Another simple Hydraulic ?

Hydraulics for dummies, well I think I've understood the basics since our first tractor, and using the remotes for one implement, mower conditioner, way back when, however, I am really curious as to how the detent in a log splitter valve actually works, seems it builds up pressure and at some point kicks out the lever. How does that work or what is the basic principle ?

Reason I ask is mine kind of delays too long (after the rod is fully retracted) or I think it does and really slams home, not sure if this spike would shorten the high pressure hose life, the small pump or connection between the motor and pump, someone had mentioned one of those letting loose and flying parts, seems these valves should be able to be set to release a little sooner, instead of building up so much pressure, then slams home, with the effect like w water line at a 45 or 90 where you need a thrust block to absorb it. I tap the lever most times before the rod is fully retracted to avoid it.

Was just wondering about how these valves work and or if something can be adjusted or its just normal, let 'er rip, (even though it just does not seem like it should delay and slam home like this one does)

does your valve have an adjustment screw behind the valve. some valves have an adjustment to take pressure off of the spring in the valve. that lets the spool return sooner.

Billy,
It's usually a small spring with a ball that pushes against the spool valve and this is called a detent. Just like on the shift rails in a manual transmission. Not sure if they are adjustable on a log splitter valve or not.

You may not be running enough pressure to over come the detent. I'm not sure but you may try disconnecting your spool from the lever and rotate the spool 180 degrees and reconnect the lever and see if the detent works. The spot on the spool may be worn. Just one thought.

The spool has a spring loaded detent that you lock in the trturn position. when the cylinder hits the end of stroke the pressure spikes, and oil is ported to a gland in the spool which acts like a mini hyd cyl and pushes the spool back to nutral and oil then flows freely back to sump in an open center system. It sounds like you need to remove the cap on the end of the spool and lube the detent balls.
Loren, the Acg.

LOL, now heres where my intelligence lacks, ... what exactly is the "spool" ? I've heard the term used for years, but I have never been inside a loader bucket valve like with the 2 levers on my old wagner. I understand, pressure is one one side, you move the lever in either direction, it allows the fluid under pressure to the cylinder which forces the rod out or retracts if 2 way.

Manual trans is another one I sort of understand the principles of, but even like on the 5 speed in the 800 Ford, I know those detent balls can get worn and is a simple fix on some to keep them from slipping out of gear.

2 things I need to learn more on, what the heck, a person can't know it all, though some think they do, I'll shamefully admit, I lack knowledge on both of these things, and have been around each most of my life LOL !!! Only thing I have that does not have a manual trans is my car and that was only up to 3 years ago !

Will take a closer look at the valve and see, not sure if it does have that.

On a safety note, though appearing inept on this LOL, I do know enough not to fool with this and or lines under pressure, and know a thin little high pressure oil stream can cause serious injury.

Really, I think I can visualize this, appears to be such a cap opposite the lever, other side of valve, I had thought this was another port to use or what have you, though my previous post will confirm my lack of knowledge, LOL.

Open center, lever can move in 2 directions, and allow pressure each side, neutral being in the center and for discussion purposes, fluid is then cut off, until the lever is moved in either direction.

So it would seem the 2 spool valve on my old loader would be open center, having 2 way cylinders. I have to laugh, these questions are coming from someone who has been around and experience with quite a bit of equipment since a kid, some things we know, others we still have to learn LOL !

the spool is the actual "valve" so to speak, it's the polished rod hooked to the lever that is the deverter for the fluid.....clear as mud now...LOL

Billy,

The spool is the item that the lever moves internally to direct the flow of oil to the desired location.

If you were to pull the spool out it is a round rod that has grooves cut in it to allow oil passage. It looks like an old thread spool you may have seen on your mother's sewing machine. Thus this is how it got the name spool valve. If I find a picture I'll post it.

Billy you asked what the spool was in the valve. Here is a goodle images on spool valves.
Images

Billy here is a better picture of the spool. It's the part that has the numbers on it.
Better Picture of a spool vavle, the part with numbers is the spool..

Billy
A picture is worth a 1000 words. Spools are part keys #21 and detents are part keys #13 on this particular valve.

John
You & I tied on posting photo. You can have the trophy.

One more picture. This is the last one. Sorry for all my responses.
Good Picture of a Spool

I knew it had to have something to do with sewing, I really appreciate what you and any others have posted, I'm sure I could have looked some of this up, good fodder for YT, so why not let the rest over here benefit too from the discussion LOL !

But, simply put, totally got it now, mud has settled and "I can see clearly now..." LOL !

That came up in a search ?, hope like heck you didn't have to spend any time collecting all that !

Will definitely take a look at a bunch of those diagrams, I've never had the chance to take one of these apart, I have rebuilt joystick controls, but never been in the valve on those either.

Very true, that explains it, the above post with so many different types, thanks for posting that !