Wood Splitter Re-Power With Predator 6.5 HP Engine

I Replaced the old Tecumseh 8-Hp engine with a Predator 6.5 Hp Harbor Freight Engine. Watch and see how it turned out.
I know, I know, I'm putting a cheep import engine in place of a old American Made Classic. But it's old technology that just doesn't run that great. Couldn't pass up the price on the HF Predator.

[@woodturnerr8912]

Dad bought an identical splitter,used, over 20 years ago. I finally replaced the engine last year. No problems after about 20 cords of Oak, Hickory, Hackberry, and Elm. I should have done it years sooner. Happy splittin.

[@skiptracer8703]

Looks like it's running the splitter okay, like you say a longer session will tell the tale. -Jim

[@sunhawk61]

Been running that same Predator engine on my splitter for 4 years now. Only problem was a broken pull rope 1 year ago.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Briggs always has more power than a Tecumseh, no matter if they're the same rating. I like the Predator engines. EASY start and easy on gas too. I run 15/40 diesel formula in everything. Keeps the inside super clean. You'll be happy with it.

[@ZXXpilot]

Rotella is soo much better than SAE30. 👍

[@danteerskine7678]

flathead small engines are tough but super noisy , they can reach up to 110 db and vibrates a lot. ohc engines are much better as their noises comes from the engine block and their vibrations are acceptable

[@jamespolucha6911]

My old motor has a 1 inch shaft also I ordered a shaft adapter couldn’t find the joint in 3/4 hope it works ok, don’t know about the housing until I get the motor, thanks for the video

[@metalworksmachineshop]

Good deal.. i use the Predator engines all the time. That dirty oil after brake in is normal.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

I used to spend the first 10 minutes trying to start and get the old Tecumseh running right. I would have spent almost as much in parts to tune the old one up. So far impressed how good the Predator runs !

[@zackman14ify]

Wished my crapsman log splitter had a base on it like yours does. My base is half that size

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Pretty sure mine is a Brave unit rebranded by craftsman. It's an older model, looking at the newer versions they seem to have lightened them up alot. Thanks for commenting Zack, ATB

[@carmenpete]

put that same motor on my tractor Supply splitter, runs better and quieter than the honda 190 it replaced

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Mine's still running good, thanks for the comment Pete!

[@johnnyyoung5553]

What sizes bolts is used to connect the pump mount to the engine ?

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

It was a while ago, but I used studs and nuts. I think they were 5/16" UNC

[@kenmello7252]

Hi I know you posted this a long time ago but do you still have that 8 horse Craftsmen engine? I need the crank shaft badly! I will take all the left over parts. Love joy and coupling housing. Everything.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Ken, Not anymore...sold on CL Thanks for the view..BTW I'm still happy with the Predator no issues yet.

[@farmerrick9660]

Morning! just the video I was looking for, did they give you a HP rating?, im having a hard time finding that info, I have an old mini new Holland built in the 90s, ive installed a 18hr Kohler and im trying to adapt it to the main 3/4 shaft that runs the main pump

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Rick, I replaced the existing 8-Hp with this 6.5-Hp and it handles the load just fine. Harbor Freight sells much larger sizes of these engines. There actual quite good, they copied Honda.. Be sure to flush the oil a couple times right away. Hope that helps...Dean

[@amos3three941]

How did you get the gear off the old motor shaft, what size allen wrench is that? Or is an allen wrench, I am not much of a mechanic, thx

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Yep there's an allen socket set screw. Sorry I don't remember the size. Pull the set screw completely out, spray in some oil or WD40 both ends of coupling also. Gently tap on the coupling back/forth that usually will get it moving. if not you will need a puller.

[@amos3three941]

i tried all mine, do you think they could be metric

[@amos3three941]

It was an allen wrench and of course I stripped it so I am going to look now and see what a new Lovejoy coupler will cost me, thx for you help.

[@kenk3102]

...very nice DIY video on that engine replacement....I need to do the same with my old log splitter with a worn out B&S 5 hp....I'm curious, did you rotate the pull rope housing?...it appears to be about 90 degrees ccw from the start of the video....and if so, did you encounter any hole alignment issues?... 🙂

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Hi Ken, I used the pull start housing as shipped. But I think it can rotate. My bolt holes were all wrong, but I went from a 8Hp to a 5.5Hp. The pump flange is standard US layout. Pump flange jumps up in size 8HP and up, so I had to buy a new pump mount.

[@curtwuollet2912]

Need some green elm to test that out.😊

[@jamespolucha6911]

Where did you get the pump bracket?

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

James, Thinking I found it on ebay, maybe amazon. Quite a few on both sites. Note the mounting bolt pattern splits between 6.5 hp and lower and 8 hp and up.

[@outspokensilentone6845]

how many gpm does the hydraulic pump push through? i have a sixteen gpm pump and don't know if the mount bolt pattern for it is the same as an 11 gpm pump

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Sorry I don't know, It had a 8 Hp and that pump mount had a larger bolt pattern. I had to go with a smaller pump mount but same pump. The 6.5 handles it ok. it will bog a bit on real big hardwood logs...24" rounds

[@gatesj777]

@@TheAyrCaveShop Do you have a part number on the pump? I"m really curious if I could push one of those little 212's to drive a 16gpm pump even though the common wisdom is that 16gpm is minimum 8hp.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

@@gatesj777 Brand is John Barnes P/N 11392-002002B

[@berniekaita2606]

What size was the mounting Bracket 4 or 5

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Bernie, it was a 3.55"W x 4.4"L for the pump mount. Most small engines up to 6.5 hp use the same pattern. 8hp and up is a larger pattern.

[@JohnJohnson-vu7xj]

6.5 is ok to split wood but when you weld on wings no go. Needs bigger engine

[@davidknibbs9646]

My old pump has 3/4 in and 3/4 out . I Think I need a new pump because I toke the 3/4 in let off the Handel and started it and nothing came out no oil 😢

[@davefarley4318]

Please stop holding wood when splitting. i cut off my finger doing just that. log flipped over and i was missing a finger joint

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Good Advice...Ouch

[@jamesfinley1075]

Log splitters should have a stationary splitting wedge.

[@fightdhr8866]

Roll Tide

[@joshf5338]

the noise and vibration really? I think ya just wanted something to do, haa haa if it ain't broke dont fix it.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

The engines were on sale too....

[@davidknibbs9646]

What are the hose size on the pump and is it a two stage pump ?