Some simple questions for an old Lickity Log Splitter EK308 that my grand-father in law had. I've done some basic work to the Kohler K181 engine, but may need to concentrate on the hyrdaulics a bit.
1. Hydraulic loses most of its power at the end of stroke. So much it won't split most logs past 1/2 way through. Most times I have to put a piece of wood on the ram so the cylinder doesn't have to extend so much. I'm hoping I just need to add hydraulic fluid, which seems a little low. I think it needs another inch or so, with 3-4" already in the tank. Is it typical I will lose power at end of stroke if fluid is low?
The cylinder is leaking very slightly, but not enough to do anything about it. It's very very slight and can only be seen after a few hours of splitting.
2. Most people are saying not to add hydraulic fluid and just replace it all, but I really don't want to pay for that much fluid and to get rid of the old. I took some fluid out and its a light yellow color and fairly thin like water. I think this is just normal hydraulic fluid but I am not sure. If I find some locally, do you think its safe to just top off the tank? Can I use "jack oil" meant for hydraulic car jacks? I think this usually comes in 1 gallon containers if I can find it locally.
1. Hydraulic loses most of its power at the end of stroke. So much it won't split most logs past 1/2 way through. Most times I have to put a piece of wood on the ram so the cylinder doesn't have to extend so much. I'm hoping I just need to add hydraulic fluid, which seems a little low. I think it needs another inch or so, with 3-4" already in the tank. Is it typical I will lose power at end of stroke if fluid is low?
The cylinder is leaking very slightly, but not enough to do anything about it. It's very very slight and can only be seen after a few hours of splitting.
2. Most people are saying not to add hydraulic fluid and just replace it all, but I really don't want to pay for that much fluid and to get rid of the old. I took some fluid out and its a light yellow color and fairly thin like water. I think this is just normal hydraulic fluid but I am not sure. If I find some locally, do you think its safe to just top off the tank? Can I use "jack oil" meant for hydraulic car jacks? I think this usually comes in 1 gallon containers if I can find it locally.