Problems with my jack. Help Needed Please.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Problems with my jack. Help Needed Please.
I have a low profile Torin Black Jack. I bought this jack new more than a year ago. I've used it at least a dozen times with no issues. I store it in its hard case in a dry garage.
I have not used the jack in about 10 months and just pulled it out today to use it on the C6. However, the jack will not raise no matter how times I pump the handle. I checked the release valve and it is tight. I checked the hydraulic oil level and it seems full. In fact it runs out when I open the fill area so it seems very full. I've never added any oil so what is in there is what it came with.
The jack looks as good as when I bought it. There is no rust/corrosion/etc. I'd appreciate any thoughts as to what the problem might be.
Thanks a lot.
I have not used the jack in about 10 months and just pulled it out today to use it on the C6. However, the jack will not raise no matter how times I pump the handle. I checked the release valve and it is tight. I checked the hydraulic oil level and it seems full. In fact it runs out when I open the fill area so it seems very full. I've never added any oil so what is in there is what it came with.
The jack looks as good as when I bought it. There is no rust/corrosion/etc. I'd appreciate any thoughts as to what the problem might be.
Thanks a lot.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
I think the twisting of the handle is just to ensure that the lever doesn't come out. I don't think it is necessary to get the jack to lift. Am I wrong here?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
I should also add that I store the jack case on its side to reduce the space it takes. This of course means that the jack itself in the case is on its side. Not sure this matters and I don't recall seeing anything in the instructions about not doing this. Just trying to provide full disclosure.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 428
Likes: 10
From: Toledo Ohio
I should also add that I store the jack case on its side to reduce the space it takes. This of course means that the jack itself in the case is on its side. Not sure this matters and I don't recall seeing anything in the instructions about not doing this. Just trying to provide full disclosure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 804
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco Ca.
You might want to have somebody pump the handle while you work on pulling up on the lifting arm. Sometimes, when any Hydralic jack sits for long periods of time, the hydralic cylinder tend to stick. Hope this helps.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
You do have to twist the handle to close the relief valve in the jack. It should stop twisting after a few turns. If that doesnt work the jack may have poor tension on the relief valve spring or a bad check valve on the internals. Either way it wont work with out rebuilding it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Appreciate the help. However, I think there is a misunderstanding about my jack. The release valve is NOT in the handle. There is a little t-nut that sits on the jack just below the handle. To release the pressure and lower the jack you have to turn that counter clockwise. To close the valve it has to be turned clockwise. I usually have to use a pliers as it tends to stick. Anyway, my point is that the release valve is not in anyway connected to the handle.
I can lift the jack up a bit with my hands and then lower it with the aforementioned t-nut. However, pumping the handle does nothing.
I can lift the jack up a bit with my hands and then lower it with the aforementioned t-nut. However, pumping the handle does nothing.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
If its like this Torin Black Jack, you twist the handle to open and close the valve. It wouldn't make any sense for a mechanic to have to reach all the way under the car to release and lower it on the body of the jack. He doesn't want to be anywhere near the body of the jack when he is lowering the car. You can see the gear that transmits from the turning of the handle in this pic.
Last edited by cclive; Nov 29, 2008 at 09:36 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 674
Likes: 1
From: Auburn, AL
Sounds like the same problems I had with some old bottle jacks. I think the internal pump piston is full off air. Try leaving it set upright with the release valve open overnight or leave the release valve open and pick up the lifting arm up slowly and releasing it to try to get some of the air out of the piston chamber. Other than that check the linkage of the pump handle to the pump piston.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Last edited by ZPO; Nov 29, 2008 at 09:39 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: West St. Paul MN
I believe I have the same jack.You definately need to twist the handle to close the valve. Try opening it all the way (counterclockwise) and push the lift mechanism down by hand to get any air out then close the valve by twisting the handle (clockwise) till it stops. You were probably trying to compress the air instead of the fluid and couldn't get any lift.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 13,007
Likes: 0
From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!
St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
depending on the jack there is an air bleed valve.
Do you have your owner instructions? It will have a maintenance procedure or try searching online for the owners guide.
Do you have your owner instructions? It will have a maintenance procedure or try searching online for the owners guide.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Guys, I am telling you the release valve is NOT in the handle. I have used this jack a dozen times at least. I do have the instructions still. There is a release valve under the handle and to the left. This is what opens and closes the valve. My jack is not the like the jack pictured above.
I will try to leave it upright with the valve opened as suggested above. We'll see what happens.
Thanks for the continued help.
I will try to leave it upright with the valve opened as suggested above. We'll see what happens.
Thanks for the continued help.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Murieta California
NoCA Events Coordinator
I don't have the jack that you have, but the one I have did the same thing after several years of light use.. I fixed the problem by adding hydraulic jack oil, purchased at Wal-Mart for a couple dollars. Works great now.
This problem got me thinking about puechasing a better jack, and I found a great deal on one at Costco. Man, what a great jack, and it was only $90.
This problem got me thinking about puechasing a better jack, and I found a great deal on one at Costco. Man, what a great jack, and it was only $90.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Waukesha WI
Pro
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 640
Likes: 146
From: Texas
A quick Google search shows Torins are cheap, Wal-Mart jacks. I'd pick up a new jack as I wouldn't trust that on that's been weathered and probably cost you less than $40 to begin with.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Pro
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 640
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From: Texas