In this article, we'll define the function an auto-return detent provides, discuss how to know if your valve has an auto-return detent issue, how to identify valves that have adjustable detents, and how to adjust the detent on the hydraulic directional control valve.
- Auto-Return Detent Functionality
- Does My Valve's Detent Need Adjustment?
- Can My Detent Be Adjusted?
- How To Make Detent Adjustments
Auto-Return Detent Functionality
All RuggedSplit log splitters feature a main cylinder control valve with an auto-return detent. With this feature, once you move the control lever to the return position, you can remove your hand from the lever and the cylinder rod will continue to move until it fully retracts. Once the cylinder fully retracts, the valve control lever will automatically pop into the neutral position.
Does My Valve's Detent Need Adjustment?
Over time, the spring tension, which controls the detent, may become too high or too low. When this occurs, a simple adjustment will fix the issue.
Here's what to look for when the auto-return detent needs adjusting:
- When the tension is too low, the control lever will pop into neutral before the cylinder rod is fully retracted. The only way to fully retract the rod is to keep hand pressure on the lever.
- When the tension is too high, the control lever stays in the retracted position and will not pop into neutral on its own.
Can My Detent Be Adjusted?
Not all auto-return detent valves have adjustment relief bolts. If your valve looks like one of the two shown below, then it has an adjustable detent:
If your valve looks like the one shown below, then it does not have an adjustable detent. If the detent fails on this type of valve, you will need to replace the detent mechanism (located opposite of the valve control lever).
How To Make Detent Adjustments
As mentioned above, a simple adjustment to the relief bolt will fix this issue. As always, it's important to always use caution and wear proper safety gear.
To begin you will need:
- 22mm wrench to loosen the locking nut
- 16mm wrench to tighten or loosen the detent adjustment bolt.
Detent Adjustment Set Too Low
If the control lever pops into neutral on its own before the cylinder rod fully retracts, it means the detent adjustment is set too low. Do the following:
- Turn off the engine.
- Relieve fluid pressure in the system by cycling the control lever a few times.
- Put the control lever in the neutral position.
- Loosen the locking nut (closest to the valve) on the return detent adjustment bolt.
- Turn the bolt clockwise 1/4 turn to tighten the relief spring.
- Start the engine and test the valve
- Repeat steps 1-6 until the detent functions correctly.
- Tighten the locking nut.
Detent Adjustment Set Too High
If the control lever remains in the return position after the cylinder rod fully retracts, it means the detent adjustment is set too high. Do the following:
- Turn off the engine.
- Relieve fluid pressure in the system by cycling the control lever a few times.
- Put the control lever in the neutral position.
- Loosen the locking nut (closest to the valve) on the return detent adjustment bolt.
- Turn the bolt counterclockwise 3-5 full turns (this should ensure the control lever will not stay in the return position on its own).
- Start the engine and test the valve.
- If the control lever still stays in the detent return position on its own after the rod has fully retracted, repeat steps 1-3.
- Turn the bolt counterclockwise 1-2 more turns and repeat step 6 (Note: Do not unscrew the bolt all the way out. There is a spring and tappet inside that can be lost).
- Repeat steps 7 and 8 if necessary.
- Once the control lever will not stay in the detent return position on its own, repeat steps 1-3.
- Now turn the detent adjustment bolt 1/4 turn at a time until the control lever stays in the detent while the rod is retracting, but also pops into neutral on its own when the rod is fully retracted. Be sure to turn off the engine, relieve pressure in the system by cycling the control lever a few times, and put the control lever in the neutral position between each adjustment.
- Tighten the locking nut.
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