Wood splitter sputters and turns off when warm

[newatthis]

Hi, I bought a used Performance Built 27 ton splitter, sold by Lowes. It has been working well for the last few months, but more recently, it will start up fine when cold and run awhile, then starts to sputter and goes out. I've tried turning the speed up (rabbit) and it actually seems to sputter more. Tried playing with the choke too. What could be the problem? Briggs and Stratton engine.

 

[johneh]

The list is endless with your description
Water in the fuel
Spark Plug
Plug wire
Coil assy
engine timing
Dirty carb
If it were me I would check for water in the fuel tank
check the spark plug (not expensive so replace it)
Clean the Carb and air filter maybe just the filter is dirty
Others will chime in

 

[ClintonH]

Low oil sensor? Check level to confirm the churned up oil doesn't cause the crank case level to be too low for the sensor.

 

[Jags]

Not sure if that engine is complicated enough to have a low oil sensor or not, but I would check oil level first. If it restarts after it sits for a bit my next guess would be fuel delivery. After that I would check if the coil is failing when it gets hot.

 

[Pinesmoke]

Try cracking loose the gas cap. I've had the vent clog up and after running for a while there is a vacuum pulled on the tank and won't get gas.

 

[stoveliker]

^^That

 

[salecker]

get some Seafoam for the gas and run a heavy dose through it