Troubleshooting - North Star M11960U.1 Owner's Manual

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Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

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

Slow ram speed when extending or retracting

Wood will not split or splits extremely slowly

Engine bogs down during splitting

Engine stalls under low load condition

Engine will not start

Cause

A - Insufficient oil to pump

B - Air in oil

C - Excessive pump inlet vacuum

D - Blocked hydraulic lines

E - Blocked control valve

F - Low control valve setting

G - High control valve setting

H - Damaged control valve

I - Internal control valve leak

J - Damaged cylinder piston

K - Internally damaged cylinder

L - Kill switch is in the off position

M – Problem with engine