Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - hydraulic floor jack fluid
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rleescott
11-27-07, 09:54 AM
I have a 20 y old sears floor jack. It raises a load but gradually drops w/or w/o a load. I have never added oil and it looks a bit low. Is oil the problem or is the pump likely bad?
Also, jack oil is pricey, and the manual says no motor oil, just jack oil. I have heard that brake fluid is bad, but I might be able to use ATF. Any recommendation on a substitute oil?
Also, jack oil is pricey, and the manual says no motor oil, just jack oil. I have heard that brake fluid is bad, but I might be able to use ATF. Any recommendation on a substitute oil?
earthworm
11-27-07, 10:30 AM
I have a 20 y old sears floor jack. It raises a load but gradually drops w/or w/o a load. I have never added oil and it looks a bit low. Is oil the problem or is the pump likely bad?
Also, jack oil is priceyAll oil has increased in price by 50 to 100%.., and the manual says no motor oil, just jack oil. I have heard that brake fluid is bad, but I might be able to use ATF. Any recommendation on a substitute oil?
Your pump is leaking.
Rebuildable ??? This may be more costly than buying a new Chinese unit, BUT, quite possibly, your rebuilt may out last the cheap replacement..
I'd use jack oil, why take an un-necessary chance..
Always seek a consensus.
Also, jack oil is priceyAll oil has increased in price by 50 to 100%.., and the manual says no motor oil, just jack oil. I have heard that brake fluid is bad, but I might be able to use ATF. Any recommendation on a substitute oil?
Your pump is leaking.
Rebuildable ??? This may be more costly than buying a new Chinese unit, BUT, quite possibly, your rebuilt may out last the cheap replacement..
I'd use jack oil, why take an un-necessary chance..
Always seek a consensus.
GregH
11-27-07, 11:30 AM
ATF is used as a hydraulic fluid in some applications but you have no way of knowing if it is compatible with your jack.
If not compatible it could damage the o rings and seals.
I have a collection of jacks of various types and my half bottle of jack oil has a thick coating of dust on it.
If you need that much oil that its cost is a concern it maybe time to replace the jack.
If not compatible it could damage the o rings and seals.
I have a collection of jacks of various types and my half bottle of jack oil has a thick coating of dust on it.
If you need that much oil that its cost is a concern it maybe time to replace the jack.
marksr
11-27-07, 03:25 PM
You should be able to buy jack oil [quart or pint] at most auto parts stores and some tool stores. I buy hydraulic fluid at tractor supply in a 2 gal jug - mostly for my tractor :D
I'd keep it full of oil and see how it does. If it leaks too much, I'd consider replacing jack.
I'd keep it full of oil and see how it does. If it leaks too much, I'd consider replacing jack.