Need to replace the engine on my MTD log splitter and have some questions

eddie48 · Dec 31, 2013

If you stored the engine 90 deg from normal operating position, the oil in the engine could run out of the crankcase vent into the air filter, soaking the air filter. If it is soaked, the engine will not run -- just like the choke is on completely blocking the air flow. That would also explain why oil is running out of the air filter. The other reason for oil dripping from the air filter would be either too much oil in the engine (did you check the oil level?) or blow by, which indicates that the engine is worn -- either rings or valve guide seals. If the prev. owner used the splitter only for personal use, it should last longer than 7 years. It should be good for several hundred hours of run time.

dave1949 · Dec 31, 2013

eddie48 said:
If you stored the engine 90 deg from normal operating position, the oil in the engine could run out of the crankcase vent into the air filter, soaking the air filter. If it is soaked, the engine will not run -- just like the choke is on completely blocking the air flow. That would also explain why oil is running out of the air filter. The other reason for oil dripping from the air filter would be either too much oil in the engine (did you check the oil level?) or blow by, which indicates that the engine is worn -- either rings or valve guide seals. If the prev. owner used the splitter only for personal use, it should last longer than 7 years. It should be good for several hundred hours of run time.

Yes. Those engines don't like being tipped. The oil does leave the crankcase and go into the carburetor and on into the air filter. I've had this when tipping a push mower on it's side for 10 minutes to clean under the deck.

Leave the air cleaner off while you troubleshoot. First thing is to fix the starter rope--if you want to learn about fixing engines, that is.

A vertical shaft engine is just what says, the shaft comes out of the bottom of the engine and the starter rope is on top. Horizontal shaft comes out of the side of the engine and the starter rope is on the opposite side from the shaft.

dave1949 · Dec 31, 2013

After the starter rope is repaired, take the spark plug out, air filter off, and crank the engine over to blow the excess oil out of it. You may have to crank it a couple dozen times to clear it. You may have to prime the carburetor with a thimble full of gas poured in the air filter hole to start it after doing that oil clearing and re-installing the spark plug.

With the engine on its side, oil from the crankcase seeps past the piston rings and valve seals and gets on top of the piston into the combustion chamber. From there, there are only two ways it is coming out: past the intake valve when it opens, which is how it gets blown back into the carburetor and air filter, and past the exhaust valve when it opens, which pushes the oil into the muffler.

grsthegreat · Dec 31, 2013

save yourself alot of headaches, and email or call this guy
Outdoor Power Equipment - Discount Lawn Equipment | Equipatron Equipatron

i had my B&S branded Husquvarna mower engine sieze up and quit on me. A guy named Daniel at Equipatron (whos the licensed repair facility for B&S) got me all the info i needed. I was mailed a complete new engine (starter,oil filter,fuel pump and new carb) . No freight charges. Was plug and play. I installed it in under 30 minutes, and it foired right up after adding oil and gas.

I looked into the harbor freight Chinese nightmares, and went back to B&S. The last one lasted over 10 years of hard use....

oh..and i only paid $50 more than my local small engine repair place wanted to rebuild my old engine

jodebg · Jan 1, 2014

My small engine tech/friend just towed it to his shop to inspect the condition of the engine. Hoping it's
a quick fix..will know soon. Thanks for your help.