Jack oil

[metroplex]

I bought a lightweight aluminum jack from Summit racing and I checked the jack oil that came with the Made in China jack (although it does look like it's got some quality to it) and it looks a bit low BUT the oil smells like kerosene - it's clear and very thin.

Is this really jack oil? Or is it just a shipping oil?

What hydraulic fluid should I get? I was thinking about stopping by Walmart to get some.

 

[metroplex]

There aren't any safety considerations re: the use of ATF?

I can get some Supertech stuff for real cheap... but I don't want the car falling down on me!

FYI the stuff that was factory fill did NOT look anything like oil... it was more like kerosene/mineral oil than anything. It had a ultra strong petro odor and was really lightweight.

 

[MolaKule]

ATF is great for low temp operation, since its about a 0W20.

The jack manufacturer's usually determine the type of oil based on the oil's compressibility and its seal compatibility.

If using ATF, I would use the mineral-oil based versions.

 

[Jelly]

Did a little looking around...

Here's what Sears offers:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=LAWN&pid=07136559000

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...cal=TOOL&pid=00904999000&tab=optional#tablink

 

[Rick in PA]

I don't know a whole lot about jack oil but...

There is such a thing as hydraulic jack oil. It's usually in auto parts stores or perhaps the auto section at Wal-Mart. It comes in a quart container (looking pretty much like a motor oil containter). I've got a quart that I bought eons ago somewhere in the garage.

 

[MolaKule]

Any ISO 68 thru 100 AW Hydraulic fluid should work.

In fact, I have used SAE 30 weight ND engine oil in a pinch and it works fine.

 

[Ken2]

I use ATF--it's a hydraulic oil, it's fairly light viscosity, and it's right there on my shelf.


Ken

 

[Leo]

My car jack says to use SAE 10 oil only. I dunno where Im gonna find that. ATF might have to be the closest substitute.

 

[deepsquat]

There aren't any safety considerations re: the use of ATF?

I can get some Supertech stuff for real cheap... but I don't want the car falling down on me!

Dang! I hope you don't climb under your car without using jack stands!

 

[metroplex]

I changed the oil in the jack w/ Supertech ATF.

I always use jackstands but it'd be nice if the ATF doesn't cause any problems.

 

[RavenTai]

I have been using atf in floor jacks seince I was a teenager, so far no problems

[ October 15, 2003, 03:31 AM: Message edited by: RavenTai ]