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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / oil for original shocks

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Discussion Topic: oil for original shocks -- page: 1 2

04-17-2011 @ 8:09 PM

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Stroker,

I'm thinking that, if something were available to 'dilute' the dried up gunk inside these shocks, this would be the way to go.

This message was edited by MG on 4-17-11 @ 8:22 PM

Stroker

04-17-2011 @ 4:50 PM

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MG: My short answer is I don't know. It obviously depends on what is in there. If it is glycerin, that is water soluble. If it is caster oil or hydraulic jack oil, or motorcycle front
fork oil, I'd guess that Stoddard solvent (mineral-based paint thinner) would do it.

The problem is; and maybe someone who rebuilds these things will enlighten us, is that whatever we pour in to loosen the stuff that's in there may degrade the seals, wipers, etc. that make them work so well.

Acetone or nitro benzine will dissolve just about anything, but it might also dissolve the functional "innards". I'm hoping for some expert advice, which I cannot provide. I'm sorry, I just haven't had any experience in this area.

04-17-2011 @ 3:55 PM

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Stroker,

I'd like to know how and what to use to desolve, so as to drain, the dried up fluid in these old shocks.

ford38v8

04-17-2011 @ 3:53 PM

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Thanks Dan, I was about to chime in here. It's important to use the correct fluid. You can't just experiment to see if a fluid will work. Odds are that what you chose will not be compatible with the previously used fluid, and you'll make a mess that will resist flushing. Shocks are an important part of the suspension system, and safety issues make it wise to have them rebuilt properly. You can't compare the cost of safety to the cost of funerals.

Alan

Stroker

04-17-2011 @ 3:17 PM

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38FordV8 recently posted a list of fluids that were originally used. If the shocks are original
38's, with a square filler plug, then the correct fluid would have been glycerin (which is also available at your local drug store). However, that was then, and this is now. Your problem will be compounded by the fact that the shocks may have been rebuilt, possibly refilled with some other concoction; the makeup of which is unknown. I'll be anxious to hear what Lazer says, as I also have a 38 with 4 NOS 38 shocks with square plugs that I sourced from an old Ford dealer in the 60's, but have not yet installed. They're probably dried out by now, but they shouldn't be worn out.

thirtysixford

04-17-2011 @ 2:22 PM

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Lazer at Apple Hydraulics has been very good answering questions I have asked about lever shocks.

I'll send him an email and will post his reply.

Mike

jerry.grayson

04-17-2011 @ 1:38 PM

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Don't use hydraulic jack oil or Model A fluid as it will not mix with the CASTOR OIL that is in the shock. You can get castor oil at the drug store.

37RAGTOPMAN

04-17-2011 @ 9:09 AM

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If you go to a motorcycle shop they have various weights of shock oil, this way you can go thinnner or thicker depending what condition of your shocks,
I f you take the plugs out and drain the oil, if any inside, install the shock oil and see if you get any resistance, if you do work the oil though the shock,.moving the lever, then drain out and see what comes out,
if it is clean refill it again, and ajust the shock.
I had no problems using this method,for many years,
if there is a bunch of garbage in there,
send the shocks out to get rebuilt.
but flushing the shocks is not hard to do, it is either going to work or it is not,it is worth a try,
using shock oil is the best way to go, it has antifoaming, were the others do not, others will hold air in bubbles and the shock will not stay pumped up,
hope this helps 37 RAGTOPMAN
use modern shock fluids, that's why they make it ,

This message was edited by 37RAGTOPMAN on 4-17-11 @ 4:21 PM

carcrazy

04-16-2011 @ 9:48 AM

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MAC's offers Shock Absorber Fluid Part No. A18099 in their latest Model A Catalog. It comes in 1 pint containers.

trjford8

04-16-2011 @ 8:04 AM

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Most people use hydraulic jack oil.

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