Just to close this out the issue with a slow uptake was resolved with a thinner viscosity ISO22 hydraulic oil than the cheapy stuff, ISO32 I bought at the local auto parts store.
This is the power unit out of my Craftsman all aluminum floor jack. I've owned it for 20 something years. It recently developed a tiny leak from the ram seal. I couldn't find anyone to fix it for me so I bought a seal kit.
It doesn't leak anymore so that's great but it also doesn't lift...
I'm resurrecting this because it applies the Craftsman #50239
I have two of these jacks and one of them recently began to leak a little from the ram seal. (small spot on the floor when sitting unused).
I bought this kit and disassembled, cleaned, wiped, brake clean through all passages...