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Troubleshooting
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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 the 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 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 the log splitter to cool completely before removing the hydraulic oil fill cap.
• Do not adjust the pressure setting to the pump or valve.
• Do not check for leaks with your hands. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood (at
least 2 feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other end 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 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 will
injection injuries.
Problem
Wedge will not move Solution: A,D,E,H,J
Slow wedge speed when extending or retracting Solution: A,B,C,H,I,K
Wood will not split or splits extremely slow Solution: A,B,C,F,I,K
Engine bogs down during splitting Solution: G
Engine stalls under low load condition Solution: D,E
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
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call Northstar Customer Service 1-800-270-0810