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If a new valve is installed and the actuator will not
operate, check the pilot and drain passages. is can
be done by removing the pilot valve from the main
valve's housing and disconnecting the pilot and drain
lines from the manifold. Blow air into the pilot and
drain line passages on the manifold. If air comes out
the pilot and drain ports on top of the main spool, the
passages are clear.
With a greater understanding of how these valves
work as well as their proper applications, you should
be able to better troubleshoot your hydraulic systems
for improved equipment reliability and availability.
ML
About the Author
Al Smiley is the president of GPM Hydraulic
Consulting Inc., located in Monroe, Georgia.
Since 1994, GPM has provided hydraulic training,
consulting and reliability assessments to compa-
nies in the United States, Canada, the United
Kingdom and South America. Contact Al at
gpm@gpmhydraulic.com.
Figure 5. Pilot plugs can be removed with an Allen wrench.
ML
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