Something wrong with my splitter . Doesn’t want to start

[Dmitry]

Hi , I have 22 t husky , speeco splitter . 3 yers old , used moderately for two years, then didn’t touch for year or so .Never had a problem . It was stored covered with no gas in it . Went there today pulled cord and felt like there is no resistance . There is resistance from cord spring , I think . But I can’t feel like I’m turning engin shaft .
What is it guys , never had problem like that

 

[JHalv42]

Hi , I have 22 t husky , speeco splitter . 3 yers old , used moderately for two years, then didn’t touch for year or so .Never had a problem . It was stored covered with no gas in it . Went there today pulled cord and felt like there is no resistance . There is resistance from cord spring , I think . But I can’t feel like I’m turning engin shaft .
What is it guys , never had problem like that

My guess would be the pull cable and spring have come loose from the engine shaft. What engine is on your splitter? Honda? Briggs&stratton? Reason is I have had issues with other Honda pull starts with the inside of the spring on the pull cord coming loose. If its that it is not a expensive fix just a little "fun" getting the spring end back on the engine shaft. There is a little bend at the end of the spring that has to be placed right while having tension on the pull cord.

 

[JHalv42]

My guess would be the pull cable and spring have come loose from the engine shaft. What engine is on your splitter? Honda? Briggs&stratton? Reason is I have had issues with other Honda pull starts with the inside of the spring on the pull cord coming loose. If its that it is not a expensive fix just a little "fun" getting the spring end back on the engine shaft. There is a little bend at the end of the spring that has to be placed right while having tension on the pull cord.

Whatever engine it is will have a somewhat similar pull cord assembly. I believe that could be causing the issue.

 

[Dmitry]

Kohler, just tried again and I definitely not feeling engine resistance, like if it’s not there

 

[Dmitry]

I hope it’s that , what worries me is the fact that I can see shaft moving when I pull the cord. I thought is connected to engine , but I’m no specialist

 

[JHalv42]

Kohler, just tried again and I definitely not feeling engine resistance, like if it’s not there

Yep I would almost guarantee that the connection between the pull cord and the engine has come disconnected somehow

I hope it’s that , what worries me is the fact that I can see shaft moving when I pull the cord. I thought is connected to engine , but I’m no specialist

Yeah that is hard. But bigger issues like that shouldn't happen with no use. Unless it got corroded inside and the first pull did some sort of damage.
The way to tell is to take the pull start off the engine and see if the engine shaft will turn by hand. However be careful when taking the pull start off because once you do you might have to reset the pull start. What I suggest with that is to look on you tube for a video on how to fix a kohler engine pull start. Toro lawn mowers use kohler engines I believe.

 

[Zack R]

To confirm the engine is spinning or not pull the spark plug and look/listen while pulling the starter rope (assuming the output shaft is covered in such a way you can't tell).

 

[JHalv42]

I found a few videos. However it looks there are several types of starters. Could you post a picture of the pull start? (Before it is removed)

 

[brenndatomu]

Sounds like the starter pawls or clutch system is not engaging...pull the starter off and see if something will benefit from a shot of WD-40...

 

[Dmitry]

Ok , took the starter part and I can pull the engine with no resistance

 

[Dmitry]

It’s just rotating smooth both ways

 

[brenndatomu]

If it was running fine the last time you used it, the only thing that comes to mind would be one of the valves stuck open...

 

[Sodbuster]

With the plug removed are you feeling air expelled?

 

[Dmitry]

With the plug removed are you feeling air expelled?

Not sure , will check again tomorrow? What if it’s not . What does it mean ?

 

[Dmitry]

If it was running fine the last time you used it, the only thing that comes to mind would be one of the valves stuck open...

Yeah , it was starting always in first pull , unlike some other engine I have . Even after winter or some unused time . I processed 14 cords with it .its not old , damn

 

[brenndatomu]

Pull the metal cover off the head that says "OHV" on it...should be about 3" x 3" or so. See if both valves are moving as you go through 2 full revolutions of the engine. I'm betting one or both of them are stuck, may have to tap on the end of the valve stem to get things moving...do not adjust the valves before making sure both valves are actually seating. Which brings up a story...I've seen mice chew through the air filter and fill the intake with grain and/or nuts...then when you try to start the engine it sucks some of those goodys in and gets stuck under the intake valve holding it open...

 

[brenndatomu]

Here's the service manual for it...http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/18_690_01_EN.pdf

 

[DodgyNomad]

Sounds like the starter pawls or clutch system is not engaging...pull the starter off and see if something will benefit from a shot of WD-40...

Came to say something similar to this. But I wouldn't remove anything but the spark plug at first, if that. if you have access to compressed air and a blow gun, shoot air in and around the pull cord area, and down from the top/side if it's a horizontal engine (which I think the Kohler version is) through the fins while you pull it at varying speeds.

It should free up. If not, pull off the side/and or top cover and try to hit it with air until you get it grab.

 

[DodgyNomad]

View attachment 215993 Ok , took the starter part and I can pull the engine with no resistance

I hadn't read that far before I replied. If you pull the spark plug, and shine a light in the hole, do you see the piston moving up and down while you turn it over?

And by no resistance, do you mean light resistance, or literally none? Either way, I'd use the compressed air and shoot it down the plug hole into the cylinder while turning it over, and report back.

No resistance is really strange.

 

[Dmitry]

I hadn't read that far before I replied. If you pull the spark plug, and shine a light in the hole, do you see the piston moving up and down while you turn it over?

And by no resistance, do you mean light resistance, or literally none? Either way, I'd use the compressed air and shoot it down the plug hole into the cylinder while turning it over, and report back.

No resistance is really strange.

The piston is moving , I can see it trough plug opening . It just moving real smooth with some resistance, it’s not spinning , but real easy to turn.

 

[Dmitry]

Pull the metal cover off the head that says "OHV" on it...should be about 3" x 3" or so. See if both valves are moving as you go through 2 full revolutions of the engine. I'm betting one or both of them are stuck, may have to tap on the end of the valve stem to get things moving...do not adjust the valves before making sure both valves are actually seating. Which brings up a story...I've seen mice chew through the air filter and fill the intake with grain and/or nuts...then when you try to start the engine it sucks some of those goodys in and gets stuck under the intake valve holding it open...

Actually I removed a nut from around spark plug area. Splitter was sitting long time under the cover in area away from the house and between rows of wood with no traffic around . Might be the case

 

[Sodbuster]

I'd take off the cover like brenndatomu suggested as well as your air cleaner. look for signs of mice. Pull the valve cover, pull the air cleaner, and see it everything is operating smoothly. If the piston is moving, and you have fuel and spark it should run. A short video would be very useful. If you find a valve stuck open, meaning it doesn't close at all during the entire cycle, be very careful when tapping it, it might only be a bit of corrosion. Tapping too hard might bend the stem. This is why I don't like leaving expensive stuff outside, critters love them, as does corrosion. Tuck them in a garage somewhere.

 

[Jags]

I agree that it is probably a stuck valve. Could be mouse crud or it could have just a touch of corrosion causing it. Also be aware...according to the manual above, this engine comes with an ACR (automatic compression release). If the ACR is not working properly or is stuck open, the compression stroke of the engine will be greatly reduced. That said, I am still betting it is a valve issue. Should be pretty easy to cure.

 

[VirginiaIron]

If the piston is moving, you need a compression test.
If the exhaust or intake valve is stuck open you should hear air movement through the muffler or carb. You can remove the valve cover and check for full movement compared to the other valve. If the valves are closing and opening properly it is probably related to compression. You could put a tablespoon of engine oil down the spark plug hole, spin the crank several times, replace the plug, and see if it will start.

 

[brenndatomu]

If the piston is moving, you need a compression test.

Turning it by hand pretty much says it has none...

If the exhaust or intake valve is stuck open you should hear air movement through the muffler or carb

Good point...although with the ACR as mentioned it will leak out the exhaust valve some normally...