Thanks for the reply, Dave. I got her going today. There was a pipe plug on the top side of the valve/manifold assembly that was hidden in a pocket of grease. I pulled it out, let all the air escape, and filled the hole full of oil. That passage must have gone directly to the pump because it went up right away on the next try. I've got to work it some more to get the rest of the air out of it, but so far so good. No leaks and it goes up quickly and smoothly. I've owned this bucket 'o bolts for about 7 years and this is the first time that it's ran good, stopped good, and the hoist has worked good - all at the same time! Maybe I can finally put her to work. Thanks for all the help!!
Oh, and 8 months is a QUICK project for me! I had the brakes torn apart for a year and a half. Somehow I always seem to remember how things came apart.
