Oil fo rfloor jack

[bluestream]

After 35 years of faithful service my made in Taiwan floor jack died. I came out to the garage one morning and found is lying in a pool of blood (oil) About 1/2 of the oil in the jack leaked out through the pump piston (Jack handle) now it only lifts about 1/2 the height id did before. It has a fill screw on the cylinder body, and I would like to just fill it with some 5W30 I have lying around. can I get a way with that? I don't want to buy any hydraulic jack oil, as I will get a new jack as soon as I fine a good one.

Also, could I buy a new seal for this and repair it?

 

[kd5byb]

Heck, when mine sprung a leak I fixed the bad seal and refilled with some Type F ATF I had laying around. Years later, works just fine...

Mine is a made in taiwan sam's club special from at least 12 years ago...

later,
ben

 

[Kuato]

"Yes" to buying a seal and fixing up your old reliable.

Motor oil or almost any other non corrosive fluid can be used in (add qualifiers here) hydraulics.

 

[andyd]

Yah,but where can you get parts for a 30 yr old, no name jack? I have that exact situation. It is a great little jack. I use motor oil. I have considered some sorta of stop leak either power steering or transmission

 

[bluestream]

I think all I can do is take it apart and go to a hydraulic shop and see if they have anything. If not its off to the scrap metal pile..

 

[Kuato]

It's probably just an O-ring. I'd take it apart and try to match it up at a hardware store or similar.

 

[javacontour]

Is this something you just want to throw whatever parts you might find at?

Maybe, after 35 years, it's time for a new jack. After all, what is the cost if your repair fails during a lift? At best some hassle? Getting worse, damaging a vehicle? Worst case scenario, being maimed or killed.

Get a new jack!