Do i need a new engine for my splitter, huskee 22 ton?

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If the HF shaft is too long, just grind the output shaft to the desired length. Don't put too much side/end load on it when grinding, and toss a plastic bag over the motor to keep the debris out. Be easier/more stable than creating shims, and might look nicer. Just a thought.

PM me on the break in procedure for that motor if you want.
 
Got the harbor freight motor installed and seems to run pretty well. Only issue with motor is it sometimes kicks back as you are pulling cord, would this go away as it breaks in? Other than that just need to figure out a way to set the throttle setting and have it stay.
 
Got the harbor freight motor installed and seems to run pretty well. Only issue with motor is it sometimes kicks back as you are pulling cord, would this go away as it breaks in? Other than that just need to figure out a way to set the throttle setting and have it stay.

It won't go away. Try slow pulling it for one cycle first, not enough to start it, then give it a normal hard pull. That seems to work for some reason much of the time.
 
One last question on the HF motor, can i adjust the screw to increase the travel of the throttle (see pic)? There is a screw (with a spring on it) that the throttle lever bottoms out on and looks like it limits it to half thottle, if i turn it out i can get alot more revs out of the motor. Is it ok to adjust this screw to get it to full throttle or is this something that is set by the factory that i shouldn't mess with?
 

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The throttle is in that u-shaped slot next to the air cleaner. That screw controls the idle speed.
 
The stock predator (Harbor Freight Clone) motor is internally governed to 3600 rpm so not matter how far you adjust the spring on the throttle you wont get past that. Now if you take the governor out of the crank case you get it to about 5500 rpm before you get valve float :) Great motors, I have one on a clone class racing kart thats pushing out about 13 HP, not bad for a $90 engine from HF.
 
3600 is what the hydro pump is designed for too. So you aren't doing the machine any favors by over speeding it.
 
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So i split around half a cord this weekend with the harbor freight motor, and i am having issues with it. the motor seems to rev up and down alot when i go past mid throttle and sometimes even at low throttle. I can see the governor bouncing like crazy. I did some poking around and some people say it could be a gumed up carb or air filter, but the thing is new! Others have mentioned to adjust the mixture but there is no instructions in the manual on how to do this. Anyone with the same motor ever run into this issue and how did you fix it?
 
For a fixed application like a splitter, you set it at the speed you want it to run splitting and leave it forget that the thing has a throttle.
 
For a fixed application like a splitter, you set it at the speed you want it to run splitting and leave it forget that the thing has a throttle.
But 90% of the time i cant throttle it to where i need to be or else the governor starts bouncing around and the engine is surging.
 
But 90% of the time i cant throttle it to where i need to be or else the governor starts bouncing around and the engine is surging.

Take a picture of the available carb adjustments. A simple tune of the air/fuel mix should solve your problem.
 
Sadly, this is the stuff that gives you headaches on these little HF engines. If it was me, I'd take it back and spend the extra 50 and get the briggs I mentioned above if you can. What's your time worth?
 
Pics are below, only adjustment screw of any sorts i see on carb is a little black screw, is this what i want to adjust? I also took the air filter off and found abit of black oil residue on in that seemed odd. Anyways as dodgy said, if this is not resolved soon, im taking it back and shellin out a bit extra for a briggs. I also noticed a puddle forming in my garage around the pump from hydrolic oil. Man i wish i just bought a new splitter, just saw they are on sale now for 950.

And just want to say it again, thanks for all your help guys. This forum is a gold mine of information and i am amazed at how much the members know, makes the whole, jumping into heating with wood a bit less daunting.
 

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Yes, adjust that one screw slightly and you should be able to make it run better. Bring it up to full throttle and turn it one way or the other, you will be able to tell if it's making it better, or worse.
 
Yep - that is the adjustment.

My opinion - take that motor back. There is no way a new motor should be making that mark on the air cleaner. That is coming from blow back somehow. More than likely a valve not seating or rings not set. It is not normal.
 
I agree with Jags that it has blowby or is running way too rich. Shouldn't do that new; something defective? We're assuming the choke is wide open when it is running?
 
Its going back, no choke on her. Im going to order the briggs and return the harbor freight once the briggs comes in. thanks for the help guys!
 
My newish Huskee22 splitter with a briggs motor also has no choke.
 
Lawn mover with a Briggs that I bought two weeks ago has no choke.
 
My huskee with the B&S has no choke. When it dies it is going to get a Chonda clone from Harbor Freight.
 
Sure there is no choke?? Many small engines have auto chokes on them now. Look for a rod connecting the muffler to the carb.
 
Sure there is no choke?? Many small engines have auto chokes on them now. Look for a rod connecting the muffler to the carb.
Many small engines have moved away from the use of any choke plate and have adopted the primer bulb for cold starts. I believe it has something to do with the EPA regulations on emissions from small engines. It is the same reason that many newer push mowers don't have an adjustable throttle. They use larger HP engines but throttle them down to a specific rpm to meet emission requirements.
 
Many small engines have moved away from the use of any choke plate and have adopted the primer bulb for cold starts. I believe it has something to do with the EPA regulations on emissions from small engines. It is the same reason that many newer push mowers don't have an adjustable throttle. They use larger HP engines but throttle them down to a specific rpm to meet emission requirements.

Interesting. I have yet to see one. Will have to keep my eyes open.
 
Interesting. I have yet to see one. Will have to keep my eyes open.
Next time you are at one of the box stores or hardware store take a look at some of the push mowers on the market. Governed RPM (no throttle) and push bulb primer (no choke). I am not sure if it some sort of mandate or not, but it seems to be the way of the future.
 
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