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

[Starless]

I have a really beat up mess of a log splitter. I'm not looking into putting any serious money into it as I only use it very infrequently and it's ugly. But it works. The problem is it smokes like mad (blue smoke). The smoke doesn't bother me, the beast could seize up and explode for all I care, but, I have neighbors. Nobody has complained yet but I'd like to reduce the amount of smoke if at all possible. I've read about Marvel Mystery oil, Restore, Wynn's Stop Smoke, Lucas 10001, and a slew of others. I've also read about people pouring Bon Ami cleanser in the spark plug hole to reseat the rings. Do any of you have any experience with anything store bought or home remedies?

[KFC911]

So you fog for 'skeeters once in a while...no complaints... no problem...

Mebbe someone here is actually helpful

[Starless]

Well, one person does complain. My wife. She works the lever as I handle the wood.

[Scott Douglas]

What kind of engine are we talking about here?
A Briggs and Stratton or something like that or a bigger engine?

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Starless

Well, one person does complain. My wife. She works the lever as I handle the wood.

Switch jobs and the smoke won't bother her ....

[Starless]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

What kind of engine are we talking about here?
A Briggs and Stratton or something like that or a bigger engine?

Yup, a B&S 8HP. As a matter of fact it's so beat that I use a drill and socket to start it.

[LWJ]

What if you up the viscosity of oil a couple steps?

Probably won't do any good. But the price is right.


Another thought:
Could it be a stuck oil control ring? If so, some sort of detergent/solvent/stress loading might improve it. Italian tuneup?

I'm not hopeful of this either. Good luck!

[Starless]

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

[Scott Douglas]

I'd put some Marvel in it. That stuff will loosen up the oil control ring if it's stuck.

[Scott Douglas]

And you re-install the cover while it's running?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I'd put some Marvel in it. That stuff will loosen up the oil control ring if it's stuck.

Marvel, kero and auto trans fluid into the spark plug hole and let it drain out through oil drain plug as it seeps past rings.

Suspect its just tired but worth a try.

[vash]

can you take a length of pipe and extend the exhaust pipe past the person working the lever? like downwind of the wife?

sorry, i buy my firewood in those plastic packages. (i dont, i use an AXE - okay, that is an exaggeration as well)

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by vash

can you take a length of pipe and extend the exhaust pipe past the person working the lever? like downwind of the wife?

sorry, i buy my firewood in those plastic packages. (i dont, i use an AXE - okay, that is an exaggeration as well)

That was my thought also. You just need a nice tall smokestack .

[dad911]

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

[Scott Douglas]

He doesn't want to spend any money on it if possible.

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

[vash]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

That was my thought also. You just need a nice tall smokestack .

i think it would work.

[Evans, Marv]

Starless. I have an old B&G, 8 hp. engine (horizontal shaft) you can have for shipping cost. It's from a tiller. My father used to be a prison guard, & had it rebuilt in the prison shop. That was early to mid '80s. It's been stored & I've carried it around with me for decades. Never been fired up. I've never gotten around to selling it, so it can go to a good cause if you're interested. PM me if you want it.

[Starless]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

And you re-install the cover while it's running?

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.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Marvel, kero and auto trans fluid into the spark plug hole and let it drain out through oil drain plug as it seeps past rings.

Suspect its just tired but worth a try.

and if the kero doesn't work try keto

[pwd72s]

What? STP no longer around?