Troubleshooting Table
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The engine won’t start.
(Please refer to the
engine user manual
for engine-specific
procedures.)
Is the ignition switch in the “ON” position?
Is the fuel shut-off valve on?
Are you using fresh, clean gas? If the gas is old, change it. Use
a fuel stabilizer if you keep gas longer than 30 days.
Is the spark plug clean? If the spark plug is dirty or cracked,change it.
If it’s oily, leave it out, hold a rag over the plug hole and pull the recoil
cord several times to blow out any oil in the cylinder, then wipe off the
plug and reinsert it.
The engine lacks power
or is not running
smoothly.
(Please refer to the
engine user manual
for engine-specific
procedures.)
Check that the Throttle Lever is in the “Run” position.
Is the air filter clean? If it’s dirty, change it following the procedure in
the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual.
Is the spark plug clean? If it’s fouled or cracked, change it. If it’s oily,
leave it out, hold a rag over the plug hole and pull your recoil cord
several times to blow out any oil in the cylinder, then wipe off the plug
and reinsert it.
Are you using fresh, clean unleaded gas? If it’s old, change it. Use a
fuel stabilizer if you keep gas longer than 30 days.
Does your engine have the right amount of clean oil? If it’s dirty,change
it following the procedure in the engine manufacturer’s owner’s
manual.
Check the oil level and adjust as needed.
Engine smokes.
(Please refer to the
engine user manual
for engine-specific
procedures.)
Check the oil level and adjust as needed.
Check the air filter and clean or replace if needed.
You may be using the wrong oil—too light for the temperature. Refer to
your Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed information.
Clean the cooling fins if they’re dirty.
Rack catching on tail
tube (at end of stroke).
Rack returning very slow
or not going all the way
back.
Adjust carriage hold downs (slide guides).
Check for wood chips or debris between ram bushing plate and beam.
Check rack lift bearing for alignment or damage.
Return spring is unhooked or damaged. Reconnect or replace as
needed.
Machine wedge end too low. Must be almost level or wedge end
slightly higher.
Operator Lever
Snapping out of gear or
not staying in gear.
Lever not all the way forward when rack comes under full load.
Push lever quicker and more forcefully into the full forward position.
Ram has been overloaded at lower part of face. Check rack gear for
straightness.
Rack slamming back too
fast.
Wedge end of machine too high. Must be almost level with ram
end or just slightly higher.
Springs not operating properly. Fix or replace as needed.
Machine does not seem
to have full splitting power.
The belts may be too loose and slipping. Adjust or replace belts as
needed.
Operator Lever not
engaging rack with
pinion gear.
Clean wood chips or other debris from under rack.
?
Clean accumulated dirt from frame where carriage assembly rests
against rubber bumpers.
