how do i put oil into a ram jack?..do i put some in the pump first?

Answer 1

I'm not sure what you mean by a ram jack. If it is what I think it is, first you have to let the ram down by unscrewing the valve a little at the bottom of the jack. Take a screw driver and unscrew the plug about half way up on the jack. Lay the jack on its side with the hole up and fill it with Hydraulic jack and shock oil, or in a pinch you could use transmission fluid. replace the screw and you are ready to go. Hope that works.

Answer 2

I don't know if you are referring to a bottle jack or a pencil jack, or something between.
But for MOST hydraulic jacks, there is a plug in the cylinder that can be removed for adding oil to the reservoir. It must be poured slowly to allow air to escape the cavity.
there is no need to add oil to the pump. It will flow from ther reservoir.
If you have introduced air into the cylinder, with the plug installed, jack the cylinder out about half way. Allow the jack to remain undisturbed, and in an inverted position for > 3 minutes. They open the release valve and collapse the cylinder. The air will be at the "top" of the oil and be the first to leave, followed by the oil.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas