Tech Tip: DIY fix to your Air hydraulic pump

Puzzled by Pressure Problems? Let’s Pump It Up!

This article first appeared in the AME Gazette, winter edition. Find them in your packing slips or at a trade show near you!

Dear Tech Tip,
I’m in a bit of a bind with my 15920 Air Hydraulic Pump—it’s refusing to build pressure! I rely on this pump for work and sending it off for repairs would mean downtime I can’t afford. Is there a way to fix it myself, either in the shop or out in the field?

Sincerely,
Pressureless and Perplexed

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Dear Pressureless and Perplexed,

No need to sweat it—this is a common hiccup, and I’m here to guide you through it step by step! With a little bit of patience and some know-how, we’ll have your pump primed, pressurized, and ready to roll.

Step 1: Bleed and Reprime

Try this simple trick first: Hold the pedal down, press the release, and push the air button down all at once for about five seconds. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get things flowing smoothly again.

Step 2: Dig a Little Deeper

If the pressure still isn’t building, it’s time to roll up your sleeves:

1. Remove the screws from the top plate and carefully pull the air motor out of the reservoir.
2. Flip the motor upside down and gently extract the stop and small round screen with a pick tool.
3.  Beneath the screen and in the hole lies a check ball—gently move the ball around for about 5 seconds with your pick to get it moving again. In this step you are basically priming the pump.

Step 3: Reassemble and Test

Put everything back together, reinstall the screen and the stop back in and repeat the bleed and reprime steps. With any luck, your pump will be good as new!

For a visual walk-through, check out this helpful video: Tech Tip Video

Need us to handle the repair? No problem! Start the process here.

And remember, most hydraulic issues can be avoided with these simple habits:

1. Oil daily: Add air tool oil to keep things running smoothly.
2. Check weekly: Monitor hydraulic fluid levels to avoid trouble.
3. Rotate units: If you’ve got multiple pumps, spread out the workload evenly.

With these tips, your pump will stay in tip-top shape, and you’ll avoid downtime disasters. Keep at it, and you’ll be pumping up pressure like a pro!

Yours in troubleshooting triumph,
Ryan from AME International