Splitter Won't "Split"

[avc8130]

I recently got an older MTD "Split-it" from a buddy that was sitting outside for many years.

I put a new air filter and spark plug in the motor, as well as fresh oil and the old Briggs fires right up and purrs like a kitten.

I went to split a piece of wood and the ram extended until it touched the log and just stopped.

I checked the hydraulic fluid, and it was milky as anything. I'm sure the splitter lived outside uncovered for atleast 5 years. The vented cap on the back is damaged so I am positive the water just went right in when it rained. The gasket that holds the end cover on creating the hydraulic reservoir is destroyed also.

Would this be enough to cause my problem? I don't mind ordering up the replacement gasket and cap, but I don't want to invest in 3 gallons of ATF to fill it if the pump is "bad" as MTD lists the pump as $700!

ac

 

[gzecc]

Not sure. I would change out the fluid first.

 

[avc8130]

I "made" a replacement gasket from some old bike inner tube.

I also noticed the return "detent" doesn't automatically pop back into neutral when the ram retracts...

I am on the hunt for 3 gallons of affordable ATF...

ac

 

[greg13]

Do a pressure check after you change the oil, it may be that the relief valve is stuck. The pump may also be damaged. Also check the drive coupler & keyway.
Check around for pump & valve prices, $700 sounds high to me.

 

[Woodsrover]

Use tractor fluid. Cheaper the ATF and more to the purpose.

My bet is a stuck relief valve as well. Could be a rusty pump too. There is tight tolerances there.

If you're looking for parts, don't forget about Surplus Supply. They're about the cheapest I've found.

 

[avc8130]

Use tractor fluid. Cheaper the ATF and more to the purpose.

My bet is a stuck relief valve as well. Could be a rusty pump too. There is tight tolerances there.

If you're looking for parts, don't forget about Surplus Supply. They're about the cheapest I've found.

I was thinking tractor fluid from TSC would be good. I assume the cheapy stuff, $30 for 5 gallons.

I know the price for the pump from MTD is clearly ridiculous.

Where do I find this relief valve? I assume in the valve assembly somewhere.

ac

 

[Woodsrover]

Yes, that universal tractor fluid will be fine.

The relief valve is in the valve. Nothing more than a spring and a ball. If there was water throughout the system perhaps the spring rusted. Easy to take apart and check. The valves can be had pretty cheaply if needed. Speaking of TSC, they should have one.

 

[triptester]

Pumps go for $110- 150 depending on whether it is a 11 or 16 gpm pump. All 2-stage pumps in this range are standard mount. A new valve runs $60-90 and are also interchangable.

 

[basod]

TSC will have everything for a splitter, but can be found cheaper online.

You'll want to get all the old fluid out of the system which will probably require draining/cycling and re-draining the system.
I'm guessing the ram will extend and fully retract without a piece of wood - if not may just be low on fluid in which case the fluid will be frothy from pump cavitation.

 

[maple1]

if not may just be low on fluid in which case the fluid will be frothy from pump cavitation.

That happened to me on Sunday. I had one wheel higher than I thought above the other, and it sucked air when I started it up. This reddish pinkish foamy stuff started oozing out the fill pipe, caught me all off guard.