Briggs 675 on log splitter won't start

[wngsprd]

Problem: Engine won't start
Equipment: B&S Quantum 675 engine on 22 ton TSC Huskee log splitter

Well, I spent the whole afternoon trying to start my log splitter - no success. Finally got some time to try to split some logs I left unsplit last winter. Brand new splitter - bought in February and only used it several times over 2 months. Haven't started it since April, but always mixed fuel stabilizer/ethanol treatment and ran all the gas out before storing it under shelter for summer. Now, no start at all.

Anybody have any ideas? I read many of the threads on wood splitters, but didn't find this exact problem. Here's what I did so far...
- checked the oil and hydraulic oil,
- added new gas
- turned throttle to fast speed and pushed the primer bulb 3 times
- pulled the rope several times and repeated
- checked the spark plug and tested that I was getting a spark
- removed and inspected the air filter
- removed the fuel filter and tested that gas was making it this far
- shot one second of started fluid into air intake, replaced air filter and did get one second of run, then died. Repeated this.
- tried to flood it with primer bulb, just to see if I was getting fuel, but spark plug looked dry, and no strong gas smell.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Dana Warner]

Sounds like a plugged main jet which holds the float bowl on. Remove it and clean it with carb cleaner should be fine. If you decide to open the jet up with a welding tip cleaner be careful.

 

[wngsprd]

Thanks for your help.

Removed and cleaned float bowl, nut, float and needle, and replaced spark plug today. But, still unable to get engine started.

I didn't mess with opening the jet, since not sure how.

I'd really appreciate any other ideas.

 

[PILOON]

Might be the float needle is stuck to the seat. Rapping the carb can often remedy that.
Generally I like to air blow all passages clear.
Close all jets down and slowly open as you crank. Also squirting raw gas into the carb generally gets a bark or two as you open more bit by bit.

Rapping the carb and or raw gas generally gets my 4 strokes wanting to run. I then tweak all adjustments for smooth running.

'nother trick;
For carb cleaner I use foam spray oven cleaner. Really works great! but do rinse thoroughly with warm water to neutralize the caustic solution.

 

[Dana Warner]

Were you able to spray carb cleaner through the center of the bowl nut?

 

[wngsprd]

I got it started today - I brandished my splitting maul at it, and it decided to cooperate .

Actually, I let it sit overnight and it started this afternoon on the 8th pull.

I was getting ready to take the bowl off again and try your idea of spraying through holes in the bowl nut, but decided to attempt to start it first, and success. I'll feel better if I am successful starting it again after a day or two, or I'll be taking the bowl off again for sure.

Thanks for your ideas.

 

[RidgeRun]

I have this exact same problem, with the same B&S engine 675E series, 190cc, on a SpeeCo, Split Master 22 Ton Log Splitter, that I purchased in 2014.
Did you ever find a solution to the problem?

If there was any problem with the carburetor float sticking or clogged passages I don’t believe it would run so well when the engine finally starts. The weird thing is that the problem is somewhat intermittent, and runs great when it starts, plenty of power for the largest knotted logs.

Won’t start without priming with starting fluid, even then it likes to die until it warms up some. It is designed without a choke.

11-27-2020 replaced primer bulb, the gasket that covers the primer passage on the carburetor, and blew out the passage and screen filter for the primer = no help.

 

[RandyT]

Can I get you to post the model number of the engine. Should be stamped into the valve cover. that way I can see what carb you have and be able to give suggestions. I suspect a carb issue and setting with fuel is hard on those carbs couples with the fact that some of those engines like to collect water in the fuel tank and carb.

 

[Sonny580]

Forget that primer bulb-----they are useless! take the spark plug out and dump gas in the hole----gotta do that on ALL of my small motors when the set for long time. ----thats the way they are made nowdays.

 

[RidgeRun]

I solved this cold start problem (sort of) = I found a plastic pipe plug slightly smaller than the carburetor inlet and I install it when starting the engine cold by removing the air cleaner and putting the plastic plug in the front of the carburetor (where the choke should be.) After it is running well I remove the plastic cap plug and reinstall the air cleaner.

I have also had success starting it by continuing to push the priming bulb continuously for a couple of minutes after the engine initially starts; this without inserting the plastic choke plug,
------
Mr Briggs & Stratton, Please put a choke on these engines!!

 

[RidgeRun]

Nov 2022 The NO start problem in freezing weather is still unsolved -- at Deer camp (with weather temperature at 24 degrees) the crew pulled on the starter rope for over a half hour. At that point I used this procedure that I described in this forum Dec 20, 2020: I removed the air cleaner and put a plastic plug in the carburetor air passage (where the choke should be.) and after a few pulls the engine started and performed well. [The plastic plug is the top cap from a bottle of HEET. ]

Briggs & Stratton Engine 675E Serial number: 14 0110 58 05410
Mounted on a SPEECO Split Master 22 Ton.

Briggs & Stratton: Please put a choke on these engines! AND offer a kit to replace this carburetor that includes a real choke!!

Log splitters are often operated in freezing weather.

 

[calfal]

try a new plug,,, even a bad plug will spark.. also if left outside could be water in the fuel from condensation.. clean carb. tons of you tube vids.. good luck

 

[RandyT]

The air filter mounting base is bad to warp on that style of engine which prevents it from properly sealing against the carb, and prevents the primer bulb from pushing air into the carb for priming. Most of the time double gasketing the air filter mounting base against the carb will fix the issue.

 

[WranglerX]

JUst a FYI, some B&S motors have a neoprene (?) seat for main needle valve, I have one the got all swollen up from the ethanol in gas... About a 50 cent part to replace....
IF a squirt of starting fluid or carb cleaner down intake will allow engine to pop a few times, but wont start, its likely it can not draw fuel thru main jet...

Also some models use neoprene seat for float needle...

Briggs & Stratton 398188 Needle & Seat Kit

Keep it Running - Keep it Genuine. Help keep your outdoor power equipment running at peak performance by ordering Briggs and Stratton replacement and maintenance parts. You can find the right part you need including carburetors, air filters, spark plugs, tune-up kits and other engine repair...

shop.briggsandstratton.com

 

[PILOON]

JUst a FYI, some B&S motors have a neoprene (?) seat for main needle valve, I have one the got all swollen up from the ethanol in gas... About a 50 cent part to replace....
IF a squirt of starting fluid or carb cleaner down intake will allow engine to pop a few times, but wont start, its likely it can not draw fuel thru main jet...

Also some models use neoprene seat for float needle...

Briggs & Stratton 398188 Needle & Seat Kit

Keep it Running - Keep it Genuine. Help keep your outdoor power equipment running at peak performance by ordering Briggs and Stratton replacement and maintenance parts. You can find the right part you need including carburetors, air filters, spark plugs, tune-up kits and other engine repair...

shop.briggsandstratton.com

And some shops will only sell complete OH kits.
Blame it on gasohol !
Then also rubber fuel lines will suffer the same demise.

 

[RandyT]

JUst a FYI, some B&S motors have a neoprene (?) seat for main needle valve, I have one the got all swollen up from the ethanol in gas... About a 50 cent part to replace....
IF a squirt of starting fluid or carb cleaner down intake will allow engine to pop a few times, but wont start, its likely it can not draw fuel thru main jet...

Also some models use neoprene seat for float needle...

Briggs & Stratton 398188 Needle & Seat Kit

Keep it Running - Keep it Genuine. Help keep your outdoor power equipment running at peak performance by ordering Briggs and Stratton replacement and maintenance parts. You can find the right part you need including carburetors, air filters, spark plugs, tune-up kits and other engine repair...

shop.briggsandstratton.com

haven't had issues with swollen seats due to ethanol, but carb cleaner will cause them to either double in size or crumble like an old pencil eraser.