Equipment For Emergencies Craps Out

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  • Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    I was conducting testing and maintenance of my equipment to ensure we are ready for any big blows or emergencies.

    Last week on Monday I just finished changing the oil in my log splitter which is over 18 years old. It had a Honda 160 engine. I fired it up started on the first pull as always, was splitting some logs when BAM it quit and oil was all over the place. I looked and the case was cracked WTF? no fixing that.

    I started to look for a replacement engine. Troy-Built was bought out by MTD many years ago. It appears MTD basically makes 90% of every log splitter regardless of brand. Long story short I was able to purchase a direct replacement except for the replacement engine and it was a Honda 190 a little larger than the 160. It cost 269 bucks free shipping came in last Friday.

    Only 3 bolts holding the engine in place with a spider coupling to the pump. Had to tap the engine mounting holes to 5/16-18 as they did not come pre tapped. Dropped right in adjusted coupling filled up with oil/gas started started on first pull. I made some RPM adjustments as it was running like a raped ape.

    I was curious why the other engine failed. When I split the case found the timing belt broke, shit really goes to hell in a hand bag when that happens. Timing belt was some kind of composite and shredded. No way to check it unless you split the case.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    I was conducting testing and maintenance of my equipment to ensure we are ready for any big blows or emergencies.

    Last week on Monday I just finished changing the oil in my log splitter which is over 18 years old. It had a Honda 160 engine. I fired it up started on the first pull as always, was splitting some logs when BAM it quit and oil was all over the place. I looked and the case was cracked WTF? no fixing that.

    I started to look for a replacement engine. Troy-Built was bought out by MTD many years ago. It appears MTD basically makes 90% of every log splitter regardless of brand. Long story short I was able to purchase a direct replacement except for the replacement engine and it was a Honda 190 a little larger than the 160. It cost 269 bucks free shipping came in last Friday.

    Only 3 bolts holding the engine in place with a spider coupling to the pump. Had to tap the engine mounting holes to 5/16-18 as they did not come pre tapped. Dropped right in adjusted coupling filled up with oil/gas started started on first pull. I made some RPM adjustments as it was running like a raped ape.

    I was curious why the other engine failed. When I split the case found the timing belt broke, shit really goes to hell in a hand bag when that happens. Timing belt was some kind of composite and shredded. No way to check it unless you split the case.

    Same thing happens on autos if you don't have a clearance engine. :sad20:
     

    MaxVO2

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    I was conducting testing and maintenance of my equipment to ensure we are ready for any big blows or emergencies.

    Last week on Monday I just finished changing the oil in my log splitter which is over 18 years old. It had a Honda 160 engine. I fired it up started on the first pull as always, was splitting some logs when BAM it quit and oil was all over the place. I looked and the case was cracked WTF? no fixing that.

    I started to look for a replacement engine. Troy-Built was bought out by MTD many years ago. It appears MTD basically makes 90% of every log splitter regardless of brand. Long story short I was able to purchase a direct replacement except for the replacement engine and it was a Honda 190 a little larger than the 160. It cost 269 bucks free shipping came in last Friday.

    Only 3 bolts holding the engine in place with a spider coupling to the pump. Had to tap the engine mounting holes to 5/16-18 as they did not come pre tapped. Dropped right in adjusted coupling filled up with oil/gas started started on first pull. I made some RPM adjustments as it was running like a raped ape.

    I was curious why the other engine failed. When I split the case found the timing belt broke, shit really goes to hell in a hand bag when that happens. Timing belt was some kind of composite and shredded. No way to check it unless you split the case.

    *****I've seen this happen before and I think it was poor engineering quite frankly. I have seen engines (car engines mostly) with composite or plastic timing gears (usually just the bigger camshaft gear, the crank gear is still steel.) that basically fall apart, or lose teeth over time allowing the belt or chain to jump the gear and upset cam to crank timing - really not a good thing to have happen as stuff just breaks and breaks BIG.

    I would imagine from thermal cycling and just hours of use causes some of these problems. I'm not sold on composite belts inside of a motor unless there is some kind of inspection possible, or replacement at given intervals, etc.. and this kind of failure at the belt is just terminal - no fixing the damage after oil starts spitting out the block everywhere.

    Some of the timing belts have pretty sophisticated tension rollers adjacent to the gears to keep them from flopping around I guess and the roller fails and basically shreds the belt. I get the whole cost thing, but I have never had a nice double roller timing chain or other similar setup fail in a motor unless the cam was improperly degree'd or "walked" forward or the block itself was not squared or thrust bearing failure at the crank, etc..

    I've seen some smaller log splitter motors and some of the cheaper ones just seem WAY undersized for anything more than every once in a while use. They are just working way too hard and are not robust enough to really handle that much work before just having something stupid fail.

    It would suck to be in a SHTF situation and have that kind of failure happen. I'm gonna assume in a SHTF situation that Amazon shopping or the local hardware store might not exactly be doing normal business at that point.. :innocent0
     

    daggo66

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 31, 2013
    1,992
    Glen Burnie
    The Koehler engine in my log splitter died early on. I replaced it with a HF predator engine which was an exact replacement. It starts 1st pull every time even if it’s been sitting for several months. The HF Predator engines are copies of the Honda engine and are very reliable.
     

    lazarus

    Ultimate Member
    Jun 23, 2015
    13,678
    I’ve got a B&S on my old log splitter. When I get it running, it runs smooth. I am pretty sure I need to rebuild the carb. Plus a new recoil starter. The starter doesn’t clutch properly so sometimes I need to try pulling it a dozen times before it engages. Will grab solid a couple of times and then back to just pulling without it grabbing.

    And it leaked gas like a sieve the first time I started it. A hand-me-down from the former owner of my house. It’s a circa early 90s 28 ton splitter. Names worn off the rail. Pulled it apart, replaced nada and no leaks.

    So pretty sure the bowl needs a new seal.

    And flush the hydraulic fluid. He’d been recycling it again and again (it weeps fluid a bit when it gets hot).

    It sounds like a mess, but it’s old, certainly never taken care of (the oil was almost tar when I changed it and the hydraulic fluid was chocolate milk shake, I’ve replaced it, but really needs to be run through with some hydraulic sage solvent and refill).

    The fact it runs as well as it does is amazing.
     

    lazarus

    Ultimate Member
    Jun 23, 2015
    13,678
    Oh and I did have the engine block of my old riding mower crack in cold weather. Timing belt disintegrated, bent a valve and twisted the crank shaft and rod. I almost had to cut the block apart to get it open to see what happened (other than the smoke wafting through the side of the block).
     

    Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    The Koehler engine in my log splitter died early on. I replaced it with a HF predator engine which was an exact replacement. It starts 1st pull every time even if it’s been sitting for several months. The HF Predator engines are copies of the Honda engine and are very reliable.

    I did look at a 5.5 HP from Harbor Freight it appeared to be a direct replacement and 100 bucks cheaper. I called HF and the engine was currently unavailable out of stock. So I ended going to Northern and buying the Honda 190. Damn the bad luck
     

    jollymon

    Active Member
    Dec 6, 2016
    852
    Now in Tennessee ,
    The last few posts had gotten me thinking about the condition of all my small engine equipment that has been idle for some time , So in the coming weeks I'll be servicing them , I've not neglected them just some get serviced less frequently , Things like my generators always get serviced after use because there is always a chance to lose power during storms , The log splitter only gets used if I do my part 1 day maybe 2 a year and when I service it I use one of those yellow marker that junkyards use to mark parts and write the date one that ram and a little gas and a rag it comes off for the next date . I use those makers a lot for that , You can usually find them at NAPA part shops those "Auto Zone " type parts shops not so much .
     

    Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    The last few posts had gotten me thinking about the condition of all my small engine equipment that has been idle for some time , So in the coming weeks I'll be servicing them , I've not neglected them just some get serviced less frequently , Things like my generators always get serviced after use because there is always a chance to lose power during storms , The log splitter only gets used if I do my part 1 day maybe 2 a year and when I service it I use one of those yellow marker that junkyards use to mark parts and write the date one that ram and a little gas and a rag it comes off for the next date . I use those makers a lot for that , You can usually find them at NAPA part shops those "Auto Zone " type parts shops not so much .

    Here is what I do as an engineer in a previous USCG life and on the farm where I grew up.

    The genny gets run monthly I check oil, power output and Hz output under load. Then I shut off the fuel valve and let the carb go dry. This keeps the carb from building up crud. I treat all my gas and diesel with Seafoam. Stabil and other products like it long term clogs up the jets in the carbs. Many years ago the USCG discovered this and after switching the pumps started every time. Once a season change oil, air filter and spark plug. I drain out the gas yearly and use it in my garden tractor and replace it with fresh gas.

    Snowblower, log splitter and chain saws, get a long term storage maintenance. drain all gas run to gas runs our and 1 table spoon of oil in cylinder turn over several times install new plug. Check air cleaner replace if necessary.
     

    lazarus

    Ultimate Member
    Jun 23, 2015
    13,678
    The last few posts had gotten me thinking about the condition of all my small engine equipment that has been idle for some time , So in the coming weeks I'll be servicing them , I've not neglected them just some get serviced less frequently , Things like my generators always get serviced after use because there is always a chance to lose power during storms , The log splitter only gets used if I do my part 1 day maybe 2 a year and when I service it I use one of those yellow marker that junkyards use to mark parts and write the date one that ram and a little gas and a rag it comes off for the next date . I use those makers a lot for that , You can usually find them at NAPA part shops those "Auto Zone " type parts shops not so much .

    I wish I used my log splitter that little. Its about every 2 months through out the year I use mine. Then again, I am running about 2.5-3 cords of wood through it to run my wood boiler each winter and I've yet to have the consistent time to spend a long weekend cutting logs, moving them and then splitting them all. So its usually about half a cord at a time I get around to every few weeks. Once a year, drain and fill oil. I need to get better at draining and filling the hydraulic fluid also.

    Generators get run about every 2 months if not used for something in between. I'd like to do it monthly, but I am just not that good at having the spare time. The gas one I run the carb dry and I use it for enough other things for portable power that I turn over the tank of gas over the course of a year. I've been using stabil, but I guess maybe seafoam is the better way to go.

    But gas never sits more than about a year.

    My chainsaw gets used enough, there is no point in "winterizing it". It also gets used about every 1-2 months for something. Maybe 3 months occasionally if I am lucky. And it is usually several uses in a day or three period.

    My other generator is dual fuel and I've never run it on gas. I guess I should try at some point to make sure it runs fine on gas...

    But just run it on propane.

    Lawn tractor gets the tank run dry at the end of the season.

    Just got a cultivator from a friend, ran it dry for the winter.

    I've switched to electric for basically everything else.

    All this stuff gets its oil changed every year. Filters every 2 years (if it has filter).
     

    Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    I wish I used my log splitter that little. Its about every 2 months through out the year I use mine. Then again, I am running about 2.5-3 cords of wood through it to run my wood boiler each winter and I've yet to have the consistent time to spend a long weekend cutting logs, moving them and then splitting them all. So its usually about half a cord at a time I get around to every few weeks. Once a year, drain and fill oil. I need to get better at draining and filling the hydraulic fluid also.

    I use my splitter typically spring, summer and fall getting ready for winter. I installed a high end wood stove many years ago it burns 12 hours on a load. SOMD was prone to lots of power outages. In 94 when the ice storm hit we were 2 weeks with out power between the wood stove and genny we did ok. Wood is still the cheapest per BTU to heat your house. It warms you twice once when you cut it and split it and when you burn it.
     

    DanGuy48

    Ultimate Member
    I was conducting testing and maintenance of my equipment to ensure we are ready for any big blows or emergencies.

    Last week on Monday I just finished changing the oil in my log splitter which is over 18 years old. It had a Honda 160 engine. I fired it up started on the first pull as always, was splitting some logs when BAM it quit and oil was all over the place. I looked and the case was cracked WTF? no fixing that.

    I started to look for a replacement engine. Troy-Built was bought out by MTD many years ago. It appears MTD basically makes 90% of every log splitter regardless of brand. Long story short I was able to purchase a direct replacement except for the replacement engine and it was a Honda 190 a little larger than the 160. It cost 269 bucks free shipping came in last Friday.

    Only 3 bolts holding the engine in place with a spider coupling to the pump. Had to tap the engine mounting holes to 5/16-18 as they did not come pre tapped. Dropped right in adjusted coupling filled up with oil/gas started started on first pull. I made some RPM adjustments as it was running like a raped ape.

    I was curious why the other engine failed. When I split the case found the timing belt broke, shit really goes to hell in a hand bag when that happens. Timing belt was some kind of composite and shredded. No way to check it unless you split the case.

    Weird you should mention that. I have an older model Honda HS-724 track drive snow blower and had to replace the engine a couple years ago because of a cracked block. The guy who replaced it said he had never seen one do that.
     

    Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    Weird you should mention that. I have an older model Honda HS-724 track drive snow blower and had to replace the engine a couple years ago because of a cracked block. The guy who replaced it said he had never seen one do that.

    More than likely it was the timing belt. The other thing is the governors are centrifugal and sit in the bottom of the oil sump. They are some kind of composite/plastic with tiny teeth. I am surprised they do not fail or we just do not hear about it.
     

    PaFrank

    Member
    Apr 2, 2020
    75
    I have a small 3500 watt generator, a cord of seasoned oak split and stacked, a Harman woodstove, a whole bunch of Dietz lanterns and enough fuel for them for a month or more, a box full of candles I pick up at yardsales, and a couple hand crank/battery radios. and of course my 870 Police :)
     

    Glaron

    Camp pureblood 13R
    BANNED!!!
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 20, 2013
    12,752
    Virginia
    My other generator is dual fuel and I've never run it on gas. I guess I should try at some point to make sure it runs fine on gas...

    But just run it on propane.

    Why? I just see as adding a potential problem. btw, my primary is dual fuel. I have a big tank of propane because it keeps. I have zero plans to plans to put gas in it.
     

    dannyp

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 30, 2018
    1,464
    Oh and I did have the engine block of my old riding mower crack in cold weather. Timing belt disintegrated, bent a valve and twisted the crank shaft and rod. I almost had to cut the block apart to get it open to see what happened (other than the smoke wafting through the side of the block).

    sounds like an electrical problem ( lost containment of the smoke )
     

    lazarus

    Ultimate Member
    Jun 23, 2015
    13,678
    Why? I just see as adding a potential problem. btw, my primary is dual fuel. I have a big tank of propane because it keeps. I have zero plans to plans to put gas in it.

    Just to make sure it works. Though I guess I could always just use gas in my 3500w backup generator and keep the bigger one all propane. I’ve got 2x30# propane tanks and 3x20# tanks. Plus typically between 15-25 gallons of gas on rotation. Not counting whatever is in the cars and usually 1-2 gallons in the back up generator that I run maybe a quart every couple of months through it either for a deliberate test or because I am using it for some remote power (I run the bigger genny about as often, but I switch between just turning it on and letting it warm up a minute or two and actually hooking it up and switching the whole house over to it for 5-10 minutes.)
     

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