Hein-Werner Model WS rebuild

[oldpops]

Hi all, I am new-bee to this forum and after searching through previous posts I can't find what I need. I was just given an old Hein-Werner Model WS floor jack. It came with a handle that is not attached so I don't know if the jack even works. However, I know that these old jacks are usually good for many years of service. So, I would like to get the handle back on to see if the jack even works. And even if it does, since it sat in an old garage for many years, I think it may be prudent to rebuild it for safety's sake. Of course the jack didn't come with any manual or parts list and so far I haven't found one on the internet. I also can't find any manual on how to rebuild this model though I have seen posts on this site mentioning a sticky that explains rebuilding a jack, but I can't seem to find that either. Anyway, I've never rebuilt a floor jack before but I am up to the challenge if I know what to do. So, anyone have any sources for this model and/or rebuilding info, and/or part sources? Any and all help and advice is appreciated!!

 

[rustyjames]

There's definitely some posts around here with details on rebuilding these jacks. I know "Hiball" is one of the main go to people here on them as far as info, and I remember there was another guy that was banned who wrote up a detailed rebuild with a lot of pictures. Just can't remember his name at the moment.

 

[oldpops]

Do you have any links I can click on?

 

[Wamsutta]

Which WS model? They have 4 different ones.

1. WS
2. WS-225
3. WS-II
4. WSR

Here's the WS model with no suffix:

https://www.hcrcnow.com/uploads/drawings/heinwerner_ws_floor_jack_1.5_ton.pdf

 

[bsg1]

Do you have any links I can click on?

I've bumped a Hein-Werner thread which is now at/near the top of this section of the forum.

 

[rustyjames]

Not the WS model but this will give you an idea of what's involved:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36252&highlight=hein+werner+rebuild

 

[oldpops]

Thanks everyone! From what I can see on the jack it just says model "WS". I will check out all the info provided by everyone here and hopefully get this back in service. Of course I have to get the handle on first so I can see if the jack even works at all. Again, thanks to all for help and advice, and please keep it coming.

 

[oldpops]

Well, I have had a chance to review the links and threads that were offered and the first thing I want to say is thank you. I'm probably quite a bit older than most here and I do appreciate everyone's help. In my youth it was common for people to help each other without any thought of self-benefit. Nowadays, in this 'me-first' society, it seems no-one will lend a hand to anyone else unless there is something in it for them. Not to get all sappy, but on this board I have found many who take the time to offer assistance to someone they have never met (me) and I have to admit it, it kind of restores my faith a bit in today's world. Anyway, I'm not as proficient as most in the use of computers so I was not able to see the photo's in the links and threads provided, something about '3rd party hosting disabled'. Not exactly sure but I am guessing where-ever those photos were stored isn't working anymore. Does anyone know if there is another place where the photos can be viewed? Again, thanks to all for all the help!

 

[469 runner]

Photobucket was the repository for those photos. They started charging for their services and wanted something on the order of $250.00 per year to subscribe. Basically now anyone who had pictures there won't be able to see them until payment. It is hit and miss as far as viewing photos. I uploaded quite a few on here of a jack rebuild I did. I did not use photobucket, so the pictures should still be available to be viewed. The WS is fairly straightforward to rebuild. Cleanliness is important. Getting the tank nut off will be the biggest challenge. I clamped my pump into a bench vise and used a modified Budd wheel socket to match the grooves in the tank nut. Had to use a 3' long pipe to get enough leverage to turn nut. I believe these are torqued to about 500 ft/lbs.

 

[On-Wheel]

I had a 5' pipe.haha
If your pump cylinder will come out when you put the handle on,check for pitting on it.If badly pitted it won't seal.I guess if it was low on fluid it would rust on top first.That would be the first thing I would check before buying a rebuild kit.

 

[oldpops]

Thanks again everybody. My son came over and helped me put the handle on last night. After getting some WD40 on the two pins on the handle where it mounts to the base, we were able to move the pins in enough to get the handle on. Also had to line up the teeth on the handle to the base. No problem when you have someone with you who can see better than I can. Unfortunately the jack would not raise so we we tried to unscrew the screw that we believe the fluid goes in but it was stuck tight. We didn't want to mess up the slot on the screw so we halted our efforts. Gonna try it today when we have more light and a bigger screwdriver. Hopefully the screw will come out and we can check the fluid. Anyone have any suggestions for the best type of jack fluid to use without breaking the bank?

 

[rustyjames]

There's a sticky thread that Hiball posted, here's an excerpt:

What type of Oil do i need? Where do i get it?

Hydraulic Jack oil can be found at any Auto Parts store, Even Wally World Carries it. If you have a bunch of Bulk Oil laying around ISO 32 is a very similar in Weight, Most of todays Oil all carry the important additives to prevent Rust/Foaming etc... etc.. If you live in Antartica or have a unheated garage, lighter weight oil will help you get things moving. My Grandfather used ATF for a long time.. Back when you could get a quart for .79 cents. LOL... I strictly use Jack oil and i buy in Bulk to save money, I know of NO ill affects from Using ATF.

 

[oldpops]

Thanks. Since some have used transmission fluid, I am wondering if I could use power steering fluid, which I understand is about the same or even possibly a little bit better than transmission fluid? I have several quarts of that around. Any thoughts?

 

[469 runner]

Any hydraulic fluid will work. Power steering fluid is fine.

 

[redmondjp]

You may also want to consider the use of a hand impact wrench, with a #3 straight bit in it, for busting the filler plug loose.

 

[Wamsutta]

Anyone have any suggestions for the best type of jack fluid to use without breaking the bank?

Hydraulic oil for service jacks comes in different ISO rated viscosities. Each manufacturer will specify the required viscosity in the owners manual. I checked with Hein-Werner and they want ISO 10 oil in their jacks.

http://heinwerner-automotive.com/Pr...erAutomotive/1QuartPremiumJackOil/HW93291/536

 

[Junkman]

I was able to get the screw out, but I can't find anything small enough to put oil into that small screw hole. What is the best way to fill a leaking Hein Werner jack, until I get around to rebuilding it? thanks Junk

 

[dcummer]

I use an Eagle pump oiler to fill mine, a little tedious but the long snout and the small diameter are perfect. My Hein-Werner is an O'Boy, a little smaller than your WS but very similar construction.