1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Long Ram Jack....plunger Packing/seal

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by wheelie, Mar 25, 2020.

  1. Mar 25, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    I have an old engine hoist with an old long ram cylinder on it. No identifiable markings on the ram for sourcing parts by brand. The handle operated plunger at the base is leaking. I took it apart and found some sort of deteriorated packing material inside, under the screw in cap that the plunger passes through.

    I can't find a kit for it after searching on line for a while. There is a local shop that specializes in bottle jack repair (believe it or not) but he hasn't returned my calls and may well be shut down for this virus thing.

    So, I'm wondering if I can make my own replacement packing type thing or seal.I'm not sure how much pressure is involved here so I'm a bit skeptical of making my own but, what the heck. I've got nothing to lose at this point.

    I was thinking of sandwiching a piece or two of regular grey gasket material in between two pieces of maybe bicycle tube or rubber roofing material (all cut to fit with gasket punches and such). The piece that screws into the base and the plunger passes through should compress this hodge lodge in the bottom of it bore/sealing surface.

    Am I waisting my time? Sorry for no pics. I'll try to take some tomorrow if it will help.

    I've watched videos and read threads and all that. This jack is a bit different from the modern designs in those things I've seen but the principle is the same.
     
  2. Mar 25, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
    Joined:
    May 29, 2019
    Messages:
    270
    If you pull it apart you should be able to find a shop that can match up you seals. The older seals have been upgraded to what is called a "quad seal" It's a redesigned cross section. Less distortion, better sealing. A company that rebuilds heavy equipment should have a supplier, Hope this helps, Ron
     
    wheelie likes this.
  3. Mar 25, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    With the situation we’re in, you might have no choice but to try it. I’d think the problem you’d have is the rubber deteriorating (expanding/softening) over time, leading to another leak. A week? A year? :shrug:
    It might at least get you through this mess. Or it might work forever.

    I was just thinking yesterday how this stay-at-home stuff is taking us back to a time when people made do with what they had. I am going to me making a body hammer and dolly out of an old ball peen hammer and some heavy scrap. There was no running to the hardware store for a $3 part back in the day. Our grandparents made it.

    Necessity is the mother of invention... and it’s a lost art.

    Let us know how it works out.
     
    sterlclan, wheelie and Twin2 like this.
  4. Mar 25, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    The one hydraulic repair company we deal with at work doesn't mess with rink dink stuff like this so they sent me to the bottle jack guy who hasn't gotten back to me.

    I could buy a new ram from somewhere and it would likely be imported. Besides, what fun would that be. And attempting a repair gives me a reason to buy a punch kit.

    Curious how the material will hold up against the jack oil, as mentioned above. More curious how it would hold up to the pressure. I have no idea what the ram is rated for. 4000, 5000, 8000 lbs. Who knows.
     
  5. Mar 25, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    The one on my 2-ton lift is a 3-ton rated cylinder, so I would divide 6000 by the area of the bore face to find max PSI.... I think?
     
  6. Mar 26, 2020
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
    I've got a old craftsman floor jack that needs seals too
    looked around online and most kits are generic
    so 60 bucks to door . not ready to make the plunge o_O
    it's one of them things . you got to take it apart first
     
  7. Mar 26, 2020
    jeep peep69

    jeep peep69 Member

    redding ca.
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    619
    Pull it apart and if the head on the plunger has o ring grooves use a piece of leather shoelace to make your own packing also them thin plastic Teflon cutting boards make good backing / wiper rings.
     
  8. Mar 26, 2020
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2009
    Messages:
    204,347
  9. Mar 26, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
     
    Admiral Cray likes this.
  10. Mar 27, 2020
    Jeff Bromberger

    Jeff Bromberger Quarantined in the Garage

    Dallas Metroplex...
    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2019
    Messages:
    202
    I am staring down the rebuild of a 12 ton HF bottle jack. I don't wanna toss this one - it hasn't been abused or anything - but the wonderment of how much replacement seals are has me hesitant. It's got a slow leak out the top when being used. Oil bubbles down the side...
     
  11. Mar 27, 2020
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
  12. Apr 17, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    I rebuilt one of those long style jacks about 30 years ago. I needed a cherry picker, and a friend had one that leaked like a sieve. I borrowed it and took it apart and took measurements, then went to a hydraulic supply in Norfolk, Va where they sold me leather packings. I installed them and it worked great.
    I was up in NC last year at that same friend's shop, and he commented that the cherry picker it still working perfectly, no leaks, all these years later.
    If you can find leather seals/packing, you'll be happy.
    -Donny
     
  13. Apr 17, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    Thanks Donny.
     
  14. Apr 18, 2020
    48cj2a

    48cj2a http://bantamt3c.com

    Central Illinois
    Joined:
    May 4, 2003
    Messages:
    526
    Since kinda on topic what makes the quick lift jacks work and can an old one be made to?

    I have a 3 ton cherry picker and I did end up with a HF replacement cylinder for mine - probably should have at least took it apart. I had bought it a few years before they had first came out with all the folding leg types.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Apr 18, 2020
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    Nice use of the hi lift!
     
    Twin2 likes this.
  16. Apr 19, 2020
    48cj2a

    48cj2a http://bantamt3c.com

    Central Illinois
    Joined:
    May 4, 2003
    Messages:
    526
    Another of the 101 proven uses of the HiLift

    A very versatile and useful tool!
     
    Twin2 likes this.
  17. Apr 19, 2020
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2012
    Messages:
    2,327
    There is some risk to rebuild such tool, it it maybe better to buy a new one of good quality. Or to double it with an other one for safety reasons. But, maybe I am too safety.
     
  18. Apr 19, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    No such thing as too safety, Alan. Thanks for your advice.
     
  19. Apr 19, 2020
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2012
    Messages:
    2,327
    On this forum I received interesting safety informations, I appreciate good advices. If I can help...(y)
     
  20. Apr 19, 2020
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    Have you taken it apart yet? Measure groove that seal fits into and inside and outside dimensions and compare to this chart for size.

    The base number for those o rings are AS568-, add your size and then search google for that P/N o ring.

    Safety is first but, do you toss out a tire just because you have a nail in the tire? Or sell the jeep because the muffler bearing goes south?
    Of course not! just stuff a new o ring in the jack and see how it works and does it still leak.


    O-Ring Size Chart
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2020
New Posts