Filling a Porsche Floor Jack

[Andras Nagy]

This past weekend, I tried to use my Craftsman 3-ton Porsche floor jack, but it would rise only about 7" above the floor; normally it rises about 19". Once at 7", it seeems to have run out of fluid.

Can these jacks be filled with fluid? When I opened the slotted screw, which I think is to the fluid reservoir, the brake fluid seems to be right at the top. Adding more does not make any difference, except to spill out onto the newspapers.

Does one have to open two orifice screws, the fill screw and the one that says "do not adjust"??????? It seems that the air must be purged somehow, and it can't come out of the same hole into which you put the additional fluid.

Any tricks to filling?

[Andras Nagy]

Bump, please.

[jmohn]

I can't speak specifically to the Craftsman jack, but typically, the body of the lifiting piston enclosure is also the reservoir. Yes. there is usually only one fill port (sounds like you've found it). You'd know if the oil had leaked out of the reservoir, there would be a puddle surrounding the jack (very messy). It sounds like the seals are bad either in the pump portion or on the piston. Typically these jacks are spring loaded to retract when the "release" screw is opened (handle turned or whatever). Apparently when there is sufficient tension on the jack (at approx. 7") the seals are allowing oil to bypass right back to the reservoir. It could be fixable, see if Sears has a re-build kit for it.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Gunter]

Some jacks need to be held vertical for refill. Ask Sears or look at the manual for instructions. If it's bleeding back, check your warranty. Cheers.

[masraum]

I used to have the same problem. My old cheapy jack would leak, once the fluid got too low it wouldn't jack up much at all. Refill and it would work fine for a while, but didn't bleed down once up.

[Andras Nagy]

Hi Steve,

So how did you solve the problem? However, I don't know if I would call the Craftsman jeck a "cheapy" (I know you didn't, but my impression is that my Craftsman 3 ton is a pretty solid, robust, ect jack).

Still need to know how to re-fill the reservoir.

Thanks guys; keep the recommendations coming.

[echrisconnor]

I probably have the same jack as you and it also has the same leaking problem. Look on the hydraulic cylinder. On the top near it's base there should be a rubber plug about 1/2" in diameter. Pull the plug, re-fill and then push it back in. You should be in business.

[Zeke]

echris has got it. And, if your jack leaked, be careful with it when holding a load, like when you are reaching under to place a stand. It usually isn't a problem, but jacks don't start leaking until either they are fairly old or have been used for something beyond their rated capability.

In either case, the main seal could be ready to give up the ghost.

[Andras Nagy]

Hi Milt,

And if my jack is old (mine is only about 5 years old), and the seals are ready to expire, can they be rebuilt? Especially a Craftsman?

[LakeCleElum]

Mine's not a craftsman, but had it rebuilt to the tune of about $120 about 8 yrs. ago. I just looked in the yellow pages in a nearby large city. Might be cheaper to replace it.....

[kycarguy 935]

I have a couple of $300 american made jacks and my old china made $52.00 2-1/2 ton jack from Auto Parts Club in Signal Hill Ca. bought in 1990 and it still works awsum. I use it at least 3-4 times a week. Maybe I was just lucky. I wish I could go back and buy a few more from that same batch...lol.

[Ned nyna 11]

Andras,
First, use oil, specifically for jacks. The fill hole is usually blocked/sealed with a bolt and seal washer and is on top of the center barrel, near the handle end.
Remove the screw and fill her up, it will be messy even though the oil comes in squirter cans.
If the jack leaks, store it on cardboard to minimise the mess. mine has leaked for years.

Ned

[porschenut]

I just bought the Craftsman 3-ton jack about 2 hours ago. Here's what the manual says:

MAINTAINING OIL LEVEL
When adding or replacing oil, ALWAYS use a good grade hydraulic jack oil. DO NOT use hydraulic brake fluid. Use of an improper fluid can cause serious internal damage to your jack.

ADDING OIL
Oil should be filled to about 6mm below the top of the oil filler hole.

Maybe you have an older one but I would assume the guidelines are the same.

[Andras Nagy]

Thanks Guys,

I have done just as all of you have suggested, and it still seems to have an air pocket or something which keeps the jack oil I've been using from filling the reservoir.

I'll be doing a DE Inspection this evening with my mechanic, and we'll tackle it together. Tis a slight mystery still, why it won't accept the jack oil.

[ChrisBennet]

It's my belief that the Chinese hydraulic seals don't last that long, perhaps because the cylinders aren't as smooth or get pitted easier.

My 2.5 ton Craftsman lasted a couple of years. I replaced it with a good jack (a Lincoln when they still made good ones) and it is still going strong 6 years later. The Lincoln releases easier, lifts higher and it doesn't slam the car down on the jackstands like the Craftman did.

I think if you can afford the up front cost of a good jack you will save money in the long run. I'd rather buy a $300 jack once than buy 3 $100 Craftsman's.

-Chris

[RickM]

I have a Craftsman jack that went to a certain level and no further. The seal(s) were shot. Brought it to a Hydraulic shop as the warranty was long expired and the Sears guy looked at me crosseyed when I inquired (BTW, if it were a no-name unit I would have just thrown it away). $50 later the seal was replaced. I decided to test by jacking the front end of one of my cars up about 3/4 of the way. Turned out it would slowly lose pressure after several hours and lower. Had to bring it back.
Needless to say I don't trust this jack. Besides the cost of repair is halfway to a new one.

Addition: The rebuild guy also mentioned that the seal or seals were not of a standard size/type. Keep in mind this was several years ago.

[wholberg]

Most quality, American made jacks will be rebuildable (OTC tools, USJack, etc.) Look over the jack carefully and see if the manufacturers name is somewhere on it. www.blackhawkparts.com has rebuild parts for hundreds of brands of hydraulic jacks; they might be able to help you identify it. If you have to toss it, look at the blackhawkparts.com website to identify a jack you can buy a rebuild kit for. Good luck!!

[Andras Nagy]

Solved the problem!!!!!!

See my new post.