I bought a "used on one project only" engine hoist and I'm having a problem with it. It's a one ton capacity from Harbor Freight and it doesn't lift the engine as high as I think it should. Is this a lack of hydraulic fluid or just a bad ram?

~Neil

Probably lack of fluid, fill it up and see what happens. Larry

It may be low on fluid. There is probably a rubber plug on the side of the ram cylinder. With the ram fully retracted, fill the cylinder up to the hole with hydraulic fluid. Extend and retract the ram a few time to bleed the air and check the level again. Hope this helps!

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Rod Schneider, Ball Ground, Ga.
"You can't have too many toys!"
1988 Fiero GT
1987 Porsche 944S
1987 Corvette
1966 Porsche 911
2001 Chrysler 300M
Van's RV-6 airplane-at the airport, nearly ready to fly

Sometimes, I've had to bleed mine, too. There should be a sicker on the side on how to do it. If you lift on the ram manually, you can induce air into the system, just like our clutch systems.

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Build thread for my 88 + 3800NA swap

As high as you think it should, or as high as the thing is built to?
Pics?

quote Originally posted by 2.5: As high as you think it should, or as high as the thing is built to? Pics?

With the engine leveler on the engine and the drop chain at one link I couldn't put the motor on an engine stand. The ram is only extending 11.5" and I believe it should max out at 19.5".

[This message has been edited by sspeedstreet (edited 09-18-2013).]

Open the let down valve and then pull the ram to full extension with the lifting arm, then you will know how high it can go. Larry

Mine got to where it would only go up about 90%. I rebuilt it (new o-rings) & it goes up higher than it did when new.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

A pint of hyd. fluid and it works like a champ now. Too obvious for my brain, I guess. Thanks to all.