Log splitter control valve - sticking

General Lee · Nov 8, 2015

I noticed the control valve on my iron oak splitter is sticking on the auto return. So basically when you're finished the splitting stroke and you return the ram its supposed to release the control level at the end of the return stroke. Instead its holding causing the relief valve to engage. A quick tap of the lever releases it but what is causing it to stick? Its only 2 years old.

Scooby074 · Nov 8, 2015

Is it an Autocycle valve? If so it could need tweeking on the detents kickout pressure. I have to do mine every so often.

It could be dirt too. If its not a AC valve (or an ac valve after adjustment), dirt would be my first suspect.

Leejohn · Nov 9, 2015

The detents are adjustable on most log splitter valves. Who is the mfg.of the valve? If you got a manual with the splitter it should tell you in there how to adjust.

General Lee · Nov 9, 2015

It may be a prince valve. The dealer had to replace it when new because the original one leaked. I don't recall getting a manual for the valve. Can anyone point me in the right direction for adjustment?

I believe it is an auto cycle valve. The ram returns with one flick back of the lever and is supposed to return to neutral

Ed of all trades · Nov 9, 2015

The first thing I would do is clean the valve rod where it exits the body with carb cleaner. just spray it good as you work it back and forth and see if that helps. That is what we used when I was a BobCat mec. Ed

triptester · Nov 9, 2015

Here is info for the Prince LS 3000 log splitter valve.
http://www.princehyd.com/Portals/0/valves/LS3000InstS.pdf

Note, if the splitter is a H/V model it should not be stored outside in the vertical position allowing moisture to collect on the rear of the valve.

General Lee · Nov 9, 2015

triptester said:
Here is info for the Prince LS 3000 log splitter valve.
http://www.princehyd.com/Portals/0/valves/LS3000InstS.pdf

Note, if the splitter is a H/V model it should not be stored outside in the vertical position allowing moisture to collect on the rear of the valve.

Ahh, I have been storing it in the vertical position. So, do I have another issue now instead of maybe a simple adjustment of the detent pressure?

triptester · Nov 9, 2015

If moisture got into the back of the valve ome rust or corrosion could form. None of the different brands of splitter valves have a water tight cover on the detent some even have a visible vent groove in the cover.