Whats wrong with my splitter?

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bigbear

Member
Jan 3, 2010
30
PA
I bought a used 25 ton Huskee/Speeco log splitter a few weeks ago and today finally got around to using it for the first time. It has the 6.5hp, Honda CGV motor. The previous owner said it was only used a couple of times. It is in very nice condition, so I do believe him. My problem is every time I get into a big (12+" diam.) piece of wood, it stalls. It also stalls every time it really has to labor like when you hit a knot. Its very frustrating! The previous owner said he tore apart the carb and cleaned it 2 months before I bought it. I'm wondering if he didn't put something back together right. I should probably add that after it stalls, the only way to start it again is with the choke on until it pops, but doesn't fire, then put the throttle lever to run and pull it over.

Thanks for any help!
 
the engine may be weak, but the two stage pump may be set too high before it unloads. If pressure rises too high on high flow before unloading the large section, then it draws too much hp and stalls the engine. Do you have a gauge on it? Where is the pressure when it stalls?
Do you know about the adjustment of the unloading valve on the side of pump? Search here, then we can go further.

kcj
 
bigbear said:
I should probably add that after it stalls, the only way to start it again is with the choke on until it pops, but doesn't fire, then put the throttle lever to run and pull it over.

Look for a clogged in-line fuel filter (if it has one), debris in the tank/carb bowl, or a defective tank cap.
 
See if the symptoms go away when adding some choke. If they do than it's a fuel starvation issue. If it has any kind of adjustment screws, they may need a slight adjustment. Some carbs have a screw on the bottom of the bowl. If it does, play with that one a little till it runs right. You can also drop the bowl, clean the insides out and dissasemble that screw and clean out the pass-through hole. They tend to get clogged when the engine sits alot.
 
I'd check to see if the throttle cable is adjusted correctly. Make sure the engine is getting to full throttle when you extend the cylinder.
 
kevin j said:
the engine may be weak, but the two stage pump may be set too high before it unloads. If pressure rises too high on high flow before unloading the large section, then it draws too much hp and stalls the engine. Do you have a gauge on it? Where is the pressure when it stalls?
Do you know about the adjustment of the unloading valve on the side of pump? Search here, then we can go further.

kcj

Sounds like the 1st stage is on too long before the 2nd kicks in, like kevin j stated above.... My MTd hits a crotch or a knot and is about to stall, then the 2nd (slower stage) stage kicks in...
 
kevin j said:
the engine may be weak, but the two stage pump may be set too high before it unloads. If pressure rises too high on high flow before unloading the large section, then it draws too much hp and stalls the engine. Do you have a gauge on it? Where is the pressure when it stalls?
Do you know about the adjustment of the unloading valve on the side of pump? Search here, then we can go further.

kcj

it does not have a pressure gauge. i'm not too familiar with splitters as the only one I've ever used was built by my grandfather. i have noticed that the motor seems to speed up when beginning the split, then quickly stalls out. Hope that makes sense.
 
No inline fuel filter.

The previous owner tore apart the carb and cleaned it about 2 months ago. Maybe it needs down again?

I put a new plug in it tonight and ran it for about 5 minutes then checked the plug again. Jet black.
 
If the plug is black does the exhaust smell like it running rich or look dark like the choke is on? Pull the air cleaner off and see if you can if the choke is opening. I don't think there is any adjustments to the carb. I have several Honda engines and the only problem I've seen is one that ran lean. The jets are very small diameter and can plug partially and still run without making much power. When that happens they generally will stall under load if the choke is not on. Might try 2x recommended seafoam in the gas and run that tank dry at half throttle and no load. Then start over with a fresh tank of fuel normal seafoam. Make sure the choke is on to start, then off to run under load. If it wont pull a load with the choke off and throttle wide open for splitting its running lean. Bad fuel or dirty fuel system. Always run stationry engines at full throttle when you are using the tool.
Let us know what works. We all might learn fron you situation.
Tom
 
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