Watco floor jack fix?

[Richard D]

I got an old Watco 301 HC 1-1/2 TON floor jack from a pawn shop. It has fluid and doesn't seem to leak. I found this info on a Google search

"Sounds like one of the valves (ball bearings) are stuck open. Acording to my parts book there should be 2 screw plugs on the top of the pump. Take them out and remove the valves and clean them up. DO NOT MIX them up - they will be different sizes. "
I tried this and didn't find the ball bearings in there. Anyone ever work on these old jacks?

 

[Hiball]

I got an old Watco 301 HC 1-1/2 TON floor jack from a pawn shop. It has fluid and doesn't seem to leak. I found this info on a Google search

"Sounds like one of the valves (ball bearings) are stuck open. Acording to my parts book there should be 2 screw plugs on the top of the pump. Take them out and remove the valves and clean them up. DO NOT MIX them up - they will be different sizes. "
I tried this and didn't find the ball bearings in there. Anyone ever work on these old jacks?

Well obviously not mixing the balls up is a great place to start, but valves just dont "stick open" There has to be a reason that they are not seating, ie something is in there way or in your case there isnt any balls period. My guess is the jack quit working, someon pawned it and now you are the guy who gets to try and fix it. If it was my jack i would tear it down and more than likely you will find something else wrong with either the ram cup or the pump cup and then carefully remove those plugs and use a pen magnet and see if there is actually balls down there. Did you use a magnet to feel for the balls? they normally rest better than a inch below the plug.

 

[Richard D]

I didn't tear it down, just removed the plugs. I will do a more thorough inspection. Thanks.

 

[Hiball]

I didn't tear it down, just removed the plugs. I will do a more thorough inspection. Thanks.

The best advice i can give you is to do 1 side at a time, and pay attention to what and how it comes out, I dont have many watco breakdowns at home but have access to them when needed. But its not uncommon to be missing parts because someone tried to fix it and was unsure of what they was doing, It happens all the time. If i recall correctly Most of the older Watco jacks used spacers as Weights to hold the Ball down after initial oil pickup instead of springs. If you have a breakdown it should show whats suppost to be in the valves and what order. If you are missing things, Make a note and hit me up, I carry a wide variety of Balls, springs and spacer material and can supply you with a complete kit if needed.

 

[caddyman]

Thanks for the good info Hiball
Was going to pitch my 301 HC but after reading your message I am fired up to fix it . Do you know where I can get a seal/repair package for this nice old jack ?

 

[Hiball]

Thanks for the good info Hiball
Was going to pitch my 301 HC but after reading your message I am fired up to fix it . Do you know where I can get a seal/repair package for this nice old jack ?

Pm Sent..