April 19, 2023

Log Splitter: Why does my log splitter's hydraulic cylinder leak?

When you see your log splitter leaking hydraulic fluid, failed seals inside the log splitter's hydraulic cylinder cause hydraulic fluid leaks from around the wedge drive shaft. When this happens, the cylinder will eventually fail to build up enough hydraulic pressure to move the wedge because hydraulic fluid leaks past the shaft seals.

Replace the hydraulic cylinder when you see your log splitter leaking hydraulic fluid from the shaft seals. If replacement shaft seals are available for the hydraulic cylinder, replacing seals in the log splitter hydraulic cylinder will also prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking.

log splitter

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR LOG SPLITTER PROBLEM

JC-LS-Replace-the-log-splitter-hydraulic-cylinder

Replace the log splitter hydraulic cylinder

The log splitter's hydraulic cylinder pushes and pulls the splitting wedge to split the wood. If the hydraulic cylinder leaks hydraulic fluid from around the seals, the cylinder won't move. Replace the hydraulic cylinder if it won't move properly.

Log splitter hydraulic cylinder

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your log splitters

Choose a symptom to see related log splitter repairs.

Main cause: worn hydraulic cylinder seals…

Main cause: worn hydraulic valve seals around the actuator rod…

Main causes: broken pump coupler, clogged hydraulic fluid filter, bad hydraulic control valve, broken hydraulic pump, ba…

Main causes: leaky head gasket, damaged sump gasket, leaky oil drain plug, damaged fuel line, bad carburetor seals…

Main cause: worn hydraulic pump seals…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, clogged air filter, stale fuel…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel, bad spark plug, broken recoil starter…

Most common repair guides to help fix your log splitters

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your log splitter.

How to replace a log splitter flexible pump coupler

How to replace a log splitter flexible pump coupler

The flexible nylon log splitter pump coupler deteriorates over time. Replace the flexible pump coupler if it begins to v…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a log splitter recoil starter

How to replace a log splitter recoil starter

The recoil starter spins the engine on the log splitter when you pull the starter rope, and the rope retracts when relea…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a log splitter carburetor

How to replace a log splitter carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and gas before the fuel mix goes to the engine. If the engine won't start and the spark plug is…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your log splitters

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your log splitter.

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.…

How to maintain the hydraulic system in a log splitter

How to maintain the hydraulic system in a log splitter

See how to properly maintain the hydraulic system in your log splitter.…

How to change the hydraulic fluid in a log splitter

How to change the hydraulic fluid in a log splitter

Learn how to change the hydraulic fluid in your log splitter.…