The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts How do I properly fill my dump with fluid?

I did write a Tech article about hoists but I don't think I covered this part as it never occured to me. Even after you get it filled it will probably be herky jerky for 2-3 lifts as it works the air out of the system. That is what blows the oil out all over the place so lower it slowly and let the air out. I always like the idea of using a square pipe plug and drilling a hole thru the square part and into the cavity of the plug. Then I'd put a cotter key thru the hole which allowed air to escape but was small enough to keep out dirt. This only works on the old low pressure systems (1000 psi) and I would not recommend it on a newer truck which operate at 2500-3200 psi. The old underbody hoists were pretty forgiving but aeriated oil will kill a pump. Clean up that pump and make sure all your hose connections are tight and try to see where the oil got away. Might be a good idea to drain it thru a pump hose and refill with clean oil. Only fill it to the point where it will complete the stroke and not all the way as was mentioned by others as it will expand when hot, leak out and you get to do it all again.

CAUTION: this is not the proper way to fill a system that uses a reservoir and only applies to closed systems like an underbody design.