Log Splitter Valve maybe?

[Chaz66]

I just purchased a Husky 22 Ton Log Splitter at a garage sale. Engine runs good, and it cycles both ways fine. Detent works fine as well. As it was at a garage sale, I was unable to test it under a load as no logs available and price was fair, I bought it on visual only so to speak. Problem is, when I got it home and put a log on it, as soon as it came under a load, the engine dies out. Hydro Fluid level is good, Filter is fairly new and not loaded up. Valve seems to be functioning well. Engine seems to be running strong with no miss, or smoke. In fact, the splitter in general is in excellent condition. It was apparently not used for several years and belonged to another person, and seller was not at sale. I have another just like it and am very pleased with the performance. This one is for my cabin. I played with the engine for a while to be sure it was running well, as I am mechanically capable. I AM NOT educated in the least in hydraulics. I am curious would this be a valve problem or pump? I am told that it may be a pressure relief stuck or clogged? Again, as soon as it comes under load it quits, stalls engine right out. It cycles fine when no load.

I will add that all lines are in great shape, not collapsing, no leaks, no sticking in valve operation, and pump appears clean. The condition is not like it was cleaned up to move it or over sell it. Just in good not abused condition. they guy selling it did say that the owner only used it a couple times a year.

Any help would be great, or where to start.

 

[JRobyn]

Welcome! :welcome:

Can you watch the throttle butterfly/linkage on the carb while you put it under load to see what it does? Try to confirm that it is trying to open the throttle as it should. Then can you hear if the engine is beginning to load down? If it's doing this, it sounds to me like the engine is starving for fuel. Maybe due to fuel deposits from sitting too long. A good dose of SeaFoam in the tank sure couldn't hurt anything and may cure it. You could also try pulling off the fuel line at the carb connection to be sure it is flowing freely. I've seen ethanol fuel eat up the insides of fuel lines so badly that they are nearly plugged.

If none of this is fruitful, try removing the carb fuel bowl (assuming it has one) to see what sort of gunk is in there. If it's more than a year old and has set any length of time, a good carb cleaning and/or rebuild is almost certainly in order.

 

[Chaz66]

Welcome! :welcome:

Can you watch the throttle butterfly/linkage on the carb while you put it under load to see what it does? Try to confirm that it is trying to open the throttle as it should. Then can you hear if the engine is beginning to load down? If it's doing this, it sounds to me like the engine is starving for fuel. Maybe due to fuel deposits from sitting too long. A good dose of SeaFoam in the tank sure couldn't hurt anything and may cure it. You could also try pulling off the fuel line at the carb connection to be sure it is flowing freely. I've seen ethanol fuel eat up the insides of fuel lines so badly that they are nearly plugged.

If none of this is fruitful, try removing the carb fuel bowl (assuming it has one) to see what sort of gunk is in there. If it's more than a year old and has set any length of time, a good carb cleaning and/or rebuild is almost certainly in order.

Thanks for reply. Carb is good. I went through engine operation. Fuel good.i am not seeing any problems with the engine or power.

 

[Otto Syracuse]

Amazing post! I have the exact same splitter, bought it the exact same way, and am having the exact same problem!

Thanks for the suggestion to clean out the carb and check fuel lines. I googled this issue and saw several post with the same problem. It could be anything from damaged hoses, bad vales, shot seals.......all things I do not know how to fix. I will be watching this thread to see what other suggestions come up.

PS Chaz, welcome to TBN!

 

[muddstopper]

I have ran into a few of my own small engines lately that all did the same thing. Run fine under no load and die as soon as placed under load. Sparkplug cured every one of them. Dont ask me how or why, but each of those engines ran fine when put in storage and all had sat for at least a year. How a plug goes bad just setting unused, I havent a clue.

 

[PILOON]

My guess would be a timing issue.
On some small engines the key on the flywheel slips or sheers thus changing the timing.
That assumes the carburetor is properly adjusted.
Also improper point gap setting will also advance or ****** the timing.

 

[bob11x]

Try putting the choke partially on - just to the point of blubbering/black smoke ( 1/2 way) then cycle the ram. The engines today are quite lean and something that sits a lot will build up residue in the Jets reducing the fuel mixture.

 

[Leejohn]

If it's a two stage pump it might not be dropping down into low speed high pressure when you get a load on it.

 

[Rocky J]

my vote is with the two stage pump, when it needs to drop back to high pressure low volume it dont and the engine cant push that much fluid that fast. I believe that splitter is made by SpeeCo ,

 

[Chaz66]

my vote is with the two stage pump, when it needs to drop back to high pressure low volume it dont and the engine cant push that much fluid that fast. I believe that splitter is made by SpeeCo ,

I'll check it out, but I don't think that is it. It literally dies almost immediately when it gets resistance, barely penetrating the log. I'm starting to lean towards the engine having an issue with all the comments.