mcspool Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Hi all, Some years ago I bought an old 8-ton hydraulic bottle jack. Now the time has come I need to use it, I found out of course it needs a service/repair. The piston goes up and down when operating the handle, but when left for a while it sinks. There is hardly any fluid left in the bottle. How to repair it to working order? Just fill 'er up with hydraulic fluid and hope that's it? It does not seem there is a way to dismantle it. Thanks in advance, Hanno Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 recymech66 Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 It almost certainly sounds like you have an air lock in the oil reservior/hydraulic ram. You will need to drain the old oil then flush it through before replenishing with fresh oil, preferably with an oil that the manufacturer specifies (or equivilent) this should sort out your problem on the ram sinking, ideally you should get it tested before lifting any heavy loads and certainly use axle stands and /or wood block to support the load. As it's an old jack I would be inclined to replace it. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 mcspool Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 recymech66, Thanks for the tips. I´m going to give it a try and see how it works out. I never crawl under a vehicle that is on a jack only, I always use axle stands, even when changing a wheel. Thanks, Hanno Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Glynn Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 is it leaking fluid around the ram? does the valve feel as if its closing properly ? if its a well known make you may be able to get parts but if not it will be easier to buy a new one. I repaired one once and it cost me £20 for the ram seal. In mine i use aws32 hydraulic oil but always go with what manufacturer recommends and dont take risks.:stop: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 mcspool Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 (edited) Posted a few pictures to see what I'm talking about. It's a "MILLENNIUM" Lake & Elliot jack, made in England of course. It looks rather old, so it could be worth the effort to refurbish it, rather than replace it with a cheap Chinese one. And yes, the piston leaks so it needs a new seal. No idea how to dismantle it! H. Edited August 26, 2009 by mcspool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Chrisg Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 I've got one of them It looks like you undo the large nut on the top then probably all the fluid leaks out . On mine there are two large screws underneath wich may contain the valves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 snowtracdave Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Lake & Elliot used to make some of the best jacks available . Unfortunately , like so many others , they have now passed into history and where their factory used to be in Braintree has now become a new housing complex . I'm sure your jack is worth repairing as they were always quality pieces of equipment built to last a lifetime . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 25 pounder Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 i've got a "Lake & Elliot" too , different modell than yours , manufactured in 1940, and I still use it , without any problem until now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 recymech66 Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Nice pics, I have one at work which was found with a load of stuff that should've been thrown out long ago. Gave it a thorough check over and found it to be unserviceable so it'd gone in the bin. New one ordered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 mcspool Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 I have been quoted GBP 35 excl. VAT plus GBP 10 p&p for a piston seal. Is that a fair price? Who can point me in the direction of suppliers of repair kits? Thanks, Hanno Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Tony B Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 You may well find that the top ring has slots. If so the dismantiling is to use a C spanner to open up and remove the jack legs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 mcspool Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 Speaking of Lake & Elliot, see http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Lake_and_Elliot for some examples of their product adverts. The attached ad dates from April 1951 and shows the type of jack I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 mcspool Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 You may well find that the top ring has slots. If so the dismantiling is to use a C spanner to open up and remove the jack legs. Thanks for the tip, Tony. First I need to source a seal, though. What other parts would need replacing when overhauling? I guess I should strip it first to assess the condition of the pistons. Thanks, Hanno I have been quoted GBP 35 excl. VAT plus GBP 10 p&p for a piston seal. Is that a fair price? Who can point me in the direction of suppliers of repair kits? Thanks, Hanno Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Tony B Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Have to say I paid a lot less for a brand new 8 ton jack. Your'e right get it apart first. That may well be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 rbrtcrowther Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 I have two of them, One is a telescopic two stage one. good jacks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Thumpercross85 Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 These old jacks were very well made, and, so long as the sealing surfaces are in reasonable condition, can simply be resealed. We are based in the UK but if you look for a local Seal-Jet or Economos outlet for example, they can most likely make you a set of seals to fit your Jack. Its best if you strip and clean all the parts so that the seal styles and housings are easy to check & measure. Then it should be a simple re-assemble, re-fill with oil (usually H32 hydraulic oil) and it should be good for years more service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 JER Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 Hello hope someone can help maybe Hanno? I have a Dunlop double ram very similar to this. I've got the bottom leather seal out but I can't seem to figure out how the rams separate. There is a hole either side of the lower ram that when the upper is fully extended a brass pin can be seen on one side but not on the other. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Question
mcspool
Hi all,
Some years ago I bought an old 8-ton hydraulic bottle jack. Now the time has come I need to use it, I found out of course it needs a service/repair.
The piston goes up and down when operating the handle, but when left for a while it sinks. There is hardly any fluid left in the bottle.
How to repair it to working order? Just fill 'er up with hydraulic fluid and hope that's it? It does not seem there is a way to dismantle it.
Thanks in advance,
Hanno
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