Old log splitter smokes like crazy. Do any "snake oils" work at all?

[Starless]

I don't mind putting some money into it, just not a ton.
Marv, thanks for your offer, but as dad911 mentioned i could get an Engine for $100 or so. Shipping on your B&S would probably be more, not to mention the hassle. But I will keep it in mind, just in case.
So I guess the way to go is toss the above mentioned concoction down the spark plug hole and let it seep. I've got nothing to lose.

[KFC911]

I don't know the size of the engine on my log splitter off the top of my head....but 8hp is huge....think mine is 5 or so. Gotta be a lot of older ones around for virtually nothing.....or...

Nicoderm patch

[Bill Douglas]

Umm, I know you don't want to get too involved in working on it but it's really easy to take the head off and scrape all the carbon off the head, side valves and piston. That's if it's like the B&S motor I played with years ago. It may go better with a bit of a clean up. Or maybe you could see down the bore to see if it's scratched up from broken rings. Just an idea - I'm no expert.

[SCadaddle]

I'd suggest you look into the Mississippi "Executive Model" Log Splitter (otherwise known as "Ben Hur, Done That") as seen here. Works like a champ!

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by dad911

a 6.5 horse Harbor Freight horizontal shaft engine is $100.

Catch em on the parking lot sake with a coupon and you can get one for $80...

[sammyg2]

Sorry in advance for the dumb question, but have you verified that the oil level is not too high?

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

......Seafoam in the gas and crankcase would probably be a good bet too.

Try this, it was developed for one lunger boat rental engines back in the 30's. Run it and then change the spark plug, that might cure it.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by Starless

LWJ, I'm using straight 40w the thickest i can find around here. Burns right through it.

try 80W-90 gear oil!

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Starless

Ah, no. The cover broke off a couple of days ago. I'm going to open a hole in the middle so I can stick the socket in and still have some protection from the blades.

Just remove the recoil starter housing. I did that after should replacement. Then I sold off gas powered tools. That's the smart thing.

Get an electric motor for that thing.

[Starless]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Just remove the recoil starter housing. I did that after should replacement. Then I sold off gas powered tools. That's the smart thing.

Get an electric motor for that thing.

I have an electric splitter also, but there are some logs it just can't handle. I split all the ones the electric can handle and then i bring out TRex. I took the recoil off and put the housing back on with a hole in front so I can use a drill to start it.
It's soaking now with ATF and Marvel Mystery Oil. It's what I had on hand. Gave it a couple of turns by hand and will let it sit for a couple of days. If no better I'll try the Seafoam.

[Scott Douglas]

I'd just put the Marvel right in the crankcase and run it some.
Same with the Seafoam if you go that route.

[Starless]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Sorry in advance for the dumb question, but have you verified that the oil level is not too high?

It burns as much oil as gas! Well, not quite, but close.

[sammyg2]

Not sure 'bout the HP rating but ....


79cc engine - $50 (enfield)
Brand new in box
https://hartford.craigslist.org/grd/d/enfield-79cc-engine/7125562290.html



EDIT prolly 3hp, too small.

[sammyg2]

Or ...

6 hp engine - $60 (Vernon)

I have a 6 hp engine in great running condition 3/4 keyed shaft comes with mounting hardware and key please leave your number if interested

https://hartford.craigslist.org/grd/d/tolland-6-hp-engine/7128716952.html

[sammyg2]

This one might be closer, bet you could get it fer $25 but it might need a bit more tinkering

7hp engine attached to scrap metal. - $50 (Harwinton)


condition: fair
make / manufacturer: Tecumseh
model name / number: HSK70
Toro 724 snow blower but with a newer replacement 7hp Tecumseh engine. The scrap metal title isn't entirely true as everything does still function. I can get it to start quite easily and run it at full throttle. I can engage the auger and drive but after about 30 seconds the engine just dies. There is a fuel leak between the tank and the carb so I suspect that air is getting into the system and causing it to stall. (Or it could be something else.) Note that the start cord was attached when I was running it this morning but I broke it with one overzealous pull. If you setup an appointment to see it I will reattach the cord so you can verify that it runs.

Take it for the engine or make it work as a snow blower again.

$50 obo

https://nwct.craigslist.org/grd/d/torrington-7hp-engine-attached-to-scrap/7124806875.html

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Starless

It burns as much oil as gas! Well, not quite, but close.

Motor is tostitos...gone.

There would have to be some combination of carburetor, hydraulic drag, engine connection to the hydraulic pump, etc. issues to blame to make me want to repair that engine.

Buy a replacement motor, spend a few minute with the hydraulics (fluids, hoses, engine/hydraulic pump interface and roll.

Good news is that log splitters hold their value better than a '72 911S.

Fix it.

[ckelly78z]

Stop putting your 40:1 chainsaw gas in it, it's a 4 stroke !

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Starless

Do any of you have any experience with anything store bought or home remedies?

Yes, and they were all a waste of money. If you really use it infrequently and having it function on demand isn't that important, run the exhaust into a bucket of cold water to condense out the oil and keep jammin' the wood to it until it throws a rod.

[Evans, Marv]

Plus he can pipe the exhaust into gopher holes and have an excellent killer of gophers. Might even get rich by starting a business of eliminating gophers.

[RWebb]

or maybe the gophers will like the oil, and use it as ....