Leaking portapower?

[Jason280]

The other portapower thread motivated me to break mine out, so I drug it out from under the bench. I haven't touched it probably 2-3+ years, maybe longer. Its a Taiwan made Jong Maw 4-ton set, and came with the usual attachments.

Of course, when I opened up the box, it had leaked a significant amount of hydraulic fluid. I *believe* I located the fill screw, and removed it. I assume I fill it to level of the top of the cylinder, but not sure. Can I use regular hydraulic oil, or should I use jack oil?

As far as the leaking cylinder is concerned, is it possible or even worth it to try and repair?

 

[Hiball]

Nope... Not the fill hole, that is the working valve which is why there is a ball and spring and a smaller ball still in the hole (assuming you haven't lost it). The fill plug is on the rear, most of those China units have a dip stick and you fill it till it registers when upright.

 

[Jason280]

Thanks, I'll make sure to carefully reassemble those parts.

As far as the fill plug, do you mean the bolts in the rear of the cylinder in the 5th picture from the top? Most of the portapowers I've found on the internet have an extra bolt at the top of the cylinder just below the rear of the handle, but this one does not.

 

[Hiball]

Thanks, I'll make sure to carefully reassemble those parts.

As far as the fill plug, do you mean the bolts in the rear of the cylinder in the 5th picture from the top? Most of the portapowers I've found on the internet have an extra bolt at the top of the cylinder just below the rear of the handle, but this one does not.

The outer (smallest) bolt is the fill hole.

 

[Jason280]

Great, I'll stand it up and check it later this evening. Thanks!

Any suggestions on a fluid to use?

 

[Hiball]

Great, I'll stand it up and check it later this evening. Thanks!

Any suggestions on a fluid to use?

Any Hydraulic Jack oil or ISO32, if by chance there isn't a dip stick, just don't over fill it, A 3/4 full reservoir and full line will handle everything that small unit is supposed to do.

 

[Jason280]

In case it leaks out again, can it rebuilt....or would it be even worth it?

 

[Hiball]

In case it leaks out again, can it rebuilt....or would it be even worth it?

Everything can be rebuilt, First you need to find out where it's leaking, it might have just leaked out of the end of the line if the valve was weak etc.. It's possible the reservoir is loose, but generally it would be a substantial oil spill, fill it up, bleed it, attach a cylinder/spreader and cycle it under load. I would definitely try and save it, it looks to be in great shape and has its own valve system versus the cartridge style that runs rampant today.

 

[Jason280]

It's possible the reservoir is loose, but generally it would be a substantial oil spill,

There was certainly a lot of oil in the box when I opened it, at least 3-5 oz.

 

[Hiball]

There was certainly a lot of oil in the box when I opened it, at least 3-5 oz.

It's possible the reservoir is loose, IRC the bigger nut "behind" the fill hole is the one that secures the rear cap to the reservoir, then again maybe the fill plug is loose.

I actually have that same unit here at the house, this one is labeled Astro pneumatic and comes in a metal box. I just pulled it out and it does indeed have a small dipstick.

 

[Jason280]

Just checked mine, no dipstick...

 

[Hiball]

Just checked mine, no dipstick...

No Biggie, just fill it up as previously described, after you bleed the unit/line you will need to re-check the reservoir level, just don't overfill it.. You need some head space.

 

[Jason280]

Thanks, I'll work on it tomorrow and let you know how it works out.

 

[Jason280]

Forgot to update this thread...

I refilled the cylinder, tightened everything up, and it seems to be working fine now. I checked the nut that holds the release lever in place, and it wasn't tight...I assume this was where the leak was originating from, and I have seen no evidence of leaking since it was tightened.

 

[brichter]

Everything can be rebuilt, First you need to find out where it's leaking, it might have just leaked out of the end of the line if the valve was weak etc.. It's possible the reservoir is loose, but generally it would be a substantial oil spill, fill it up, bleed it, attach a cylinder/spreader and cycle it under load. I would definitely try and save it, it looks to be in great shape and has its own valve system versus the cartridge style that runs rampant today.

No Biggie, just fill it up as previously described, after you bleed the unit/line you will need to re-check the reservoir level, just don't overfill it.. You need some head space.

Need a Seal Kit? Contact Hydraulic Parts Supply at 620-594-2247

I have the 10 ton version, I'll be calling this number to see if I can get parts (seals) on Monday!