QuestionQUESTION: have B&S 8HP on log splitter leaking at flywheel main seal.
mod 190432, type 6118 01, series 9411021A
upon leaking, I replaced the seal. I noticed when I did this that B&S didn't bore the hole for the seal concentric with the other parts--it was visibly NOT centered around the crank and the other bored holes. wasn't off by far, but I noticed the eccentricity. while the seal was out, I turned the engine by hand and a lot of air came out the oil drain hole that is behind the seal. this made me think the breather was not working. I re-sealed it and checked the breather. it looked OK--clean and oily. i could hear it rattle. the brown/tan disc in side it did not close completely against the tin--is it supposed to? I wiped it off and blew through it. there was some resistance. is it supposed to open up wide open like a free check valve? Any ideas would be appreciated. the engine leaks bad around the main seal.
ANSWER: Hello Mike:
The Crankcase Breather/Vent is Supposed to Close if Oil is Pushed/Pulled through the Breather and Stop the Oil from Going into the Carburetor through the Breather Tube. It May Not Seat when Oil is Not Pushing Against the Breather Disc. I Checked and there is No Recall on this Engine. Is the Engine Block Worn where the Crankshaft comes through the Block? Can you Move the Crankshaft from Side to Side by Hand? If Yes, then the Ball Bearing is Bad. Remove the Crankshaft and Replace the Bearing. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: bearings feel good, no slop.
seal bore and bearing bore may be concentric, but the outer casting doesn't LOOK concentric. Perhaps they were lazy in their work of casting but did a better job of boring the holes.
I am wondering how much crankcase pressure is normal. I was surprised at the "woosh" of air from the seal drain hole. I have not opened up the breather to look inside (bend the tabs).
when I re sealed the crank I carefully installed a new seal and used a stiff wire with a round, polished end to work the seal's lip over the step in the shaft. I could use shim stock next time to make a cone to slide the seal up. I am pretty sure I got the seal in perfectly but it leaks just as fast as before. the old seal did not look very bad--the sealing lip did NOT have bad wear or anything. I think the case pressure is too high and I am reluctant to keep re sealing it until I understand the case venting system. Could there be a plugged hole between the breather/valve area and the sump? Why so much air rushing out the oil drain hole behind the seal? why didn't this air vent out the breather? Engine runs great--I don't think there is anything catastrophic like stuck valve or anything...
AnswerHello Again Mike:
If the Crankcase Breather/Vent is Not Operating Properly, then Excessive Crankcase Pressure will Occur. It is rare for the Crankcase Breather/Vent Tube to the Carburetor to get Clogged. Usually the Crankcase Vent Sticks and Causes the Excessive Crankcase Pressure. If you are Turning the Engine when you are Getting the Air, then All is Good. The Air is from the Piston Returning Into the Crankcase and this is a Natural Occurance in All Engines. The Crankcase Vent Allows the Excess Pressure form the Piston Traveling into the Crankcase to be Vented into the Carburetor and Burnt as this Air has Oil Residue in it. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
