Sad day at Nebraska Firewood

I am not a big fan of the import stuff but the HF motor is an exception.
Can't be beat for the price.
Roller bearings on crank , cast iron sleeve ; even some of the Briggs stuff does not have this.

 

I have put several of the predator engines on customers splitters and have had good results all the bolt holes are standard SAE pattern and line up with what you would currently have as to repairing the other if it was run low on oil it is a complete teardown and it most of the time will cost you more in parts to fix it JB

 

Thanks for that. Probably should try to drain the gas as I could be mistaken but felt ruff when pulling over and was down about 10-oz of oil and that just can't be good. Sounded to me like it was knocking as well when I had it running. Like others have said, I'm not a fan of Chinese knockoffs and the way the copy other's hard work, but I am on a budget plus Predator has a good reputation around these parts. If it gets upgraded with a larger pump that would be in the future as I'm sticking a bunch of money on the truck as well.

 

Yup, I would check things out first too...could be something simple, even something dumb like a coil that came loose and is starting to hit the flywheel. You can find HF discount coupons/codes just about any time, so...

 

Been so long since I got them, don't remember. Goggle up drowning mousetraps.

 

Gas in splitter was nice and clean, carburetor clean as a whistle. Not that I expected anything in it. No mouse nest either. So an engine needs 3 things to run. Anyone want to guess which one is missing?

 

Based of the previous description of having a knock, I'd guess compression?

 

Bingo!
Crank spins with one finger, but piston no movie. I may pull the side off to take a look, but looks like a trip to Harbor Freight this morning.
I've heard that the air filters on them leave something to be desired so should I order a Honda filter? I've heard they fit right on them. Just wish one of them would have the exhaust go out the other side so it doesn't blow right on your leg. For what it's worth, Edwin did want to pay all of it, but I got him down to $300, $430 - 10% + tax, so not much out of pocket on my end.

 

I think you will be happy with the predator engine they also seem to be easier starting than the briggs hope you get up and running ok JB

 

I think I found the problem.

 

Yup, I think you are sneaking up on it!

 

Good find. Kinda figured rod was broken when you said piston didn't move. That had to have made some kinda noise when it let go. Was the operator using ear protection cause i don't remember you mentioning it making any noise when it quit.

 

Looked at the 13-HP but hated the way the air filter looked, what a joke. Went with the 15.8-HP and no major problems getting it mounted. Started first pull and motor doesn't slow down a bit when you hit a tough to split area.

 

He does but I knew it was done when I pulled it over after it stopped the first time. Be happy if we can get 14 years out of this one. Not sure if it's all low oil related or just fatigue.

 

What seems to be the problem…

 

A little JB Weld should fix it right up

 

Got access to a cheap deep cycle battery and should have a case for, so thinking about connecting the electric start. As though I am not lazy enough to pull the rope. Can't tell for sure if they used reducers for the 1/2" hoses or not, but guessing they didn't so doubt a 22 gallon pump is in the future.
Edwin is excited to have the splitter back in service and can't believe it only took me a week from when the old motor self-destructed.

 

Mine is electric start. I wouldn’t have one without it now.