On Apr 9, 12:53 pm, wrote:
On 8 Apr 2007 14:30:18 -0700, wrote:

I have a 20 ton jack that does work well. How do I troubleshoot these
type of jacks? How do you refill / check fluid levels?

Please advise. Thanks.

What doesn't work well? Is it a bottle jack or does it have a separate
pump? Does it leak?

Typically these jacks us a hydraulic oil with a lot of paraffin in it.
Over time the paraffin settles out and leaves a waxy substance
on components that control the jack (check valves, spools ect.)
If it is a quality jack these control/pump components can be
accessed. Disassemble and clean. If the Jack is not made for
disassembly then chuck it.

Sometimes.......at your own risk......You can heat the jack to
melt any waxy deposits and rework the paraffin back into the
oil. I wouldn't go any higher than 200 degrees if you attempt
this.

The previous poster, Joe was right on the money. I couldn't believe
it myself at first, but even a professional grade 1 1/2 ton Walker (US
made) was economically unrepairable due to high local labor costs
when compared with the new cost of Chinese imports at less than $100.
I assume the parts needed, probably some "O" rings were relatively
inexpensive. Now these jacks join the throw away catagory.
Joe G