Hydraulic Jack Not Working? Not Lifting All The Way? Try This!

[@892949]

Almost threw it away , thanks to your video , I don't have to go and buy one.... I will be able to fix my Prolift that I have hardly used.... Thank you for doing it!

[@niciegunderson541]

I'm 60 years old been turning wrenches for about 35 years and like I was told when I was your age and just starting out to be a mechanic I was told if you're not making mistakes you're not working

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I've heard that before, thanks for watching!

[@travisparker4790]

The truth right here

[@ole812ellie]

I salute you Mr Andersson , Years of hard work keeping this country moving… God Bless ya

[@schifoso]

lol I always lose plugs and washers. Thanks for the useful video. Nice fix.

[@johnzavala333]

I was told mine was shot but I'm going to go buy that Jack oil before I do anything else. I don't mind making mistakes and I keep telling my grandson you learn from mistakes. So, even with your mistake I'm still learning something. Keep up the good work. 👍👍

[@carlyleroberts3995]

Excellent video. The "mistake" actually was the highlight of the video. Thanks a mil for your help! I used Honda 10w30 engine oil because I had no Jack Oil on hand, I used a syringe to suck up oil from the bottle and inject the oil into the jack. I repaired two floor jacks, both working perfectly fine so far!

[@Andrew-up7te]

PERFECT! Solved my problem. My trolly jack all of a sudden would not lift very high and even then it would deflate upon its own weight. My jack is 30 years old and when buying the hydraulic oil I had a choice between AW-32 or AW-46 ("W-46 which is thicker and less likely to leak from an older machine") I drained the old oil and followed your video - 10/10 - Thanks!

[@jackst.germain3892]

Thank you for video. I had the worst time finding where to put the jack oil. Became frustrated which makes me stupid. The jack was overdue for love and care.

[@johnpereira2227]

To easily install the rubber fill plug push a blunt object into the little hole which stretches the plug and it goes in.

[@robertlabastida7332]

Saved me trip to HF. MY ancient powerbuilt wasn't working, took half of a bottle to fix it! Found out my garage sale jack is a 3.5 ton. Thanks Derek you saved me from making, plus spending $ unnecessarily, a huge mistake!

[@sincerelyrob4240]

Thank you for leaving the mistake in there for us to all learn from and helping prevent many of us from making the same one. Also, aren't you supposed to do this thing where you take the lever and put it on the front of the Jack and twist this little knob to the left and then Jack it up ten or twelve times and then twist the knob to the right.. or something like that??

[@matthewmcleaster]

Depends on the jack

[@wordtruth6116]

This was hilarious. First the use of the pick then how it blew up. 😂

[@M4manny212]

Hell yeah man. I just started having issues with my low profile jack, and been hesitant on buying a new one. I'll give this a try for sure

[@hydrolics5449]

Thank you so much for this. My jack is back alive!

[@GrooveAddix]

Absolutely worked for my limp jack that wouldn't raise.. You da' man! Thanks

[@ampecsu]

overfilled once and lost my plug outside. weeks later after finally ordering new plugs and installing one guess who finally tuns up in the driveway out of nowhere.....?

[@dreamsreborn3388]

😂😂😂😂

[@bigmex8794]

Same as the pinned comment. Was about to throw away my harbor freight jack. Gonna try this right now. Thanks

[@davidwang5445]

Thank you for your video. My jack does not go up at all. I will buy the jack oil and try what you have shown in the video. Thanks agin.

[@peltona]

great video. Love the humility.

[@jimbaranski4687]

Don’t add oil with the jack in the up position.

[@jamesetherton2544]

I’m glad I watched this video!!! I unscrewed the jack release and tried filling from there btw doesn’t work tried it this way and problem fixed.

[@michaelobrien9689]

I noticed mine was not performing like it needed to. Thanks for this, maybe I won’t have to go out and buy another one.

[@Skywardeyeprophet]

Thanks for the video, happy I can repair my decade old jack

[@georgegray8941]

Thanks, you showed me where the filler plug on the reservoir...got it filled up and lifting at max height again...25 yr old jack!

[@davismize]

Thank you fixedly heavy oversized floorjack!! Thank bud! It wasnt lifting but halfway up. Now it stands up like watching me shave in the morning! Haha. Threw Jack a little blue!

[@mvtv-montanavigilantetv5976]

Ah, thank you. I ended up on a remote ranch farm (Powder River County); had to jump at the chance without the best of resources. Dancing tires around at times; scissor jack with my 2002 GMC HEAVY Envoy bent long ago. Distant if any services available. Fortunate to find a working "bottle" jack but dammit, does not go up enough so a hassle. Oh, look. A BIGGER heavy duty bottle jack in shed ... but does not rise at all. What's this screw in the side? Wonder if any way to ... yes! Have to switch out a tire in next 48 hrs before snow and a trip. NO specific hydraulic oil sooo... what else around here that might serve in a pinch? Will see if I can closer tag how thick/thin it is. Believe worth the risk as can drain later; unlikely to hurt it. Other jack still works enough. Neighbor rancher has shop/skills/resources enough to rotate and repair entire tractor tires and bet HE has some ... but just getting out of the How Long Will This Greenhorn Last phase and the less I ask for help, the better. Appreciate the knowledge here. OR any suggestions if you happen to see this in time! Cheers.

[@mvtv-montanavigilantetv5976]

Update in less time than typing above: "in a pinch", the Great Google sez any lower weight non-detergent motor oil, ATF or even baby oil can work. Got lots of automatic tranny fluid! Carry on.

[@johnathonbrent2242]

I am having a problem with a bottle jack handle socket locked in place how do I fix it

[@ML-ks2lj]

That Jack is very similar to might and there is a screen that had a cap on it that said "do not adjust" well I was messing with mine because it wasn't working right and I took that plug out. Got a video on how to adjust that do not adjust screw? I added weight to my jackand loose Ed that plug all the way until it wouldn't pump then I turned the screw one time until the pump was registering . I then turned it into more time and it works on my lawn mower but I use thenjsck for my car too and before I put that load I wanted to find a idea on how to adjust those

[@abdoualilahthomas8031]

Mine.was leaking fron a screw with cover in it do not adjust, but it is leacking already from there and I have to remove it, and there is an oring there, but when you turn that screw alway down till it stopped, it doesn't leak anymore, but I didn't know of I should run that screw alway down and then fill the jack with oil or change the ring first and then put that screw but I don't know how many turns I should turn that screw? Or just turn it till it stopped.

[@Glenn7719]

My jacks started to not go all the way up like it used to, wouldnt even lift my wheels off the ground. I assumed it would need topping up with oil, same as this vid tho, no obvious signs that its been leaking tho. Came here as was not 100% sure where to top it up from, now i know. Thanks.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Let me know if it worked!

[@user-el8ef6nm6b]

I have a kincrome 1350kg trolly jack. The plunger is not springing back up after downward stroke any ideas?

[@phillipknott8137]

thank you so much! you showed me how to fix my jack

[@maryedgar5904]

😢 Going up, husband put regular motor oil in there. Will that racket? If we just dump it all out and get the right oil need to know.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Just dump it out and replace with Jack oil.

[@1015johnjohn]

Thanks dude just fixed my jack !

[@dwinsemius]

If you want to get the plug back in, then you need to leave a little space, otherwise the fluid is incompressible and nothing will let you get it back in.

[@2205karl]

Nice I've got some steering fluid that will do.

[@JesusSoto-oq9xg]

What about the lifting device that doesnt work ?

[@SuperLiconic]

Anyone has a clue what can cause jack not to keep its full high and goes down under pressure ( even 50 kg ) ?

[@ronwhite9117]

Thank you for your input on filling these little floor jacks. I almost tossed it in the dumpster. I appreciate your help.!!!!

[@user-fz1en8ew9z]

Thanks, just tried to jack my car up with newish jack and didn’t work. Hopefully this works.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Did you have any luck?

[@TheRonaldbaxter]

I have a basic hydraulic jack like this bought new. It worked fine. I haven't used it for around a year and it now won't raise at all. Put some oil in or something else?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

If I didn’t see evidence of the oil leaking out where I placed it, I’d assume something else. But I’m not a hydraulics mechanic. Just a tinkerer. Check the seals you have easy access too like the one on the plug screw you twist in.

[@TheRonaldbaxter]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects Thanks, I’ll have a good look at it. No evidence of leaks in its plastic container.

[@paulslovacek449]

Fixed my jack, thanks

[@Koko-qs8zx]

I have a Duralast ( didn’t last long though) 2 1/2 ton floor Jack that was bought in 2019 only been used 3 times. Went to use it a few months back and it will not lift a load. It does not leak. Oil level is good. I have jacked it all the way up and pumped it 8 more times then released it and burped the plug. Tried to raise the car and it will not raise more than an inch. At my wits end. Ready to throw $130 jack in the dumpster unless anybody has any good ideas. ( I have tried the valve open pump it 8 times close the valve pump it to full extension pump 8 more times beyond that lower it and burp plug. Tighten the valve put it under the car to raise it and NOTHING! I have tried that recommended fix 15 times. NO BUENO!)

[@NoMoney67]

Great video. I was wondering WTH? Going to get some jack oil. 👍

[@yanito8508]

THANK YOU!!! Yes!!! Finally and so simple 👌

[@maskedfisherman333]

Exactly what happened to me earlier, luckily you didn't end up with with oil in your face, on the ceiling, floor and who knows where that damn plug ended up. My wife knows for sure I was not happy

[@maharenagebreslasie5596]

I just did it , it worked perfect, thank you!

[@jovanytorres6667]

A new jack has oil or not? Cause i have one but it’s not lifting

[@belladriver258]

Thanks I just realized my dear husband gave me his broken one. The joke is on him is bigger and I got a cover for too 😮

[@redryder8834]

I saw that one comin, and I bet you did too, almost put your eye out! 😂

[@Carlostype]

I read elsewhere that you can stand your trolley jack upright and fill oil to the level of the plug hole just as you would with a bottle jack, what you think?

[@sincerelyrob4240]

Still waiting, aye?? 😄

[@moefritz9568]

​@@sincerelyrob4240 He checks everyday to see if he gets a response

[@macariobueno7071]

Your right

[@Tango1911]

What if my jack is lifting but it's just slow?

[@jamesT8681]

I have a Pro-Lift HD lawn mower lift . It’s a few years old. Went to move it and it’s up 18 inches high(26 inch. is the highest)and won’t go down. May have to bleed it. Thanks for your great video. Hope this works. Going to buy Jack Oil. Never done this before . I’ll let you know how it goes ASAP.. Thanks!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Let me know!

[@myeshac6737]

I have a 2 ton Pittsburgh floor jack, I put fluid in it but it’s still not lifting my dodge pick truck anymore

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Probably the seals are bad then. Either throw it in the scrap metal bin and get a new one or try and find a seal kit, disassemble it, and replace all the gaskets and seals.

[@myeshac6737]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects I was actually able to fix it! I turned the crank handle clockwise until it was tight then turned it counter clockwise 2 full turns then pumped the crank handle 10-15 time, then tighten the crank handle and pumped it all the way up. I repeated that and before I cranked it all the way up I put it under the truck and it lifted it where I needed so I just needed to release the air that was in it :)

[@benkalinowski5834]

I have a jack similar to that It leaks bad out of the screw you turn to let it down Is there a seal I can get

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

On the end of that screw there is a rubber seal. Some might be o-rings… on the one I took apart a couple years ago it was probably a centimeter thick, maybe two, with a hole in it that slides over a small pointy end of the screw. I’m not sure where to recommend to find one / buy one but I’m sure there is one. Look at the hardware section of your local ace or other hardware store. I’d probably take the one in their out with me to compare.

[@benkalinowski5834]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects do they need to be special orings for the oil ?? Ty

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Not sure. I’m not a hydraulic cylinder mechanic or anything. I just know enough to get myself into trouble I guess. Everything you do is at your own risk.

[@benkalinowski5834]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects obv I was just asking There cheap Mine just floods out everytime I unscrew it And I'll try my best Ty again for the Info

[@macariobueno7071]

Just bare Just barely untighten it

[@dreamsreborn3388]

Great video worked like a charm thanks!

[@damyis_100]

Going to try this, will come back and let yall know if it worked

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

It’s not a guaranteed fix, if you have bad seals and stuff, it’s not going to magically repair it, but if you just have a slow leak or something it’ll fix you for a short time until it needs a refill.

[@Queteimp]

Pretty good top score here. Just measure the energy used to mae the metal case, steel parts, design , paint (Co2 emmited to produce this one), to just just throw it away in order to get a new one when this one still works and is not something as food (first need). Most amer waste to much stuff . Oh the paint is bad or not new looking so let get a new one..... I mean.... Pretty good video

[@terrytailor]

Great stuff. Thanks.

[@boreduser12]

My jack doesnt even lift a little. Nothing happens. Is that an oil issue?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Could be, but I’m guessing a bad seal all together. Try and find a rebuild kit. If it’s a big expensive Jack ($200+) and you don’t want to try to rebuild it yourself then I bet a hydraulic shop could rebuild it for not too terribly much.

[@boreduser12]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects thanks! I'll try putting oil in to see if anything happens. Oil is completely gone.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Oh, then it’s gotta be oil, but it’s probably gone from a leak, so probably needs to be rebuilt.

[@jovanytorres6667]

A new jack has oil or not? Cause i have a new one but it’s not lifting

[@supremeteen1975]

Same here. It stays hard

[@macariobueno7071]

You have to buy your own jack oil

[@kennyly-USA]

That helped me out. Thank you

[@kademclain5766]

Gear oil also works

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Good to know. Thanks 👍🏼

[@SherryBrown-uu7fj]

I also have an old timer teach me marble right on yeah Marvel mystery, red oil. I don’t know what it is about that stuff, but put too much you can kill an engine. He put us a drop or two though, so like your gas, I’d say probably literally a drop per gallon it’ll keep all your valves your rings everything beautiful but the weird part is he also told me you can put in Jack’s honestly it’s not engine so you can put a lot more for some reason it keeps the vowels a little bit more maintained know your rubber parts. Motorado is easily marvel, red mystery oil.

[@becomematrix]

How tf can a CLOSED jack leak or loose oil?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Are you not aware that there is a light film of oil on all hydraulic cylinders when they are extended?

[@becomematrix]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjectsyeah but I have never seen any drips or whatever. I went ahead and bought oil anyway and greased all the pivoting points and replaced the o rings.

[@CarlosOrtiz-si3bb]

Really helpful Thank you 🙏

[@matthewmcleaster]

Thank you so much

[@personaldiscovery2124]

good job!

[@whyowhy2274]

Thank you so much!

[@maxmax0]

That incident makes me worry about how safe this kind of jack is. Any comments?

[@kevindenton6449]

I think the plug only popped out because he had the lowering screw turned as well, not just because he put weight on it. But that is also why you always use jack stands and never trust only a jack.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Missed this somehow. No way. The Jack went down because I was trying to make it go down and because it was raised when I filled it, the resevoir became overfilled and that’s what popped the plug out when it went down. I actually just used this Jack a week ago on my dump trailer. Worked perfectly fine.

[@austinpowers4599]

I keep jack oil by my bed

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

😂

[@mustangandfrankenstein]

lol .to fill up you're leaky jack .

[@djones02]

Keep the mistakes in. That's the best way to learn! I actually thought you did it on purpose to teach a lesson. Thanks anyways

[@ErikU19]

Thanks bro.

[@theoldgoat4525]

If e-jack-ulated! 😂

[@markrusso9235]

All these videos keep skipping over the hardest part, getting the cap back in.

[@macariobueno7071]

Your not supposed to top it off with Jack oil. You take the oil filler rubber cap off,thentilt the jack vertically were the handle is facing down, that's how you check fluid level. The proper level should be on bottom of the circle of the oil filler

[@datz_nice_805]

Why you fill with the jack up lol

[@mike814031]

You know what I don't understand? If the jack has never leaked then where does all that extra missing oil go? Does it disappear into a hidden dimension we can't access?😂😂 Honestly though lol

[@Imageking1969]

And here I was going to start feeding it Viagra! I'll try this soon and let y'all know how it went.

[@MegaMidds]

Have you tried jacking a car up on it yet? Thats the real test, as I have found 😢

[@gordhoenow6322]

So you didn’t really fix the problem. Off to the next video I go…

[@danlabrack2548]

You didn't fix anything all you did is add oil, when you add oil to your car are you fixing it?😂

[@rawar777joshanderson]

well if that was the problem, yes

[@kyleoldroyd7712]

why you basicly make us watch everything upside down? you need a different camera angle cuz thats kind of hard to watch and then you go on and let the plug shoot you in the face and James Harden would appreciate that step back....