Wood Splitter Gave Up The Ghost

[~smokey~]

I've owned my cheapy 5 Ton Power Fist for about four years now and the problems are getting worse with each passing season, the ram stopped returning and pulling the lever again would allow it to return very slowly, now it won't return at all and it's stuck in the fully extended position, any suggestions as to what to do and where to start looking would be greatly appreciated.

[rusticretreater]

Is it fully electric or electric pump hydraulic?

[~smokey~]

It's  electric pump hydraulic

[doc henderson]

If it splits fast and with power, but does not retract, it could be the valve or leaking cylinder components.  I have seen one work but not sure of how to make the final diagnosis.  I would get a schematic and try to price parts for the valve rebuild.  does it sound like it is working hard when trying to retract? 

[doc henderson]

POWER FIST 8142606 MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib

[Big_eddy]

Basics first.
Have you checked the hydraulic oil level? If I understand the manual, you need to stand it on end and let it settle for a while to do that. When was the last time it was changed? 

If that doesn't do it, I'd be suspecting a damaged O-Ring in the control valve next. There is a parts breakdown in the manual that doc H linked to.

Third would be a leaking ram seal, but that is a distant third IMO, especially if it still splits with power.

[rusticretreater]

Looking at the schematic in the manual (pages 21,22,23), there are two areas to examine.  Either the control valve or the pump. In this case, I am certain that your problem lies with the control valve.

The schematic shows that splitter makes use of two springs that push the splitter piston to retract it. So the hydraulics really only work one direction, to push and split the log.  When the handle is moved to retract, a valve opens relieving pressure and the springs push the piston back, also pushing the hydro fluid back into the reservoir.

I would try to push the piston back to its rest position.  Standing at the end of the splitter where the wheels are, place a bar or piece of wood across the pushing pad and pull towards you.  You also have to put the handle in the retract position.  Hopefully it has a detent to hold it in that position.  This will insure there is no pressure in the system.

Drain the fluid from the splitter as shown in the manual and then you can remove the valve assembly from the unit.  If you are confident enough to disassemble the valve assembly, go for it.  I believe the pressure relief valve is no longer functioning properly.

The PrincessAuto.com website has many parts listed.  Type the model number  8142606 in the search box.  Don't use the menu or you will get listing of tons of stuff that doesn't mean anything to you.  You can also call them for help. Either buy a new assembly or parts for a full rebuild of the valve body.

[Hilltop366]

Check that the ram or guides are not bent, and the guides  are in good shape (clean, smooth, rust free) before taking any thing apart.

I think these type of splitters have a air vent that has to be opened for it to work properly, should check that it has one and is open and not restricted.

[doc henderson]

also that the springs are in good shape, and one not broken.  

[~smokey~]

If it splits fast and with power, but does not retract, it could be the valve or leaking cylinder components.  I have seen one work but not sure of how to make the final diagnosis.  I would get a schematic and try to price parts for the valve rebuild.  does it sound like it is working hard when trying to retract?

No it doesn't make any unusual noises, the ram stops dead when you let off the lever then only returns if you pull the lever again and let off, probably takes 10 or 15 seconds to return fully.

[~smokey~]

POWER FIST 8142606 MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib

Thanks for the download Doc!

[~smokey~]

Basics first.
Have you checked the hydraulic oil level? If I understand the manual, you need to stand it on end and let it settle for a while to do that. When was the last time it was changed?

If that doesn't do it, I'd be suspecting a damaged O-Ring in the control valve next. There is a parts breakdown in the manual that doc H linked to.

Third would be a leaking ram seal, but that is a distant third IMO, especially if it still splits with power.

Thanks Big eddy, I don't recall changing the oil only making sure it's topped up, I'll see what it looks like when I tear it apart.

[~smokey~]

Looking at the schematic in the manual (pages 21,22,23), there are two areas to examine.  Either the control valve or the pump. In this case, I am certain that your problem lies with the control valve.

The schematic shows that splitter makes use of two springs that push the splitter piston to retract it. So the hydraulics really only work one direction, to push and split the log.  When the handle is moved to retract, a valve opens relieving pressure and the springs push the piston back, also pushing the hydro fluid back into the reservoir.

I would try to push the piston back to its rest position.  Standing at the end of the splitter where the wheels are, place a bar or piece of wood across the pushing pad and pull towards you.  You also have to put the handle in the retract position.  Hopefully it has a detent to hold it in that position.  This will insure there is no pressure in the system.

Drain the fluid from the splitter as shown in the manual and then you can remove the valve assembly from the unit.  If you are confident enough to disassemble the valve assembly, go for it.  I believe the pressure relief valve is no longer functioning properly.

The PrincessAuto.com website has many parts listed.  Type the model number  8142606 in the search box.  Don't use the menu or you will get listing of tons of stuff that doesn't mean anything to you.  You can also call them for help. Either buy a new assembly or parts for a full rebuild of the valve body.

Thanks Rustic, I've tried pushing the ram back in but it's not budging at all, even with all that spring pressure it's stuck solid, besides a restriction in the oil returning there could be another problem if the ram has any rust on the surface, I'll post a few shots and info I found from the reviews of this splitter showing the problem.

[~smokey~]

Check that the ram or guides are not bent, and the guides  are in good shape (clean, smooth, rust free) before taking any thing apart.

I think these type of splitters have a air vent that has to be opened for it to work properly, should check that it has one and is open and not restricted.

I'll check those, this splitter does have a wingnut for the air vent, I always check it's not tight before using it.

[~smokey~]

also that the springs are in good shape, and one not broken. 

Yeah I never thought of that, I'll check the springs too.

[~smokey~]

These photos are not from my splitter but were included in a review at Princess Auto. some of these splitters don't work right out of the box, good thing I got it on sale. the following is a review sounding a lot like the issues I'm having.

"I bought this machine about four years ago and it worked well the first season (Winter). Last few seasons I didn't use it. This Winter the ram would not return. I looked at obvious things such as the ram guides and springs, then the control valve - all good. Took apart the hydraulics and found the cylinder and the tank were unbelievably dirty. There was gritty black sludge at the bottom of the tank and a layer of sludgy stuff at the top. This had to have been inside when the machine was built"

[~smokey~]

Another shot.

[rusticretreater]

Uh, made in china.

I would try to find some way to make sure there is no pressure in the hydraulics, remove the valve and see if the piston will move.

You could also drain the hydro fluid and see if it is black. 

Either way, its starting to sound like the piston on the unit is done.