Operating instructions

20 DR
®
RAPIDFIRE™ LOG SPLITTER
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Most problems are easy to fix. Consult the Troubleshooting Table below for common problems and their solutions. If you
continue to experience problems, contact us at www.DRpower.com or call toll-free 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) for support.
Troubleshooting Table
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
The engine won’t start.
(Please refer to the
engine owner’s 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.
 If your engine still won’t start, contact us at www.DRpower.com for assistance.
The engine lacks power
or is not running
smoothly.
(Please refer to the
engine owner’s 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.
 If your engine still lacks power, contact us at www.DRpower.com for assistance.
Engine smokes.
(Please refer to the
engine owner’s 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.
 If the engine still smokes, contact us at www.DRpower.com for assistance.
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.
Before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection, stop the engine, wait five (5) minutes to allow all parts to cool.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, keeping it away from the spark plug.