Hein Werner WS Jack

[469 runner]

I bought this jack at a yard sale. It raised easily and would hold up the front of my car for hours without moving down at all. However, it was leaking some at the main ram so I installed a seal kit.

I have the jack all rebuilt and it is not leaking anymore. Functionally it is fine, it raises the load required and holds it long enough for me to place a couple of jackstands under the axle. However, ever since rebuilding it doesn't want to hold for as long as it did before the rebuild. Will this improve with use? Did I possibly stir up some dirt that is causing the release valve to not seat fully? Just hoping it won't get worse.

I would appreciate any insight.

 

[469 runner]

Bump.

 

[Hiball]

Is there any Handle feedback when the load is dropping?
Did you get a nice crimp on the Piston seal upon installation or is the face rough and uneven?
Did you venture into the overload?
Did you remove the cylinder?
Is the release needle nice and to the point with any dents if rough spots?
Are you exceeding the 1 1/2 ton lift capacity?

 

[469 runner]

No handle feedback
The replacement leather piston seal was a tough install. I soaked it for several hours and then compressed it with a worm hose clamp (used the smooth surface), to insert into cylinder.
Stayed away from over load.
Never removed cylinder.
Nice looking release needle.
Not exceeding rated capacity.

Will drift down even with no load. Takes overnight to do so.

Thanks Hiball.

 

[Hiball]

No handle feedback
The replacement leather piston seal was a tough install. I soaked it for several hours and then compressed it with a worm hose clamp (used the smooth surface), to insert into cylinder.
Stayed away from over load.
Never removed cylinder.
Nice looking release needle.
Not exceeding rated capacity.

Will drift down even with no load. Takes overnight to do so.

Thanks Hiball.

IF I was a Betting man I would say its a issue with the Piston Seal, but without seeing the Face its hard to say. Improperly Installed Leather Piston seals are probably the #1 problem facing any Home Rebuilder, If you Rush the process (don't let it soak long enough, Generally 36-48 hours for me) and More importantly don't have the proper die its difficult to create a good Sealing face. I wish I could tell you what to do, I suppose I would recommend you start with the Easy stuff, Pull the Release Valve and inspect the tip and make sure there isn't any big particles preventing a good seat. If everything looks good I would check the Piston seal, I skipped past the overload as it requires a OEM splined Socket to remove, Im going to guess you don't have one, but its possible that a small particle of leather or such is between the overload ball/seat.

Good Luck.

 

[469 runner]

Thanks Hiball for sharing your expertise. I will try what you suggested but I suspect I snagged the edge of the seal on the cylinder upon installation. I think I can live with the way it is if the performance doesn't get worse.