Log Splitter Won't Split

avc8130 · Sep 22, 2013

I recently got a log splitter from a buddy that hadn't been used for 5+ years and sat outside. It is a 13-ton MTD "Split-it". Model number: 240-610-000.

With a new air filter and spark plug, as well as fresh oil, the Briggs fired to life and purrs like a kitten.

I threw a log on the beam and the ram extended and stopped, touching the log. That's it. That's all she wrote.

I put the valve in "retract" and it clicked into the detent. It did NOT automatically click out when the cylinder was fully retracted.

I checked the hydraulic "oil". It was MILK-Y! Clearly water had gotten in there during storage. I don't know what I was thinking not changing this from the start.

I drained the oil and am debating what to do next. I need a $6 gasket (#36 in this diagram: Diagrams).

I don't want to dump $30 worth of oil and $10 more into parts just to find out the pump or cylinder is bad.

Could the milky oil have caused my problems?

ac

J_J · Sep 22, 2013

The valve parts are probably rusty inside,

You might be able to disassemble, inspect, clean, replace bad parts.

A new log splitter valve is only about $70.

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL 25 GPM LOG SPLITTER VALVE W/AUTO DETENT

You might want to replace the return filter.

avc8130 · Sep 22, 2013

J_J said:
The valve parts are probably rusty inside,

You might be able to disassemble, inspect, clean, replace bad parts.

A new log splitter valve is only about $70.

Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL 25 GPM LOG SPLITTER VALVE W/AUTO DETENT

You might want to replace the return filter.

Return filter? Hahaha! There is NONE!

ac

J_J · Sep 22, 2013

Well, you might consider adding one.

avc8130 · Sep 22, 2013

J_J said:
Well, you might consider adding one.

Definitely! If I can get it working without too much money. This is a 2nd splitter for me so I really don't want to spend more than ~$100 getting it back online. If it costs much more than that I will just throw it on craigslist and make it someone else's trouble.

ac