Log splitter Problem

   / Log splitter Problem #1  
M

Maytea

New member
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
13
Location
Michigan
Tractor
International 2444
I have a log splitter that I have owned for 15 years.

The cylinder packing went out, which I figured out by testing if fluid was bypassing the packing
Cylinder has since been professional rebuild and confirmed to be a packing issue

Before finding out packing was the cause of the pump pressure not building pressure, I went ahead and bought a new 2 stage haldex pump and a new prince control valve with relieve. Also have all new oil and filter so this is a full system rebuild

Was expecting everything to run perfect when I put back together, but this was not the case.

Without loading the cylinder I am looping fluid at 0 psi. This part is good

When I engage the control valve in either dirrection, pressure immediately jumps up to the relieve pressure of valve. I have a gauge in line before control valve

The flow at this pressure is 1/4 of the pump output so ram barely moves in either dirrection.

The haldex 2 stage pumps have an adjustment to change pressure the the lop pressure side drops out, but I don't think this is issue. If I am building pressure that quickly, is this an issue with breakin of the new cylinder packing?

Looking for suggestions, before I tear down and put old pump back in.

The pump size is same as before just a new brand.
 
   / Log splitter Problem #2  
Make sure the pump pressure line is to the in port of the valve. Before I would change pumps I would change the valve.
 
   / Log splitter Problem #3  
When you shift the valve do either or both hoses to the cylinder get stiff or swell like they are under pressure? If you have the same size hose ends can you just loop the two work ports together and see what happens? This will point towards a valve or cylinder issue.

You would almost need the cylinder weed together to cause the pressure to go over the relief so doubt that the seals are the problem but it is possible something is binding that much.

Not fan of just swapping parts and hoping something works.
 
   / Log splitter Problem
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Made some progress, but still do not have a working log splitter.

I talked to northern

Everything is plumed right

Took the cylinder out of equation by looping the A and B ports together.

As soon as I move lever in either dirrection it pegs the pressure at the spool valve relief pressure.

This means pump is unloading immediately like there is a restriction somewhere in the A port to B port loop.

To test if pump was ok (unloading correctly), ran the port back into the cylinder.

As the line/cylinder was filling with fluid the pressure stayed below the unloading pressure for about 5 seconds. Then in mid stroke (without any additional restriction) it unloaded and pressure jumped to spool valve relief. and ram slowed down

I will call northern Monday, but I believe this isolates the issue to spool valve.

Without running through A or B port, I have 0 pressure looping through system

As soon as I go to A port (or B) without fluid being looped to B port (or A) I am below the unloading pressure.

As soon as I push fluid out one port then back to the other, I am spiking the pressure immediately above the unloading point to the spool valve relief point.

I also swapped out the two stage pump back to original and confirmed same problem.

Anyone know why a new prince LS3000 spool valve would act this way?

This is a pretty common valve for log splinters.

By way pressure release detent and relief valve are working correctly.

Cylinder will move with 50 psi of air. This test is why the cylinder took time to fill resulting in 5 sec delay to unload.

thanks
 
   / Log splitter Problem #5  
A restriction in the return circuit when the spool is not centered?
 
   / Log splitter Problem #6  
Just on an off chance, there's no power beyond plug in the valve is there?..................Mike
 
   / Log splitter Problem
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Where would be a good place to look for restriction in valve.

I check northern and it looks like the only other option for this valve is a dual detent release.

Mike not sure what you mean by no power beyond plug in valve.

Restriction must be in valve as no restriction between valve and tank in neutral position
 
   / Log splitter Problem #8  
Maytea said:
Where would be a good place to look for restriction in valve.

I check northern and it looks like the only other option for this valve is a dual detent release.

Mike not sure what you mean by no power beyond plug in valve.

Restriction must be in valve as no restriction between valve and tank in neutral position
Click to expand...

A power beyond plug essentially gives you two outputs: one is the pump flow, if you have any other valves downstream (not needed for log splitter) and the other is the cylinder discharge to the tank. In some valves (such as the Prince I'm using for my FEL) the default is a single output, where the pump flow-when the valve is in neutral-and the cylinder discharge to tank-when the valve is moved-are shared. A PB plug splits the cylinder discharge and pump flow into two separate outputs (which is what I have added to my valve).
 
   / Log splitter Problem #9  
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   / Log splitter Problem #10  
Some pictures of the overall setup and closeups of the various components might help someone spot the problem.

I always have reservations when the advice over the phone is like this:

"I talked to northern

Everything is plumed right."

Usually you don't get their most knowledgeable people on the phone. In the end, there will be something connected wrong!

This is not meant to be sarcastic or critical. How are you certain you have the LS3000 valve? Just because that is what is says on the packaging, customers often take something out of the packaging and don't put it back in the right package. Then you come along and think you are getting the valve as identified on the packaging. Looking at the Prince web site, not Northern's, there are a number of identically looking valves with different features.

Dave M7040
 
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