I have a 31-ton hydraulic log splitter powered by an 8 HP Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine. It's about 7 years old and we split about four cords a year.
Several weeks ago, it wouldn't start. I changed the oil and replaced the fuel filter, air filter and spark plug. I also took off the "pot" under the carb that holds the gasoline and float, cleaning that out; there was a little scum as if there had been water in there somewhere along the line. I started it up and ran it for a few minutes, then shut it off.
This afternoon it wouldn't start until I shot some ether into the carb and fiddled with the choke a bit. When it finally started running, we began to split some logs. Although it split well, we both noticed that the engine RPM was fluctuating noticeably, something it never did before to that degree. After about six logs and ten minutes, it stopped dead and wouldn't start again.
Any idea as to what might be causing this?
Paul