Log Splitter Filter Rips

[J_J]

10 micron will be the same on all filter brands. They always seem to have these n stock.

A filter with a gauge on it is ideal.

If it gets clogged, the gauge will tell you when to replace..

It should not slow anything down. If it starts to clog up, there will be some back pressure.

 

[triptester]

The by-pass valve failure is not limited to the Cross brand it can happen in any filter head. Cold weather and not letting the hydraulic fluid warm up puts stress on this moving part. When the fluid is cold and thick it has trouble passing through the filter cartridge this repeated slamming open of the by-pass leads to eventual failure.

 

[yomax4]

The by-pass valve failure is not limited to the Cross brand it can happen in any filter head. Cold weather and not letting the hydraulic fluid warm up puts stress on this moving part. When the fluid is cold and thick it has trouble passing through the filter cartridge this repeated slamming open of the by-pass leads to eventual failure.

Interesting. How long would you warm it up prior to splitting wet hardwoods.? I'll buy a different brand filter system and install it. Cross told me that what I described could not happen and they would not elaborate. Thanks Gents..

 

[triptester]

The warm up time depends on the outside temperature and the viscosity of the fluid. Hydraulic fluid comes in 3 viscosity 32,46,and 68. The 68 fluid can be as thick as honey below 32 degrees. The optimum operating temperature for most hydraulic fluids is 130 degrees, the same temperature that is recommended for domestic hot water. Most splitters never reach that temperature. In below freezing temps ATF fluid is often used.

 

[yomax4]

I use the universal fluid so I can use it in my tractor too. Not sure of viscosity but will note that. I ordered another filter and mount and will try this again although a little gun shy after the last round of fluid showers. I see on my old mount that there are 1/8 pipe plugs that could be removed and a gauge installed. I think ill do that so I know what the pressure is. How high of pressure gauge should I put on? 0-60# ?

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Just guessing here but I would think you'd want a gauge closer to 0-600 on the return line, maybe higher. On the pressure side you'd want up to 3000# guage

 

[oldnslo]

I see on my old mount that there are 1/8 pipe plugs that could be removed and a gauge installed. I think ill do that so I know what the pressure is. How high of pressure gauge should I put on? 0-60# ?

Most spin-on filters are only rated to around 100 PSI and the by-pass valve is tpical in the 25 - 30 PSI range. A gauge that reads 60 PSI should be adequate but 100 - 150 should ensure you won't damage the gauge.

What size is the line from the filter going into the reservoir?

 

[rswyan]

I went with 0 - 300 on the return side, and 0 - 3000 on the pressure side on mine.

 

[J_J]

Just guessing here but I would think you'd want a gauge closer to 0-600 on the return line, maybe higher. On the pressure side you'd want up to 3000# guage

Return line pressure should never be more than about 100 psi.

Any pressure in the return line takes away from the developed pressure.

Your hyd components develop a pressure and then have to work against the return line pressure.

 

[triptester]

Here is a link for Cross filters.

Filter Assembly Parts - Cross Mfg.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Return line pressure should never be more than about 100 psi.

Any pressure in the return line takes away from the developed pressure.

Your hyd components develop a pressure and then have to work against the return line pressure.

Thanks for the clarification

 

[yomax4]

Most spin-on filters are only rated to around 100 PSI and the by-pass valve is tpical in the 25 - 30 PSI range. A gauge that reads 60 PSI should be adequate but 100 - 150 should ensure you won't damage the gauge.

What size is the line from the filter going into the reservoir?

3/4 pipe from spool valve to filter and 3/4 pipe out of filter hooked to a 1" ID hose that hooks to the lower part of the tank. I'm thinking of moving the filter down and hooking it to the tank. that would give me more distance from the valve to the filter. ? I thought I knew nearly everything until I got mix'd up with hydraulics.

 

[yomax4]

I thought I would update my filter situation and cover a few things that you all mentioned. It's pretty clear now. What happened was that the pulsating back and forth while trying to crack open wet wood with a partially plugged or ready to be changed filter, Ruined the filter 1st then the bypass valve and the bypass components plugged the return line causing the filter to either blow the gasket or split open. The filter head was a Cross brand and the return mechanism is considerably lighter duty than the new head I bought from Northern Tool. Also I didn't know that I should have a gauge on the head to tell when the filter was getting to the end of it's life. New components installed and all seems well. One last question. Is there a problem installing the filter upside down or horizontal? Thanks for all the help.