woos splitter problem....help needed

[woodlot]

Guys, my wood splitter is giving me fits. Its 3 years old and has worked flawlessly up till now. I split 10-12 cords per year with it. I use it heavy for 3 weeks each fall, then only intermitant light use the rest of the year. The problem I'm having is a bogging of the engine while splitting. The splitter is the typical off the shelf model, I bought it at Nothern Tool. It has a two stage pump and a 5hp Honda engine. Even though the enging bogs I don't think the engine is the problem. I think its something with the hydrulic system that is putting too much of a strain/load on the engine; almost like the pump is never hitting the second stage. I don't know jack about hyraulics ( I don't even know how to spell it correctly ). I am however mechanically inclined so I think I can fix it with the correct advice. Thanks!

 

[knute_m]

First, I'd check the fluid level and the fluid consistency. It should be real clean. Then I think I'd start with a new hydraulic filter, and probably new fluid. In your climate, I wouldn't doubt that you could easily have gotten condensation in the fluid that is now clogging the filter. Other small particles could be clogging your filter too, especially if you've never changed the fluid and filter since you bought it.

I've never had a problem with mine, but mine has about a 1/8-inch breather hole on the fluid reservoir that lets air in and out. When full, my reservior still has about a 2-inch, by 8-inch, by 48-inch air space, which I've always thought was trouble waiting to happen with condensation.

Keep warm,
Knute

 

[dubba]

Please excuse my general terms because while I have fixed my pump, I know not the names of the pieces...

The pop valve that shuts off the high flow section of the pump is sticking causing the motor to stall. You can try changing the fluid & filter to see if the additives in the new oil will unsludge the pop valve or just take it apart & clean it. there is no rocket science to hydraulic pumps. Mark the case halfs with a chisel to help remember which way it goes back together

 

[woodlot]

Thanks for the replies. The unit has no filter, unless its somehow within the reservior. I have seen units with the filter housing and spin-on filter, I don't have that. I have never changed the fluid, so I guess I'll begin with that. I can see the fluid in the suction hose (its clear reinforced flex-plastic tubing). When the unit is not running the fluid appears clear and amber colored just like new. Then the unit is running and the pump is going the fluid appears milky, almost like micro air bubbles are in it when running, then those air bubbles dissapate after sitting a spell.

Duppa - what you wrote is interesting. Is that pop-valve within the pump? I don't have a manual for the pump itsself so I'd be going into a job like that blind. If its as simple as opening up the pump, cleaning, then reaasemble I think I could do that. Just to clarify though, my motor does not stall, it bogs down and continues to run.

Keep the advice comming - thanks!

 

[woodlot]

Ok, now a guy at work suggested that I purge the unit of air. I can't figure out how to do that......anyone..........

 

[tawilson]

He's messing with you. Cycle the cylinder a couple of times and the air is gone.

 

[dubba]

Mine would cause the motor to stall if you held on the handle, yes the valve is internal in the pump. I'm thinking you need new fluid to start with. Sounds like your getting foaming in the system. Hydaulic fluid has an anti-foaming additive in it. I am also suprised you have clear fluid (fancy i guess) mine just uses car grade ATF.

On disassembly & cleaning.. Most hydraulic pumps that I have taken apart have an o-ring to seal the case halfs together. Most of the time the pressure relief valve is screwed into the side or end of the pump with an allen head to adjust it or remove it.

I am of the opinion that you should have no air in the fluid, the bogging but not stalling problem is either a dirty carb or filter(if it has one) Remember a 4 stroke engine that is running lean will rev good with a minimal load but immediately bog with a load.

 

[hockeypuck]

Your high flow valve is not closing for some reason. THere are pressure pilot holes involved with the operation of this valve. It may require taking the valve spool and popet valve out and cleaning. Or just spend the 90 bucks or so on a Prince valve.

Puck

 

[Youare]

Just a wild guess.... could the governor on the engine be sticking and not picking up when the load on the engine increases??

May not be a problem with the hydraulic system. I would think if there was a piece of dirt in the pressure relief valve it would be in by-pass mode and you wouldn't get full pressure out of the pump. If it only bogs down when there is a lot of resistance while actually splitting a piece of wood and then it runs normally durning the return and advance part of the stroke then there is probably something preventing the second stage of the pump from kicking in.

Or, the governor on the engine is not working.

Randy

 

[woodlot]

Thanks for the great responses. Last night I changed the fluid and ran the splitter for about 1/2 hour. I also cleaned/ lubricated the "govener rod and linkages" (sorry if thats not the right terminology). Also, the "suction screen" (filter) located within the resiviour was clean as a wistle. None of this helped my problems . The engine rpms continue to drop when the ram is in motion. RPM's drop just slightly with no load on the ram and much more when there is a log being split.

I did notice another thing, don't know if its significant, but the pump is not holding a prime. The pump is located above the resiviour and after I shut the unit down fluid drains out of the pump down to the level of fluid in the resiviour.

here is a link to the pump I'm dealing with: Haldex Hydraulic Pump — 11 GPM, 2-Stage, Model# 1001689 | Pumps | Northern Tool + Equipment

the valve: Prince Log Splitter Detent Valve, Model# LS-3000-1 | Valves | Northern Tool + Equipment

the splitter: NorthStar Horizontal Log Splitter — 20-Ton Capacity, 5 HP | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment