Do I need to add oil to my floor jack?

KNS · 08-11-2007, 08:52 AM

I've got an Arcan 3.5 ton floor jack. I know some jacks need hydraulic oil added to them periodically but I don't see any place to add oil on mine. Are some jack sealed - no service? It's a Costco special ($99.00) and it's been great otherwise.

Anyone?

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Is it working ok?
If it's not leaking, you shouldn't need to add oil. It would only lose the very thin film on the ram when it's extended.
Seems to me I had one that you added oil where the vent screw was...

KNS · 08-11-2007, 10:25 AM

Thanks for the reply. It seems to have worked fine all along except for once (operater error?), never any leaks.

Joeaksa · 08-11-2007, 11:00 AM

Kurt,

The time you usually realize that you need fluid is either seeing a leak (and it needs to be fixed) is when you try to lift something and the jack will not go to its full extension.

As for refilling it, look to see if there is a cover on the top that you can remove. Most of them have a large slotted screw that you remove to add fluid.

Joe

Hugh R · 08-11-2007, 07:59 PM

99 bucks from Costco? I'll bet its a throw away.