April 19, 2023

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

When you see your log splitter leaking hydraulic fluid from the pump, failed pump seals are likely allowing hydraulic fluid to leak out from gaps around the pump's drive shaft. The pump will eventually fail to build up enough hydraulic pressure to move the piston and wedge because hydraulic fluid leaks past the seals.

Replace the hydraulic pump when you see the log splitter leaking hydraulic fluid from pump drive shaft seals.

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR LOG SPLITTER PROBLEM

Replace the log splitter hydraulic pump

The log splitter's hydraulic pump generates the hydraulic pressure to extend the hydraulic cylinder and wedge. Over time, the hydraulic pump starting to leak fluid through worn seals when pumping hydraulic fluid. The pump eventually fails to build up enough hydraulic pressure to move the piston and wedge. If the pump seals are worn out, replace the hydraulic pump assembly. The hydraulic pump can also seize up due to an internal pump failure. If the hydraulic pump in the log splitter seizes up, replace the pump.

Log splitter hydraulic pump

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms common to all log splitters

Choose a symptom to see related log splitter repairs.

April 19, 2023

Why does my log splitter's engine run rough or misfire?

By Lyle Weischwill

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

April 19, 2023

Why won't my log splitter's hydraulic cylinder extend the wedge?

By Lyle Weischwill

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

April 19, 2023

Why does my log splitter's hydraulic valve leak?

By Lyle Weischwill

Main cause: worn hydraulic valve seals around the actuator rod

April 19, 2023

Why does my log splitter's hydraulic cylinder leak?

By Lyle Weischwill

Main cause: worn hydraulic cylinder seals

April 19, 2023

Why does my log splitter's hydraulic pump leak?

By Lyle Weischwill

Main cause: worn hydraulic pump seals

April 19, 2023

Why does my log splitter's engine leaks oil or gas?

By Lyle Weischwill

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

April 19, 2023

Why won't my log splitter's engine start?

By Lyle Weischwill

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

Repair guides common to all log splitters

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

March 1, 2013

How to replace a log splitter recoil starter

By Lyle Weischwill

The recoil starter spins the engine on the log splitter when you pull the starter rope, and the rope retracts when released. If the recoil starter assembly is broken, follow the steps in this repair guide to replace it.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

March 1, 2013

How to replace a log splitter flexible pump coupler

By Lyle Weischwill

The flexible nylon log splitter pump coupler deteriorates over time. Replace the flexible pump coupler if it begins to vibrate or rattles, which are early indications that it’s failing.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

March 1, 2013