Filter Placement

yomax4 · Feb 3, 2018

I read through a lot of this site and found posts about putting the hydraulic filter on the return line ( Log Splitter ) What would be the issue with putting in between the tank and pump?

oldnslo · Feb 3, 2018

You can use an inlet filter but it MUST be sized and rated for vacuum use. An incorrect filter in the inlet will cause the pump to cavitate which will destroy the pump.

yomax4 · Feb 3, 2018

Thanks for the reply. The reason i ask is that if I put a filter on my return side it self destructs under hard use. just trying to find a way to have a filter. The splitter ( 12 years ago ) had no filter. It's a North Star splitter from Northern Tool and I modified it and installed a lift. So I have the lift valve 1st and then the splitter valve. If i get into a tough piece of wood and hold it for a few seconds it blows the filter. Crap.

oldnslo · Feb 3, 2018

Possible the sudden decompression flow is causing the filter to fail you may need a larger return line filter and make sure the line from the filter to the tank is as large and short as possible.

Decompression is when the cylinder builds to high pressure and then the piece suddenly splits. This sends a sudden flow surge to tank. Not a common problem but it does happen