Lucky break

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ClintonH

Burning Hunk
Jan 4, 2014
168
NW OH
SO, I'd conceded that I needed a new engine for my splitter about 2 years ago. It's a homemade unit I bought from a coworker, $250, overbuilt like a tank, life is good. I finished splitting a tree 2 years ago when puff--white smoke. Lots of white smoke. Assuming this was oil getting hot to smoke point, I figured it was a head gasket. It's a knock-off engine, I figured I could find one and swap it, so I parked the splitter and bummed my Dad's splitter for the time being (yes, 2 years, I know--we're 10 min apart). Fast forward to today. I'm finally cleaning out some space in the barn and I'm sick and tired of living around this broken-down splitter. So I try to start it: nothing. Fresh gas, fires up first pull--no smoke to be seen. I let it idle a few minutes and all looks good. I move the ram a bit: BINGO. Split return hose + spraying directly on the hot muffler = white smoke. 10 minutes total labor and a $15 hose from TSC, and I'm back in business. I'm a bit embarrassed but glad that I can return Dad's splitter to him--hopefully for good! I'll still trade him some of my sweat and time to go cut in his woods, however!
 
Excellent! Every once in a while one has to bounce your way. :cool:
 
Funny how sometimes stepping away from a challenge or mystery for a while can help you solve it.
 
nice when it's something simple, and cheap
 
Glad you found the issue. I have to admit I was scratching my head...engine oil doesn't smoke "white".
Good point...blow-by would be blue, etc. Hey, I'll take the win!
 
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