In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

22 ton Oregon splitter

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Paul Dokken, Mar 14, 2026.

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  1. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    The last time I used my splitter was in winter and the forward and reverse lever would stick. Usually it only reverses without me pushing the lever but it was sticking in the forward position. Before I try to use it again does anyone have any suggestions? Should I spray WD-40 on the valve? I've got a lot of oak to split and it seems like a safety hazard this way.
     
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  2. Stephiedoll

    Stephiedoll

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    No solution from me, but I wonder if your oil has water in it and causing the problem. One thing I can offer, is a friend gave me a spare that I don't see me needing anytime soon so let me know if that helps.
     
  3. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    This is what mine looks like.
     

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  4. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Last edited: Mar 15, 2026
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  5. Stephiedoll

    Stephiedoll

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    Here are some pictures of the Speeco unit I have. Probably easier to repair yours's but let me know. 20260316_053807.jpg 20260316_053815.jpg 20260316_053824.jpg 20260316_053838.jpg 20260316_053857.jpg
     
  6. RCBS

    RCBS

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    You can pull the rod out and spin it 180 degrees to get out of the worn grooves for the detents. Unknown if that will fix the stuck forwards but will allow cleanup at least. I did this once on my last splitter and got some more time out of it.
     
  7. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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  8. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    Good idea. I will try this.
     
  9. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    Lots of good ideas to try. I will post what the fix is when I get time to try these.
     
  10. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    I bought an O-ring rebuild kit. I am wondering if the ball bearings every wear out. I took the cover off and it looked the big ball in the middle was still in place. There was some dirty oil all over the assembly so I am guessing the o-rings are the culprit.
     
  11. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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  12. Stephiedoll

    Stephiedoll

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    Shoot me a PM with address and I will see about getting it sent out. We can settle up later if it works for you.
     
  13. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    I was able to use parts from another valve (thanks Stephiedoll !). It seems to work fine except it won't put any pressure on the wood I am trying to split. Could it be air in line? Any ideas? Here is a video of it operating
     

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  14. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    And it was fine before?
    That sounds like the relief is set too low now...but that's on the pump, and you didn't mess with that, did you?
    It almost has to be that, or the cylinder is bypassing internally (piston seals) either way, weird if it just started after working on the valve...the only adjustment in there is the detent relief pressure as far as I know...
     
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  15. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

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    Wd40 dries to a film and is not a lubricant. It is a rust preventer.
     
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  16. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    It worked fine before I worked on the valve and the detent seems to work fine. Any other suggestions on what to check?
     
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  17. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Well, the way to see if the cylinder is bypassing is to put a piece of wood in it, run the wedge up tight against it, unhook the return line from the cylinder (front line when pushing) then try to split the wood...see if oil comes out the front port without the cylinder extending...if it does, then the piston seals are bypassing...but I don't see how that could suddenly happen right after working on the valve detent, when it was fine before?!
    I suppose the pump coupling keyway could have sheared...maybe when the detent stuck? That'd be a bit of a freak coincidence if it did though...
     
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  18. Paul Dokken

    Paul Dokken

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    I figured it out. I had one of the o-rings in the wrong position.
     
  19. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

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    That would do it…
     
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