I changed the oil on this splitter after 2 hours - it was absolutely crudy black.  Then after 2 hours more, it was solid black and almost as bad.  I don’t remember seeing oil turn black so quickly.  First oil was what came in it.  2nd oil was 5w-30 synth.  So, what turns an oil black so quickly?  I do run the engine full speed as recommended.

I don’t remember seeing oil turn black so quickly.  First oil was what came in it.  2nd oil was 5w-30 synth.  So, what turns an oil black so quickly?  I do run the engine full speed as recommended.

My guess is: Your first change the crank case is full of oil and assembly lube and your rings have not seated yet so there is some blow by the rings. Second change the rings are probably still not fully seated. I wouldn’t worry about it and just make sure you change the oil at the spec intervals and it’ll be fine.

re: TSC assembly, the lazy teen goofoff that assembled ours didn’t bother to tighten the wheel bearings.  By the time I got it home, the bearings were gone.  They wanted me to bring it back to fix it, I told them there was no way I was towing it bac in that condition.  Manager came out and replaced the bearing and told me that they had a lot of problems with that kid’s attitude and he was no longer employed there. 

That was six years ago and the splitter has been doing just fine ever since (it did need a new fuel line and carb repair last year).

One thing the repair shop did was to add a little in-line fuel filter.  They suggested that it’s a good idea (and cheap).  Makes sense.

Ken

I posted earlier I ran 30 weight for a while and have ran 10-30 synthetic mobile 1 for approx 2-3 years, it is starting to turn but still has a golden color.  This is even after I realized the morons did not tighten the head down.  It used to puff grey when started up from day one.  I just had a huge elm log and put it in the wrong way in the splitter, bottomed it out a few times in the splitter and the puffing is gone...the rings are seated I will use this oil this summer and change it out in fall again.  This time it will probably be 5 years before its changed as long as the stuff is not turned too bad.  I guess it can get accidic and rot the seals if it is in too long?  Hope this helps.

I got a Huskee 22 ton as well.  I have split about 5 cords so far and agree there isn’t much it won’t split.  I had one log that needed a second try.

I’ll also confirm to change the oil before the 5 hours they state!  I waited the five hours and mine came out silvery metallic.!! I didn’t have much hope, but put in 10W-30 synthetic and its been fine since.  I get a small puff on start up but no other significant burn.

My only problem otherwise is finding more wood to split!  Winter is coming.....

JD in Balmy PA

Mine is leaking hydro fluid slowly near the hydro filter. Need to do some work on it when I have the time. It was brand new in November 2007, so has only split about 8 Cord. Think I just need to tighten things up a bit.