Sears 2-ton flor jack (green) 328.12030

[OldSkool]

Cruising the internet and found this place or should I say an old thread on the subject of the "green" Sears jacks. I've had this jack for 35+ years and don't want to have to trash it. (sentimental reasons). It was originally given to my Father as a Xmas gift and I inherited it. Very robust and reliable unit even though there were times I wasn't very kind to it. My problem started with a leaking/blown o-ring at the pump plunger. I removed the o-ring without any trouble. However I may have committed a major blunder. Before doing alot of research I decided while I had it apart, I figured a good flush of the old jack oil would be in order. I removed the plug/ screw covering the check valve port. The port to the left of the star gear to open/ close the valve for raising and lowering. With it over a bucket the fluid was running out slowly and I pushed down on the ram. Fluid blasted out. After doing some more research to locate a replacement o-ring I learned I had committed a major no-no. Back to the bucket where I store used motor oil and ran it through a fine screen to retrieve the two check balls and springs. I found the balls but no springs. I don't know if in fact there were any springs to begin with. I'm very confident that if there were any springs I would have found them but not sure.

Well I found a post by "BassNTruck" and a reply by "Hiball" on this particular subject. I'm looking for some info. Did these jacks originally have springs in the check valve assembly? Does anyone here have an old "green" jack they'd be willing to pop the cap at the check valve and take a peek for me and let me know if in fact there were any springs and if so maybe give me the dimensions? Maybe someone has a junk "green" jack and would be willing to give up the springs? I'm sure I can track down the o-ring locally. Hiball had mentioned he might have a line on someone who possibly might have a kit for this import Sears jack. I really don't want to give up this jack. It was Dad's jack. We had 8 drivers in our family and we did alot of brakes and and repairs with this jack. I'm really attached to this thing. Any and all help would be immensely appreciated. TIA

 

[Hiball]

Hello, Old Skool.. And welcome to the forum. I recieved your message this morning and ive been in the shop all day. To answer your question about the springs etc... There where many different versions of that jacks some used springs and some used weights (little spacers) Im about 99% sure your jack didnt utilize any springs on the Working valve side and it "Might" have used a spacer/weight in between the lower ball and the upper. Did you try putting your jack back together and checking it? I will run that model number by my supplier and see what the breakdown shows but i would first try it and see if it works.

Here is a Import Jack tutorial that is real similar to your jack, If you scroll thru the thread you will see some similarities but many differences.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51105

 

[OldSkool]

Hello Hiball. Thanks for the warm welcome. There is a good possibility my unit uses just the balls. I ran the fluid (along with used motor oil that was already in my waste bucket) through a screen when I searched for the balls. Didn't turn anything up accept the balls. I'm guessing that if the large upper ball was in the bucket, a spring or weight below it would have followed it into the bucket. It did come shooting out with some force when I pressed down on the ram though. Sorta shot across the top of the bucket. It would be great if there are no springs or weight. I'll still have to source the o-ring before I put into service again. It leaks pretty good when in use. There is also what appears to be a teflon ring that is just above the o-ring that looks kinda rough too in my unit. I'd like to be able to replace that also. I'll wait to see if maybe your source has some input.
If it's any help I've attached a link to a site with Sears source codes. I'm sure you're aware of the Sears nomenclature. The first three digits represent the manufacturer. I can't verify the accuracy though.
Your link to a previous post will be helpful. Haven't read it completely yet but I will. Looking forward to getting old reliable back to good working order again. I think of Dad every time I use it. The internet is an amazing thing.


http://professional-power-tool-guid...pany/sears-and-craftsman-source-product-code/

 

[Hiball]

Hello Hiball. Thanks for the warm welcome. There is a good possibility my unit uses just the balls. I ran the fluid (along with used motor oil that was already in my waste bucket) through a screen when I searched for the balls. Didn't turn anything up accept the balls. I'm guessing that if the large upper ball was in the bucket, a spring or weight below it would have followed it into the bucket. It did come shooting out with some force when I pressed down on the ram though. Sorta shot across the top of the bucket. It would be great if there are no springs or weight. I'll still have to source the o-ring before I put into service again. It leaks pretty good when in use. There is also what appears to be a teflon ring that is just above the o-ring that looks kinda rough too in my unit. I'd like to be able to replace that also. I'll wait to see if maybe your source has some input.
If it's any help I've attached a link to a site with Sears source codes. I'm sure you're aware of the Sears nomenclature. The first three digits represent the manufacturer. I can't verify the accuracy though.
Your link to a previous post will be helpful. Haven't read it completely yet but I will. Looking forward to getting old reliable back to good working order again. I think of Dad every time I use it. The internet is an amazing thing.


http://professional-power-tool-guid...pany/sears-and-craftsman-source-product-code/

Yeah Sears doesnt have a clue on how those numbers break down, I have a guy who has over 40 years in the business and he as kept records on what size parts are required. If you have issues finding the oring let me know i can get you one, The teflon backup is probably ok as they are just support for the Oring.

 

[OldSkool]

I just want to thank you for taking the time to answer my post. Just read your post on import jack breakdown and it was very helpful. I have some direction now. I hope in the future I'll be able to contribute here to help yourself or someone else to return the favor

 

[notsure424]

I have this exact same jack. It made it about 32 years without a problem and then started to not hold the load. It never leaked any oil to the outside but must have a bad internal check valve (I"m guessing). I too did not want to give up my jack but after a trip to a repair shop and being told that a repair kit from overseas would be as much as a new jack i about gave up. I took it apart myself and cleaned it and added new oil but it didn't help the problem. it has been about two years ago that i did this but i don't remember seeing any springs. It was taken apart at the repair shop first though to give me an estimate and unfortunately about six months ago i got tired of the jack cylinder sitting in the garage and i got rid of it thinking that i might find a new jack cylinder to fit the frame. After a lot of research i finally decided on a new Arcan XL35 which i bought but have not received yet.
Good luck with your repairs.

 

[OldSkool]

I have this exact same jack. It made it about 32 years without a problem and then started to not hold the load. It never leaked any oil to the outside but must have a bad internal check valve (I"m guessing). I too did not want to give up my jack but after a trip to a repair shop and being told that a repair kit from overseas would be as much as a new jack i about gave up. I took it apart myself and cleaned it and added new oil but it didn't help the problem. it has been about two years ago that i did this but i don't remember seeing any springs. It was taken apart at the repair shop first though to give me an estimate and unfortunately about six months ago i got tired of the jack cylinder sitting in the garage and i got rid of it thinking that i might find a new jack cylinder to fit the frame. After a lot of research i finally decided on a new Arcan XL35 which i bought but have not received yet.
Good luck with your repairs.

Ah ****!!! You threw it away? I'm still holding out for parts for mine. My cylinder is still good. I could of used a couple of parts from your old one. Oh Man! So close yet so far away. I'm still looking for one to raid a couple of parts from.