Hydraulic log splitter question....

[casingbill]

My log splitter has no power. Engine is running great. The fluid somehow got loaded with water in the winter and basically froze up. I changed the fluid twice to get it working right. The piston moves back and forth, but won't split any wood. I am guessing that either the pump is bad, or the piston is bad, and bypassing the fluid. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what to check or even how to check? Thanks.

Bill

 

[tnau664]

I'm no expert, but I've been using my splitter for a couple of years now. I too had to drain the oil to remove water. If I remember correctly it takes a while to get all the air out. You can either cycle the cylinder numerous times or loosen the return line to force the air out. By not spiltting do you mean the cylinder just meets the wood and stops or does it kill the engine?

Alabama Sweetgum is a good test for a splitter.

Terry

 

[shaley]

Relief valve is probably frozen with rust. Check the directional control valve for a adjustable relief setting. The pump may have a spring loaded pop off valve.

 

[Logan]

I don't know what kind of splitter you have, but my Harbor Freight model has a vent plug on the tank that has to be loosened before you use it. Please don't think I'm insulting your inteligence, I sometimes forget it since I don't use mine often. Yours may not have a vent. It will not build pressure with the vent plug closed.

 

[casingbill]

I'm no expert, but I've been using my splitter for a couple of years now. I too had to drain the oil to remove water. If I remember correctly it takes a while to get all the air out. You can either cycle the cylinder numerous times or loosen the return line to force the air out. By not spiltting do you mean the cylinder just meets the wood and stops or does it kill the engine?

Alabama Sweetgum is a good test for a splitter.

Terry

it just meets the wood and stops splitting.....engine keeps running fine

i was also thinking air, but i've tried running it alot

i also know there is a vent on the fill cap....this is where i think the problem originated...the vent is conical shaped like a funnel with some slits in it.....i usually keep it covered with a tarp, but the tarp blew off in a storm and i didn't see it for a while

 

[tnau664]

Not sure where you stand with this Bill, however I had something happen today that you can check. My Lovejoy connection slipped and the key started letting the pump spin on the shaft. Mine's a little different since I use a vertical shaft motor, but it does give another area to check.

Terry

 

[ToadHill]

If the water that was in the fluid froze it could have destroyed the seals in the detent valve.