ok i went to autozone the other day to look for hydraulic fluid and all they had was hydraulic jack oil..i was thinking that this is the same thing as hydraulic fluid but i wasn't sure..so is it the same thing??

 

I was wondering the same question. As I think about it, I imagine jack oil doesn't need to be nearly as good as hydraulic fluid, since hydraulic fluid has to run through high-speed pumps, motors, and valves running constantly and heating up. Jack fluid might not hold up the the heat created in a hydraulic system running constantly. But if your talking about a convertible top, maybe it would hold up. I'd find the real stuff though. Try a tractor dealership or hardware store maybe. Keep in mind, hydraulic fluid only has to match the application. I've seen machines that the hydraulic fluid is water, it depends on the function of the machine.

Might find some info at this link, type hydraulic fluid in the search window there. Usually can find usefull info in this catalog. Kind of like looking in the crutchfield catalog for speaker info etc.
http://www.mcmaster.com/

 

so i guess no one knows for sure

 

Sorry. I forget the contents but there is something in jack oil that makes it too thick for the hydraulic pump in our cars. There should a universal hyd fluid at some store around where you live. You can also order the stuff online if need be. I wish i knew exactly why it doesnt work, i hate giving suggestions when i dont have the facts.

 

Ok fine, don't click my link, and remain ignorant
here's what you would have found if you did. Like I said, it depends on your application.

Hydraulic Oil
Premium, antiwear, nondetergent oil lubricates and protects hydraulic systems that operate under severe conditions. Its additives resist corrosion and prevent foam from forming. Color is yellow.
ISO SUS @ 1 Gallon 5 Gallon 55 Gallon
Grade 100° F Each Each Each

32 155 1016K11 $9.50
1016K12 $36.17
1016K82 $266.67

46 215 1016K21 9.50
1016K22 36.17
1016K83 266.67

68 325 1016K31 9.50
1016K32 36.17
1016K84 266.67

100 525 1016K41 9.50
1016K52 36.17
1016K85 266.67

Prices are approximately 15% less when you buy in multiples of 6.


Zinc-Free Hydraulic Oil
Similar to the hydraulic oil above, except this oil contains no zinc. It's a good choice if you're concerned about disposing of zinc waste. Nondetergent oil has excellent antiwear protection to extend the life of your equipment. Color is yellow.
ISO SUS @ 1 Gallon 5 Gallon
Grade 100° F Each Each

32 150 3504K32 $13.19
3504K34 $52.50

46 214 3504K37 13.19
3504K39 52.50

 Prices are approximately 15% less when you buy in multiples of 6.


All-Weather Hydraulic Oil
Made to withstand weather extremes, this nondetergent oil is suitable for outdoor equipment, including machines that must run cold while they're warming up. Oil contains antiwear and corrosion-preventative additives. Color is yellow.
ISO SUS @ 1 Gallon 5 Gallon
Grade 100° F Each Each

32 155 1849K11 $13.51
1849K12 $51.11

46 215 1849K21 13.51
1849K22 51.11

68 325 1849K31 13.51
1849K32 51.11

Prices are approximately 15% less when you buy in multiples of 6.


Biodegradable Food-Grade Hydraulic Oil
An environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based oil, this nondetergent oil is all natural and nontoxic. It contains 100% vegetable oil, so it's less likely to thin out as temperature increases. Plus, it allows pumps to run cooler than with petroleum-based oils, reducing the risk of oxidation. Oil has a USDA rating of H1 for incidental food contact. Color is yellow.
ISO SUS @ 1 Gallon 5 Gallon
Grade 100° F Each Each

32/46 180 3499K22 $27.08
3499K24 $107.41

 

Shooter Jay do you work for McMaster Carr? They are one of my vendors, good company to deal with.

 

I believe the original factory recommended fluid to use in 4-th gen f-bod 'vert pumps is Dextron III (AT fluid), however I've been told on more than one occasion that GM issued a revised recommendation (I've yet to find that in writing, but some insist that it exists and that this recommendation is also comes from dealerships) to use "mineral oil" instead of the Dex-III. I added mineral oil (available from a pharmacy, look for "laxitives") to my pump and it seems to work fine.

 

No, I don't work for Mcmaster-carr. They are a vendor for us to. Yes they are very good to deal with. Next day shipping usually, and they have alot of different stuff as you know. They are also very helpful too if you have questions, and the catalog is very descriptive about alot of things as can be seen in my last post. Not the cheapest vendor, but probably the most convenient.

 

Use "mineral oil" only instead of the Dexron III this is a GM issued a revision.

 

Do you happen to have this GM recommendation in writing (or a reference to a TSB or something)?? This question seems to come up often and it'd be nice to be able to show this so people believe. TIA.

 

I'll see if I can get a copy. When they replaced my top motor they put hydraulic oil in it and and it melted the seals on the rams.The dealer ended up replacing all of the carpeting the pump (again) the hoses and rams. That's when they contacted GM and was told to use mineral oil only. I guess the fluid put in at the factory is what caused the pump to leak in the first place.

 

I have heard of this! If you still have factory fluid in your car you can see in the rear fender in front of the tire where the fluid slowly leaks. Also under your back seats some cars have a dark spot where the fluid drains into there.

 

What, so mine might be leaking if I have the factory fluid?

 

It wouldnt hurt to check

 

I will, thanks.

 

This post has been around for a while but I think I found the TSB number for this. The NHTSA has a search engine that will display summaries of TSB's. I found this on their site for a 2002 Camaro: TSB #052802; "Service manual advises incorrect usage of convertible top fluid". The NHTSA item number for this TSB is 636700. I have not been able to find the text of this TSB. Perhaps someone out there can help? I plan on calling the local dealer today to see if I can get any specific details. I'll re-post with whatever I find.