The hydraulics used on a press had a pilot-operated directional valve that developed a leak at a construction plug. The company needed a gauge to set the main pump pressure and used a construction plug hole in the directional valve for the gauge. However, although the port was an SAE O-ring connection, the technician forced an NPT fitting into the port, causing an unfixable leak.
The company discovered a used valve in its storeroom with the same tandem spool set up and installed it. But then they had a problem with the system taking 14 to 16 sec. before the cylinder would move. Technicians ensured the pilot-operated relief control orifice was clear of any obstruction, but the delay continued.
Any Idea What the Problem Could be?
Think you know the answer to this month’s troubleshooting problem? Then email your answer to [email protected] (put “Sept” in the Subject line.) All correct answers received by Oct. 30, 2021 will be entered in a random drawing. The winner will be mentioned in a future column.
Robert J. Sheaf, Jr. is founder and president of CFC Industrial Training, a division of CFC Solar, which provides technical training, consulting and field services to any industry using fluid power technology. Visit www.cfcindustrialtraining.com for more information.
