i posted this in the general automotive forum, but figured asking here won't hurt either..

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-question.html

 

its probably air locked, that would be the first thing id be checking, crack the lines and blead the air. is that didnt do it id be lookin at the valv body or the pump itself

 

I noticed you said it stopped when it got to the second stage. Sounds like the second stage could be stuck. Try loosening the cap on the second stage about a 1/2 turn. It could be too tight binding the packing or the packing could just be dry from non use, rusted to the barrel, or maybe one of the vee packings have flipped. Also make sure there is no air in that cylinder. If there is air in it the air will compress instead of forcing the ram out, even then it should eventually go on out if that was the problem.

When you get it out before you let it back down inspect the ram for damage or rust while it's out.

 

The ram bushing is worn.

 

I never posted here, but over in the other forum.

Jist of what I posted over there.

Grease the crap out of all pivot points on the hoist and bed.
Having to put weight on the head board is what makes me think the pins are all rusty.

With the scissor lift under mine, it don't take long before it starts to come down slow if I don't grease everything rather often.

If the system was completely dry, you may even have rust inside the cylinders if it was used enough when it was originally installed and then sat dry long enough.

 

just an update, but i finally got everything working yesterday .
it took a month of bleeding and working the pistons up and down for the left piston to "pop". everything works fine now. i still have a little air in the system, but i can live with it until i get it bled properly.