Bought an engine hoist (cherry picker), cylinder/ram leaks

[FTG-05]

Bought the hoist/cherry picker last night. Seller last used the unit once over a decade ago, got done with it and immediately boxed it up. Been sitting in the box ever since.

It's a Powerbuilt 2 ton unit. The ram/cylinder will rise and lower just fine, but it won't lift a weight. There are some very fine rust stains on the cylinder ram.

I *assume* that this is a simple take apart, replace the O rings and put it back together kind of operation. Yes/No? Are the cylinder O rings available at any hardware store or are they hydraulic shop gettable only? I live out in the sticks so any hydro shop will be +25 miles or more away.

Any other suggestions, comments, youtube recommendations etc. etc. etc.

Thanks!

 

[JJThrasher]

Might see if it uses the HF style ram jack. The 8 ton jack is $65.

 

[foghorn1966]

I suggest spending some time reading the hydraulic jack rebuild sticky here. Most all your answers will be there.

 

[redmondjp]

http://www.usjack.com/images/pdfs/Long Ram Jacks.pdf

 

[8man]

Just saw one replaced with an air over hydraulic for a smoother/easier lift. Pretty cool. I'm considering replacing a perfectly good ram with this.

 

[bob15]

If the ram is pitted...replace.

Rebuilding is easy if you have the correct O-rings and lip seals. Might also have leather seals in it as well.

Probably easier to just replace the entir cylinder with a new one.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have an air over unit, love it. Can guide whatever I am lifting with one hand while raising with the other.

 

[bluebolt]

I got the air over hydraulic replacement ram from Harbor Freight and love it!

 

[FullRaceMerc]

After spending a bunch of time trying to get an old one working right, I gave up & bought a replacement ram. It was cheaper than I would have guessed. I should have done that right off.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

Wish they made sideways hydraulic Rams for a transmission jack I have.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

Did any of you all have to do a lot of mods to make the air ram fit your non HF engine hoist?

 

[FTG-05]

I suggest spending some time reading the hydraulic jack rebuild sticky here. Most all your answers will be there.

Didn't know that existed, thanks!!!

 

[unslow1]

I had that problem with one a few years ago. I put hydraulic jack oil with stop leak in it. It worked for the next 3 years until I sold it.

 

[bobbycos]

I had that problem with one a few years ago. I put hydraulic jack oil with stop leak in it. It worked for the next 3 years until I sold it.

where can i get the stop leak hydraulic oil ???

 

[FTG-05]

If the ram is pitted...replace.

Rebuilding is easy if you have the correct O-rings and lip seals. Might also have leather seals in it as well.

Probably easier to just replace the entir cylinder with a new one.

Yea, that was my biggest concern when I lifted it the first time and saw the rust. But most of it appears to be very thin, most of it so far can be wiped off with a rag; haven't really gotten into it yet though.

Funny thing is: the rest of the lift is absolutely pristine! At most you can find some paint scrubbed of where the bolts and nuts were tightened down.

Thanks,

 

[redmondjp]

where can i get the stop leak hydraulic oil ???

Use generic power steering fluid with stop leak, available at any auto parts store.

 

[FTG-05]

After reading the import jack rebuild thread, I spent some time on my new to me cherry picker hydraulic jack.

I took it off the picker and put it in a vice on my welding table. Then I raised the ram and opened the shutoff valve. Per the jack thread mentioned above and given the fact that the jack had sat horizontally for over a decade, I figured that the jack had air entrained in it and was probably low on fluid as well (the box had some oil stains on it).

I pumped the jack several times with the valve open and then refilled the cylinder with Kubota Super UDT hydraulic fluid. I then fully extended the ram and then cleaned/scrubbed the cylinder rod with crocus cloth; completely cleaned all the rust marks off the cylinder - it looks brand new now.

Reinstalled the ram and then test-lifted the rear of my Kubota RTV up until the rear wheels were about 2 inches off the floor. It stayed that way for several hours (and may even be that way was we speak). Hence, I think I fixed my hydraulic jack problem with very little effort.

Thanks for the help!

 

[unslow1]

where can i get the stop leak hydraulic oil ???

I got it at Advance Auto. Made by Bar's Leak.



http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bars-leak-jack-oil-with-stop-leak-12.5-oz.-hj12/7070065-P