Walker 2 ton floor jack - 93642 C - won't pump up

[OldnSlo]

While the title says it all, this is a more specific question. This new-to-me (non lifting) jack is in nice shape, not abused, only missing a vent cap (but has been acquired), and after fluid drain, pump reseal kit (the old one sure didn't seem to be flawed), I get zero lift action after many attempts to bleed/pump in both open and closed positions.

Specifically, the technical drawings covering the "release valve assembly" which allows for the jack lowering, identifies that below that assembly is a 218043 release valve https://www.hcrcnow.com/shop/parts/product/26996 which IS THERE and in fine shape, but the drawing also states a 233917 spring https://www.hcrcnow.com/shop/parts/product/26997. Its this spring function I don't understand. 1) for it being plastic and 2) not being spring-shaped.

My thought initially is that in my experience the lowering of a jack is a very controlled process by the user, and I don't get why a spring would be needed in this situation by possibly throttling the release valve.

Would this prevent a pump up?

Related tidbits. The factory paint is still covering the 2 expandable welch plugs, and I really don't think this has been opened up. nor are there marks on the cylinder nut.

Thanks in advance

 

[Hiball]

When you say “pump reseal”? Did that include putting eyes/replacing the Main ram Piston seal or just the pump vee’s?

The Spring is just a plastic piece that fits inside the tip of the release stem that provides a buffer between the metal/metal contact.

 

[OldnSlo]

Thanks for the response. I didn't touch the main ram, at this point I had not considered that to have failed. Just the pump vee's. I do see the plastic spring (seems to really be an insert), that offers the buffer you mention and it is installed.

Is really the next step to pull the ram? Perhaps a total seal failure?

 

[NeubCont]

I don’t see the picture can you repost
There have been a bunch of threads and tutorials dedicated to rebuild of these jacks, you can do search for them
Hiball is well versed in this area
It sounds like your confusing the terminology of "release valve assembly"
The linked parts you describe are under those 2 expandable welch plugs you are talking about.
Caution: under one of the plugs is the safety bypass and is recommended NOT to “fool around or touch these as they are set in factory”
Others can do a better job of detailing
Good luck

 

[Hiball]

Thanks for the response. I didn't touch the main ram, at this point I had not considered that to have failed. Just the pump vee's. I do see the plastic spring (seems to really be an insert), that offers the buffer you mention and it is installed.

Is really the next step to pull the ram? Perhaps a total seal failure?

99% of the time someone messages me with a No lift symptom, It’s the Main ram seal. I bet it is in pieces.

 

[OldnSlo]

Thanks NeubCont, no pics, I did better than that by posting the schematic and did the required searches. I believe I have correctly described the part in the OP.

@Hiball, that's my next step now on the ram. I hear fluid move with every pump, but (somehow) thought that even with a failed main ram seal, I would get a cursory lift or perhaps a twitch. So much for my hydraulic logic

Of to the "another day" project table it goes for the time being. I have chainsaws that need immediate attention, and that will be my short term focus.

Many thanks Hiball, especially for the quick response time.

 

[Hiball]

If the seal just has a hairline crack (prior to coming apart), It will still give you some feedback, it just won’t lift a load. When it gives up the ghost and turns to pieces, It will be a dead stick.

 

[BlackHorseSaga]

If the seal just has a hairline crack (prior to coming apart), It will still give you some feedback, it just won’t lift a load. When it gives up the ghost and turns to pieces, It will be a dead stick.

I've noticed if you do a lift test on these older jacks, and it drops even a tiny little bit it means there's a hairline crack somewhere in the main ram seal and it's time to open it up and replace it.

The slight crack usually will lift, but the load will drop over time. They don't usually seem to just outright fail where the thing comes flying down, but I guess it's a real possibility.

I always occasionally load test my jacks for this reason. Once the seal is in pieces, you've definitely let it go on for far too long.

 

[OldnSlo]

@Hiball , well today was the day. Pulled it apart, and my reaction was "what seal"? There was nothing left of the ram seal, only remnants at the bottom of the tube. Case closed, I'll be ordering new parts.

For those that have struggled with removing that top nut, I found that reversing the cylinder in the jack mount (so it faces outward) and applying some Jesus bar persuasion, it put up a valiant fight, but did come loose. The chain acted as a stop to having the jack twist when applying torque and I utilized the trailer as an anchor. The "vice on the bench" approach to holding it down meant that I would have to clean off the workbench first.