April 19, 2023

Log Splitter: Why does my log splitter's engine leaks oil or gas?

Oil leaks from a log splitter engine can be caused by a leaking head gasket, sump gasket or oil drain plug. A loose/cracked fuel line or a failed seal on the carburetor can also leak gas.

If the engine leaks oil, check the head gasket and replace that gasket if it leaks oil. Check the sump gasket if oil is leaking from the bottom of the engine and replace the gasket if it leaks. Tighten or replace the oil drain plug if it's leaking.

If the engine leaks gas, move the log splitter to a well-ventilated area and check the fuel line. Reconnect the fuel line if it's loose and replace the fuel line if it's cracked. If the fuel line is okay, check the carburetor. Rebuild the carburetor with new seals and gaskets if the carburetor leaks gas. Sometimes, it's easier to replace the carburetor than to rebuild it.

log splitter

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR LOG SPLITTER PROBLEM

JC-LS-Replace-the-log-splitter-carburetor

Replace the log splitter carburetor

The log splitter's carburetor mixes air with fuel in the proper proportion to produce a combustible gas. That gas/air mixture is pulled into the cylinder, where the piston compresses it and the spark plug ignites it. Over time, varnish from stale gasoline builds up in the carburetor, decreasing the amount of air/fuel mixture reaching the engine. Replace the log splitter carburetor if it's severely clogged with varnish or if the orifices are clogged with debris and can't be cleared using carburetor cleaner and compressed air.

Log splitter carburetor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-LS-Replace-a-Log-Splitter-Carburetor-Intro-Image
March 01, 2013

How to replace a log splitter carburetor

If a log splitter runs rough or won't start, the carburetor may be clogged or the seals may be worn. This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the carburetor on a log splitter in just 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-LS-Replace-the-log-splitter-fuel-line

Replace the log splitter fuel line

The log splitter fuel line moves gasoline from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Over time, the fuel line can crack and leak fuel. Replace the fuel line if it's weathered and cracked.

Log splitter fuel line

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-LS-Replace-a-Log-Splitter-Fuel-Line-Intro-Image
March 01, 2013

How to replace a log splitter fuel line

If your log splitter won't start even with a full tank of fresh gas, a cracked or clogged fuel line could be stopping the fuel from reaching the carburetor. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a fuel line in a log splitter in about 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-LS-Rebuild-the-log-splitter-carburetor

Rebuild the log splitter carburetor

Rebuild kits are available for most log splitter carburetors. The carburetor rebuild kit contains essential components such as jets, pins, seals and gaskets for overhauling the log splitter carburetor. You can sometimes fix a fuel supply problem by disassembling, cleaning and rebuilding the carburetor.

Rebuild the log splitter carburetor

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your log splitters

Choose a symptom to see related log splitter repairs.

Main cause: worn hydraulic cylinder seals…

Main cause: worn hydraulic valve seals around the actuator rod…

Main causes: broken pump coupler, clogged hydraulic fluid filter, bad hydraulic control valve, broken hydraulic pump, ba…

Main causes: leaky head gasket, damaged sump gasket, leaky oil drain plug, damaged fuel line, bad carburetor seals…

Main cause: worn hydraulic pump seals…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, clogged air filter, stale fuel…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel, bad spark plug, broken recoil starter…

Most common repair guides to help fix your log splitters

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your log splitter.

How to replace a log splitter flexible pump coupler

How to replace a log splitter flexible pump coupler

The flexible nylon log splitter pump coupler deteriorates over time. Replace the flexible pump coupler if it begins to v…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a log splitter recoil starter

How to replace a log splitter recoil starter

The recoil starter spins the engine on the log splitter when you pull the starter rope, and the rope retracts when relea…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a log splitter carburetor

How to replace a log splitter carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and gas before the fuel mix goes to the engine. If the engine won't start and the spark plug is…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your log splitters

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your log splitter.

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.…

How to maintain the hydraulic system in a log splitter

How to maintain the hydraulic system in a log splitter

See how to properly maintain the hydraulic system in your log splitter.…

How to change the hydraulic fluid in a log splitter

How to change the hydraulic fluid in a log splitter

Learn how to change the hydraulic fluid in your log splitter.…