Leaky Log Splitter

Got a 20 year old log splitter that's starting to leak hydraulic fluid [not from the ram end but the back end of the cylinder] Ran it for a couple of hours the other day and I guess I would estimate maybe an ounce of fluid leaked out. I don't feel comfortable tearing it apart myself [if ever, the little bit of fluid that it now leaks isn't too troublesome yet] For those of you who have had the cylinder rebuilt what is a ball park figure to have the seals replaced?

 

How long has it sat? Might have dried out and once worked, may seal/heal itself.

 

It's been leaking [though not as bad] for a year or so now. This was the first time I used it this year. I just changed the hydraulic fluid too.

 

We have a local hydraulic shop that does a total rebuild (Parts and Labor) for around $175. You can get a rebuild kit from $25 to about $50 depending on the cylinder. Do you know what kind it is?

 

Yeah, it's a Northern Tool Northstar 20 ton.

 

Isn't that a welded cylinder? If it's leaking from the non ram end, where exactly is the leak? Pic would help. The only things I can think of is the oring at the adapter or its leaking through the weld! Picture please.


Mike in Okla

 

By the lower nut. You can’t see by the pictures but there is a drop underneath it now.

 

Ok. That's a tie rod cylinder. Never seen one on a Northern tool splitter. Much easier to repair than a welded cylinder. I'd wager it is just a tube seal leaking. Very easy and inexpensive to repair. But, if it's all 20 years old I'd have all the seals replaced and it'll last for another 20. Any hydraulic repair shop should be able to do it.

 

I checked on YouTube. Looks pretty easy. $33 bucks for a seal kit. I’m going to do it. What could possibly go wrong?

 

It's not hard at all. Just take your time. Clean everything. Lubricate all seals with grease before installing. Make sure all seals are in place when you start to tighten the tie rods. Go slow, clean and methodical. I've rebuilt hundreds(thousands?)of them. If you have questions,ask. Take pictures as you take it apart. Make sure to mark where the tube and ends meet and reassemble in same orientation. Even a cave man can do it.


Mike in Okla

 

Did you try putting a hammer gun on those nuts? That would be cool if that fixed it LOL

 

Tie rod cylinder is an easy one to fix.
Might be a little messy with the oil left in it but should be a simple repair.
There is not much inside of them.
I'm sure you can handle it.

 

Like was said I'd first make sure that the nuts are tight.

 

So what you are saying is to not just tear things apart if you have loose nuts?

 

Well, if anyone knows about loose nuts, it would be Screwloose