Log Splitter problem

[muddstopper]

That is correct, some of the pumps wont shift to high pressure until 600psi, but it all depends on where they are set. If your cylinder is bad, it could be bypassing enough to prevent high pressure build up, but it would have to be bypassing pretty bad. To be sure, unhook a hose from the cylinder and cap it off and then try deadheading the pump. If it still wont develop more than 900psi, and the relief is adjusted all the way to max pressure, then you can start looking for a pump. If after testing by capping the hose, your machine does make max pressure, its time for a cyl rebuild.

 

[wdchyd]

I am going to the dealer in the morning and try to find out how they tested the pump. The last thing I want to do is buy a pump and find that the cylinder needs seals.

:thumbsup:

CJbota, I run a hyd repair business and we see all the time DIY guys that change valves, then new pumps only to realize they have the same trouble......a simple pump flow test with 1/2 hr of labor to hook up will tell the whole story whether or not the pump is working right

Lots of people fall into the trap of "there's nothing wrong with the cyl cuz it ain't leaking.....Right?"

If you split lots of wood the cyl seals will be a wear and tear item over time, then DIY and have extra seal kit hand

The 2-stage pump has two separate gear sets pumping oil.....when under low pressure both gear sets are pumping to give you fast speed.....when pressure builds the larger gear sets oil gets diverted back to tank to allow the smaller gear set to achieve the 2500psi without stalling the engine......usually if the pump is bad the pump shifts to high pressure the flow drops to 0 gpm (cyl goes into a stall)

"IF" the pump is good, with flow meter installed inline the the second stage (smaller gear set) will climb to 2500psi while showing flow on the way up(in gpm) ...if the pump has a built-in relief valve the flow will drop to zero at the max pressure only....all this possible with the proper flow meter, the pressure guage only is not enough

 

[wdchyd]

That is correct, some of the pumps wont shift to high pressure until 600psi, but it all depends on where they are set. If your cylinder is bad, it could be bypassing enough to prevent high pressure build up, but it would have to be bypassing pretty bad. To be sure, unhook a hose from the cylinder and cap it off and then try deadheading the pump. If it still wont develop more than 900psi, and the relief is adjusted all the way to max pressure, then you can start looking for a pump. If after testing by capping the hose, your machine does make max pressure, its time for a cyl rebuild.

:thumbsup:

 

[CJBOTA]

Well I just got back from the dealer. They pretty much said they didn't know what they were doing. They qualified the statement by saying the guy that normally works on log splitters is on vacation. They had a gage in the pressure line right at the pump. I told them that would not work. I told them to cap one of the lines going into the cylinder and see if the pump will build pressure. The guy said that would probably work but said they had a different plan. They were going to connect my cylinder to a new log splitter's power unit. To me that is the hard way to test it but it will probably work. Atleast they admitted they didn't know what they were doing. I expect to hear from them this afternoon. I think either way I am going to pick up my splitter and finish the job myself. It hard to believe they sell log splitters but don't know how they work.

 

[CJBOTA]

The dealer called just after I made the last post. They tried both tests and said the cylinder is fine. The new power unit ran my cylinder at 2500 psi and the handle retracted as it should. I think I am going to pick up my splitter and buy a pump and mount it myself. They said Troybuilt no longer sells just the pump, you have to buy a kit which includes a pump. Apparently the new pump doesn't mount up the same. The kit is $983. I told them no way would I spend $983. I will take my chances with a unit from Hyd. surplus or northern hydraulics.

 

[Redneck in training]

I would take the old pump appart first and see what might be wrong with it. It might be something simple to fix. If it is worn out then disassembling it doesn't hurt anything.

 

[wdchyd]

I would take the old pump appart first and see what might be wrong with it. It might be something simple to fix. If it is worn out then disassembling it doesn't hurt anything.

those pumps are not made to be taken apart and rebuilt......the clearances are so small you wouldn't be able to see wear anyways....you might see something broke but either way you end up replacing the pump with new if you go down that road

 

[wdchyd]

...... It hard to believe they sell log splitters but don't know how they work.

Believe it.....that happens more often than you think.....there's more money in selling new ones than repairing old ones....$$$$$$

 

[muddstopper]

Believe it.....that happens more often than you think.....there's more money in selling new ones than repairing old ones....$$$$$$

Not at $900 for a pump kit. It would seem there is pretty good money selling parts.

 

[wdchyd]

Not at $900 for a pump kit. It would seem there is pretty good money selling parts.

Many mfg's like to spike the parts on equipment to keep up their bottom-line instead of an overall increase in new equipment also......they must figure they'll get more money either way......

Unless someone smart like CJBOTA figures out their angle......:cool2:

 

[CJBOTA]

So far the only smart thing I have done is ask for help on TBN. I picked up my splitter today and ordered a new pump from northern hydraulics. They charged me $50 for teaching them how to check the pump. The pump should be here in a couple days. I will start taking things apart tomorrow. I have decided to drain the tank and give the new pump some fresh hydraulic oil. What should I use to flush the tank out with? Can I use diesel fuel? I am pretty sure I will run into some differences between the two pumps. I'll keep you all updated on my progress. Thanks!
CJ

 

[wdchyd]

Glad to hear CJ.....Kero works better for cleaning/rinsing but diesel will work too.....get a clean rag in there if you can

 

[BigEddy]

Given what I've read I would be adjusting the detent pressure on the valve down a tad and continuing to use it. Some valves don't have adjustable detent pressure but others do.

If the splitter splits normally otherwise I wouldn't worry about a few psi less overall.

Just adjust the detent pressure so it kicks off at a lower pressure.

I'd only swap out the pump if the cylinder is slower than usual or if it can't split logs it used to be able to.

 

[CJBOTA]

I finally installed the new pump I bought from northern hydraulics. I had to buy a new coupling half because the new pump shaft diameter was 1/2" and the old pump was 7/16".
Anyway, it only took a few minutes to mount the new pump and it runs great. The best part is I saved several hundred dollars by doing it myself and not buying the pump from the dealer. I only split a couple pieces of wood but I plan on running it for several hours tomorrow I hope I'm not celebrating prematurely. I will know more about the performance after tomorrow. Again I want to thank everyone on the site for all the help and encouragement. TBN has been one of my favorite sites for years. I think it is great the way people help each other on this site. Thanks!
CJ