air rams

[chips59]

i have an air ram i want to use on something but i don't want to use air to operate it. (i know i should). is there any type of liquid i can use that will not damage the seals?

[Vulcanised]

hydraulic oil will do the job but..... keep in mind air cylinders work at far lower pressure than hydraulic systems. If you try to run it on a hydraulic pump, you will blow it up...... you could run it off a small arb type compressor..... even a small cylinder at 100psi generates a fair amount of force.

[chips59]

thanks for that, i want to use them on the four legs on the van that stabilize the van, i was told to use liquid in them so they don't leak as its better than air. was going to use an air tank half full of fluid and then pump air into the top to push fluid through. what do you think?

[Vulcanised]

air over oil will work, but you generally need an intensifier.... unless you use a fair size tank with a lot of air space in it. it may work... can't hurt to try it

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

Air is compressible. Your supports will be "bouncy".

Paul

[Red_Zook]

spot on for shaging LOL

[KiwiBacon]

Best to call up the cylinder maker and ask. Most manufacturers have several different seal material options in their cyilnders. The viton ones will handle pretty much anything.
Water will work in many, but it depends on other internal parts which are in contact with the fluid.

If they're at the lowest point in the system, then simply adding oil will work. The oil will find it's way to the lowest point, using lockoff valves near the cylinders will prevent them from going spongey when you want them solid.

[Big Red Toy]

Sounds like you might be better off with a mechanical support which is adjustable in height vs the rams which will be costly.
Maybe speak to a caravan manufacturer & see what they have to offer

[sierrajim]

Sounds like you might be better off with a mechanical support which is adjustable in height vs the rams which will be costly.
Maybe speak to a caravan manufacturer & see what they have to offer

$65ea for zinc plated ones from carac

[Dak Dak]

[quote="KiwiBacon"]
The viton ones will handle pretty much anything.
quote]

Viton = $$$$$$ Only required if you're using really nasty stuff, nitrile seals would be fine for majority of applications.

[Tiny]

The viton ones will handle pretty much anything.
quote]

Viton = $$$$$$ Only required if you're using really nasty stuff, nitrile seals would be fine for majority of applications.

there is heaps of different vitons that suit diferent application, I agree, nitrile should work for most standard oils.

BTW Viton is no more expensive than most compounds, just alot of companies are still trying to mark the product up far more than it should be becuase it is a far better compund for corrosives and fuels etc

[chips59]

the ram i have says c&c Manufacturing inc., rockford, il 61115, part no. RLF04A-DAN-AA00.

[KiwiBacon]

Sounds like you might be better off with a mechanical support which is adjustable in height vs the rams which will be costly.
Maybe speak to a caravan manufacturer & see what they have to offer

That's a sensible but very boring solution.