Cariboo4x4
Member
I bought a brand new haldex 2 stage woodsplitter pump for my 8 hp briggs & stratton engine in summer 2013. It worked great until this fall. Lately its not building up the pressure it used to. I know hydraulic systems can retain water and for my set-up the pump is at the lowest point. Is it possible it may have been damaged by water collecting in pump over off season? It works well enough for now so thinking rebuilding or dismantling\inspecting pump next week. What I notice is when splitting a piece that normally would be easy, engine bogs down and relief pressure is allowed. My other suspicion is seals\packing in cylinder may be worn and fluid leaking past. I switched to universal tractor fluid this past spring so maybe I need to use a numbered hydraulic oil. I'll buy a gauge (0-3000psi?) and check pressure first. Ideas?