Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): milky white hydraulic fluid, pressure relief valve, wood splitter

Question
I inherited a wood splitter and it starts and runs fine.The problem I have is the hydraulic fluid foams up and is milky white and blows back thru the breather hole in the fill cap.Someone said I may need a new pressure relief valve.

Answer
Hello Ray:

The Hydraulic Oil is Contaminated with Water (the Milky Description is a Giveaway). The Hydraulic Oil Should Never be Milky. Flush and Clean the Hydraulic System and Refill with New Oil. That Much Contamination will Causing Foaming and The Pump Usually Does Not Maintain the Proper Hydraulic Pressure. If the New Hydraulic Fluid Does Not Correct the Problem, then Send me the Make and Model Numbers Off the Splitter, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John