Testing the Hydrastar 1600 PSI Electric/Hydraulic Actuator for Proper Function

Updated 02/23/2016 | Published 02/22/2016

Question:

This unit is running when electric is applied to it from the tow vehicle but isnt building pressure in the brake lines. I have opened the bleeder while running the actuator and am not getting much fluid running out. Does this mean the actuator is bad?

asked by: Tony

Expert Reply:

I spoke to the manufacturer and he said that assuming the unit is getting a full 12 volts, the best thing to do would be to bench test it. A 12V power source will be needed to do so.

Isolate the wires of the Hydrastar (black, blue, white, yellow)

1. Attach black wire to the positive terminal and white wire to negative terminal of the 12v battery. Nothing should happen

2. Attach black and blue wire to the positive terminal and white wire to the negative terminal of the 12v battery. The unit should spin up and pressurize.

3. To test the breakaway, attach yellow wire to positive terminal and white wire to the negative terminal of the 12v battery. The unit should spin up.

If it fails this bench test the unit is not working properly, and you would want to replace the unit.

expert reply by: Jackie C