JJ, thanks for the quick reply.
I bought it from a high school friend about 4 or 5 years ago and it has worked well except for the hydraulic leak in the valve. It seemed to be getting worse so I wanted to fix it.
I checked all over for a new one and could not find a directional control that had the same in and out size threaded ports. So I had a local hydraulics shop rebuild it. It was leaking hydraulic fluid, especially when it hit the end of the plunge going either way. All they should have had to do was to replace the rubber O-Rings. I would have done it myself but I don't know where top buy them.
Where is the relief located, at the opposite end from the operating handle? If so, I can get in and adjust things and see what happens. I am also going to replace one of the hoses. It has a 5/8 inch heater hose on it. I never noticed it before. It is the hose from the reservoir to the pump. All the others appear to be hydraulic type hoses. I'll also replace the in line filter from the pump to the input of the valve tomorrow.
FYI, I loosened up a half turn on the high pressure connections on each end of the piston housing to see if there was any air in the system. It had a little fluid come out until it reached the ends. then quite a bit, but no air. I tightened them back up after i checked each one so it would not draw air as it travelled in the opposite direction.
I'm guessing the pressure is OK as it is splitting logs with no problem, just moving as slow as I do now. <grin>
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Tim