Colin Lindsay Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 I bought a 6 ton bottle jack about 2 years ago in order to work on our Ifor Williams Horse Trailer; I didn't reckon my 2 - ton trolley jack was up to the job. I spent £25 on one of these from a local tool shop - they were on special purchase offer - and on first use, it started to pump oil out around the neck at the base of the ram. I put no pressure on it at all - the smaller tube came up, made contact with the underside of the axle, the larger one came up and as soon as it struck the lifting point it just sat there while oil came out round the base. No lifting, no heavy pumping, just gentle pressure. I took it back and got a replacement which worked - once. First time no bother, second time maybe six months later, same fault - before it even tries to lift, or take any strain at all, oil comes out round the base of the ram. The tool shop is closed due to Lockdown and reports are they may never reopen, so no chance of a refund. If I wanted to refurbish this one, what's the best plan of action? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 there a places that sell hydraulic ram seals for jacks but it looks a bit unbranded , how do you know just what the heck is it and from where have you tried to strip it down to see just whats failed , is it a cup or 0 ring arrangement on the main piston ive got a pair of smaller similar looking ones came with the lift up ramps . not used yet they look a bit suspect in a nice chinese red !!! what happend to the good old british kite mark ??? Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 1 hour ago, Colin Lindsay said: If I wanted to refurbish this one, what's the best plan of action? You're relying on this to lift and support 6 tons, I would put it in the bin and buy one from a reputable source. Doug 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyman Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 I would be going for a used Weber bottle jack Colin, they last for years and repair kits are available if needed. I have one plus a Weber trolley jack and never had a problem with them. Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 the best thing about an old mechanical screw jack is they dont leak Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted September 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 The horse trailer weights about 9 metric tonnes, just under an Imperial ton, so no huge worries but it's a four wheeler and it's really only to lift one wheel an inch off the ground while I free up the brakes, which have a habit of sticking when it's not used for a month or two. I'm just wondering if this jack is saveable and if I can improve on the original... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 4, 2020 Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 9 tonnes gee whiz that's a monster does it hold 8 horses ????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted September 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2020 0.9!!! 0.9!!! Missed the nought. Was going to say I missed nothing but I obviously missed something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathew Posted September 6, 2020 Report Share Posted September 6, 2020 On 04/09/2020 at 19:50, Colin Lindsay said: 0.9!!! 0.9!!! Missed the nought. Was going to say I missed nothing but I obviously missed something. Reminds me of the classroom when asked to calculate the volume to do a driveway. One person calculated it would take several train wagon loads!😂 I would throw away the jack and get a new quality one. Sometimes the seal kit is not much cheaper than a new jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 6, 2020 Report Share Posted September 6, 2020 https://www.google.com/search?q=bottle+jack+seal+kits&rlz=1C1FGUR_enGB862GB862&oq=bottle+jack+seal+kits&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.6623j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 you need to know what the heck it is Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted September 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2020 31 minutes ago, Pete Lewis said: https://www.google.com/search?q=bottle+jack+seal+kits&rlz=1C1FGUR_enGB862GB862&oq=bottle+jack+seal+kits&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.6623j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 you need to know what the heck it is Pete The only option I have - rather than dump it - is to repair to destruction. Maybe the seals have codes on them that can identify them. I'll assume I start with the big nut on the top? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 6, 2020 Report Share Posted September 6, 2020 who you calling a big nut ???? yes thats a gamble i would take , theres not much of any other access to the guts Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badwolf Posted September 6, 2020 Report Share Posted September 6, 2020 A nice disection with photos, so that if any of us come across one, we know how to fix it... or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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