Leaking hydraulics on wood splitter

[richardbro]

I have a Wallenstien type model wood splitter that is fairly new. It is the type with oil stored in the body cavity that also acts as the body part that holds the wheels. The outlet from this axel/body/reservoir is connected to the oil filter, which leads off to other hydraulics on the splitter.

Seems that the connection between the body and the oil filter housing/cap is leaking - the oil filter cap screws into the body and the filter screws into the cap. The filter cap is loose and it really looks like the cap just needs another turn or two to get it snug into the body. Also, there doesn't seem to be any tape on the thread on this connection.

Unfortunately, due to the geometry of the body and nearby components I would need to unscrew the filter from the cap and also disconnect the inlet piping in order to turn the cap.

Being hydraulicaly-challenged, but gravity-wise, I can guess that the oil will gush out as I unscrew the oil filter from the cap so I will need to get a container there to catch it.

I have 2 questions:
1. once I've re-connected everything after making sure the leaky connection has been tighten do I need to prime the hoses that have been emptyed or can I just run the thing and expect the pump to do the job?

2. Can I re-use the existing oil? The splitter has been used for less than 20 face-cords so I don't think its been worked that hard...

 

[kennyd]

1. The system is self-purging, just operate the valve several time in both directions.

2. Sure, if its clean...go for it.

Also note that it's generally bad to use Teflon tape in hydraulic systems, little bits of it can get into the spool and relief valve and mess things up. A PTFE paste is preffered-not pipe dope from Home Cheapot/Lowe's.