Troubleshooting
26
WARNING
Before troubleshooting or attempting to service, read the following safety instructions to
avoid serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut,
burns, fire or explosion, or escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid.
Important Safety Instructions:
1.
Engine off
. Always make sure the engine is off before cleaning, repairing or adjusting the splitter, except as
recommended by the manufacturer.
2.
Hydraulic safety
. High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters. Hydraulic
fluid escaping through a pin hole sized opening can burn or puncture skin, resulting in wounds that could
cause blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death. Therefore, the following
instructions should be heeded at all times when inspecting or servicing the hydraulic components of the log
splitter:
Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve
pressure before changing or adjusting hydraulic system components such as hoses, tubing, fittings or other
components.
Do not remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when the engine is running. Hot oil can escape causing severe
burns. Allow log splitter to cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill cap.
Do not adjust the pressure setting of the pump or valve
NEVER check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood (at
least two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other end over the suspected area (wear eye
protection). Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood.
If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the wound is, see a doctor at once. A typical injection
injury may be a small puncture wound that does not look serious. However, severe infection or reaction
can result if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar with
injection injuries.
Problem
Ram will not move
Solution: A,D,E,H,J
Slow ram speed when extending or retracting
Solution: A,B,C,H,I,K
Wood will not split or splits extremely slowly
Solution: A,B,C,F,I,K
Engine bogs down during splitting
Solution: G
Engine stalls under low load condition
Solution: D,E
Engine will not start
Solution: L,M
Cause
Solution
A -
Insufficient oil to pump
Check oil level in reservoir
B -
Air in oil
Check oil level in reservoir, check for leaks in the suction line
C -
Excessive pump inlet vacuum
Check pump inlet hose for blockage or kinks
D -
Blocked hydraulic lines
Flush and clean the splitter hydraulic system
E -
Blocked control valve
Flush and clean the splitter hydraulic system
F -
Low control valve setting
Adjust control valve with a pressure gauge
G -
High control valve setting
Adjust control valve with a pressure gauge
H -
Damaged control valve
Return control valve for authorized repair
I -
Internal control valve leak
Return control valve for authorized repair
J -
Damaged cylinder piston
Return cylinder for authorized repair
K -
Internally damaged cylinder
Return cylinder for authorized repair
L -
Kill switch is in the off position
Turn to the run position
M –
Problem with engine
Refer to your Engine Manual
Any Questions, Comments, Problems, or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
