Adding fluid to floor jack

[JamieK]

I'm trying to figure out how to check the fluid level in a floor jack. The jack I have has the "bottle jack" laying horizontally, with a large plug in the side. Right now, the jack stops going up about halfway up, but does fine if I add fluid at this point (without lowering). But when I do lower, it won't go all the way down until I loosen the plug, and drain part of the fluid out. Its an endless cycle. Does the "bottle jack" need to be vertical to check the fluid? Or what else may be wrong?

 

[Professur]

I think the first question that needs to be addressed is, where did the fluid that you think you need to replace go in the first place? Did you see any signs of leaks? If not, the fluid is probably still inside the jack, but slipped past one seal inside.

 

[Hiball]

I'm trying to figure out how to check the fluid level in a floor jack. The jack I have has the "bottle jack" laying horizontally, with a large plug in the side. Right now, the jack stops going up about halfway up, but does fine if I add fluid at this point (without lowering). But when I do lower, it won't go all the way down until I loosen the plug, and drain part of the fluid out. Its an endless cycle. Does the "bottle jack" need to be vertical to check the fluid? Or what else may be wrong?

Ok.. Is it a Floor jack or a bottle jack?

 

[JamieK]

Sorry, its a floor jack. It is a cheap Chinese brand, but it comes in handy when I need to jack something up outside. Don't have to pull the big jack out. The only sign of leakage is just a oily residue near the release screw. No drips, though.

 

[Hiball]

Sorry, its a floor jack. It is a cheap Chinese brand, but it comes in handy when I need to jack something up outside. Don't have to pull the big jack out. The only sign of leakage is just a oily residue near the release screw. No drips, though.

Ok with the Jack completely lowered, You pull the fill plug on the "Resevoir" You need to make sure you are pulling the "Resevoir" plug and not a valve on the back near the pump and release, IF you look in the hole with a flashlight you will see a Inner Shiny cylinder. You should add enough oil to where it just covers the inner part (aprox 3/8" below the top). It sounds like you have too much oil and its getting air bound and then when you pull the plug its gushing out. Just leave the plug out and add a little at a time till you can get full extension. IMPORTANT... Make sure every time you add oil that the jack is in the down position, IF you listen real close when you let the jack down you will hear Air enter the resevoir (bubbling, Gurgling) This is a sign that you dont have enough oil in the Resevoir.

 

[JamieK]

Ah, I had been adding oil with the jack at about half extension. I'll try again tonight and report back! Thanks! Do I need to do anything to bleed the air out?

 

[Hiball]

Ah, I had been adding oil with the jack at about half extension. I'll try again tonight and report back! Thanks! Do I need to do anything to bleed the air out?

The most important thing is to make sure there is enough oil to start, Then with the jack in the release position pump the handle 5-7 times and then tighten the handle and resume Normal lifting procedure. Repeat if nescesary.

 

[JamieK]

Okay, heres some more info. I pump the handle, and it stops about half way up. I loosen the fill plug, I can hear air sucking in, then it works fine. When I lower the jack, it doesn't go all the way down until I loosen the fill plug and air escapes. So as long as the fill plug is left loose or off, it works fine. Sounds like a vent somewhere is stopped up. But do jacks have a vent, and where is it???
Also, there is another screw with a cap on it that say "Do Not Adjust". Whats that for?

 

[Hiball]

Okay, heres some more info. I pump the handle, and it stops about half way up. I loosen the fill plug, I can hear air sucking in, then it works fine. When I lower the jack, it doesn't go all the way down until I loosen the fill plug and air escapes. So as long as the fill plug is left loose or off, it works fine. Sounds like a vent somewhere is stopped up. But do jacks have a vent, and where is it???
Also, there is another screw with a cap on it that say "Do Not Adjust". Whats that for?

Ok.. There is no vent on those China Jack, Frankly the hydraulic system is so loose it wouldnt hold air (except the resevoir) Please take a Picture of where you adding the oil. IF you can hear oil while its pumping, there isnt enough oil in the system. Quick question? You are adding oil at the fill plug on the resevoir correct? Your not trying to add oil at the valve, which would be right next to that "Do Not adjust" Overload valve.

 

[JamieK]

Yep, I'm definitely adding oil to the fill plug on the reservoir. I can't hear any oil while I'm pumping. I'll try to get a pic tonight. Like I said, as long as I leave this plug loose, it works fine. When its tight, the jack acts like it doesn't have a air vent to the reservoir.

 

[Hiball]

Yep, I'm definitely adding oil to the fill plug on the reservoir. I can't hear any oil while I'm pumping. I'll try to get a pic tonight. Like I said, as long as I leave this plug loose, it works fine. When its tight, the jack acts like it doesn't have a air vent to the reservoir.

I guess leave the Plug loose, Those jacks dont operate that effectively to need vents. Im not sure what the problem is but if it, Whether the pump is pumping Air into the system or whats happening. Do you have enough oil in the jack to get full extension (with the plug completely removed)?

 

[MikesTTGt]

I cant count how many times ive been blasted in the face trying to re-fill a jack, when they start acting up I toss them now, hydraulic fluid in the eyes is no good

 

[Hiball]

I cant count how many times ive been blasted in the face trying to re-fill a jack, when they start acting up I toss them now, hydraulic fluid in the eyes is no good

Agreed its not fun to have oil in the eyes, But if its done properly its nearly impossible to mess up. Most people (OP) try to add oil while the jack ram is extended, So they go dumping Oil into the resevoir till its full. Then when they let the jack down, All the oil that was in the cylinder returns to the resevoir and dumps either on the ground or at a high rate of speed out the fill hole.