Howdy, I have a wood splitter with a Honda GC160 motor on it. Lately, when I try to start it, the recoil sometimes pulls back so hard that it snaps the pull rope or almost dislocates my shoulder. The splitter manufacturer (Northstar) says it is an engine problem, not a hydrolic valve issue. Any thoughts on what could be causing this problem? new member John S.w/ answer. Your keyway has been sheared & now motor out of time. Keyway goes into groove in crankshaft and flywheel fits over protruding keyway. Flywheel has a slot on tapered inner surface which when intact keeps flywheel in direct relation to crank, and in time.