I went to use my engine crane over the easter weekend and it wouldn't work (only got it last April), so I presume I'm in need of replacing the fluid

Is there any particular fluid I need? Or will the standard stuff from Halfords/Machine mart (if they do it) do the trick?

It's standard stuff.

Sorry to hijack, but I have similar trouble with my trolley jack. Seems to pump up then go straight down again. Would it be seals or just knackered? (it's quite old).

Ta,

JB

i had a similar problem with one i got off ebay. A made in china job. Seals were knackered before it was out the box, but also they sometimes need bleeding. Basically open the valve (release), and pump. It should get rid of the air. Then close and try it. I have to do it a lot with my old trolley jack as air gets into it.

A hydraulics specialist told me that often the problem with trolley jacks is a bit of muck stopping the seal from seating. He suggested the first thing to try is to stand on the axle and then pull the jack open by hand fast. This pushes fluid backwards and can shift the muck.

I have a "very" slight leak on my trolly jack and just needs topping up with ATF about once a year. Always works, but just loses a slight amount, have never needed to bleed it. HTH Ray

Its a very basic single acting cylinder and nearly always is down to seals being worn or broken.

Other cause is pitting on the chrome which obviously kills the seals.

Any std hydraulic oil will be fine.

Halfords do a 'Jack Oil' dont know if its any good or not, but cheap enough on trade and works in my jack. The jack says on it 'use clean sae 10 grade oil' but it was made a million years ago.

Daniel