60-year-old jack? Need help on rebuilding

[Icebrand]

Hello everyone, I read the sticky on hydraulic jack rebuilding and I am convinced the seals need replacing. The problem I am having is that I have no idea how to get this piston open to get at the seals. It is a pretty old jack, I think it has lead paint on it. Check it out. Do I need a spanner wrench here? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Rookie2]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313447

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197787

 

[Hiball]

It's a Sears Jack that was OEM'd by Blackhawk, Model SJ1 or 2, not likely lead based paint nor 60 years old. The proper tool to remove the tank nut was Blackhawk exclusive, you will either need to fab a tool or simply use a Pipe wrench, which will leave teeth marks, If you use a pipe wrench, take caution not to get the teeth near the seam where the nut meets the reservoir. There are a multitude of Blackhawk SJ2 threads here at GJ, Verify internal condition prior to buying a kit to make sure everything is in good shape and Re-Sealable or verify how much machine work is necessary.

 

[paulsomlo]

Here's a rebuild thread on the SJ2, complete with info on how to remove the tank nut without destroying it:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232242&highlight=blackhawk

and

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243577&highlight=blackhawk

Essentially, you'll use two 1/4" diameter dowel pins (held in place by magnets) to gain purchase with the pipe wrench. Towards the end of the 2nd thread, there's a picture of a little more "sophisticated" setup using a metal bar, the two pins and three magnets to hold it all together. I secured the hydraulic block in a shop press. If you haven't rebuilt a jack before be forewarned - that scalloped nut is on there good; I used a 2 foot pipe wrench with the jack handle lashed to it. If you're a welder, you may be able to come up with some clever "socket" for use with an impact wrench.

Nice jack, looks like it's been taken care of.

 

[Icebrand]

It's a Sears Jack that was OEM'd by Blackhawk, Model SJ1 or 2, not likely lead based paint nor 60 years old. The proper tool to remove the tank nut was Blackhawk exclusive, you will either need to fab a tool or simply use a Pipe wrench, which will leave teeth marks, If you use a pipe wrench, take caution not to get the teeth near the seam where the nut meets the reservoir. There are a multitude of Blackhawk SJ2 threads here at GJ, Verify internal condition prior to buying a kit to make sure everything is in good shape and Re-Sealable or verify how much machine work is necessary.

What kind of machine work are we talking about? This jack, basing on what the jack plate looks like, was lightly used, so if we are talking about replacing metal innards due to wear I am presently under the assumption that this will not be necessary. Gosh I hope not, because I do not have the tools or knowledge to be able to do anything that advanced. The jack would raise about an inch and hold before I disassembled it. I will post some photos when I get the piston separated from the housing. I do have access to an arc welder so I do not believe I will have too many problems creating something that will be able to apply enough torque to unscrew it.

 

[Hiball]

What kind of machine work are we talking about? This jack, basing on what the jack plate looks like, was lightly used, so if we are talking about replacing metal innards due to wear I am presently under the assumption that this will not be necessary. Gosh I hope not, because I do not have the tools or knowledge to be able to do anything that advanced. The jack would raise about an inch and hold before I disassembled it. I will post some photos when I get the piston separated from the housing. I do have access to an arc welder so I do not believe I will have too many problems creating something that will be able to apply enough torque to unscrew it.

Whenever you start tearing into older hydraulic jacks, it's always possible that you could find cylinder finish issues, more so on jacks that have sat unused for years or exposed to the elements. Its just a good policy to always put eyes on the internals prior to buying a kit.

Good luck.