Thanks to those who responded regarding the proper jack for a Westy and on
how to bleed an hydraulic jack.

The actual problem, which I now understand, was that the jack did not have
the necessary reach.  As it came with my used Westy and I had not used it
before, I didn't realize that the only way it could work would be to set in
on an appropriately sized block of wood or a rock to bring it closer to the
frame before beginning to pump.  Otherwise, it runs out of reach about the
time it begins to take the weight of the vehicle.  There wasn't actually
anything wrong with the jack.  "Pilot error".
------------------------------

Date:    Sat, 19 May 2012 17:25:19 -0600
From:    Paul Chubbuck <paul@STILLSTONEVISIONS.COM>
Subject: What jack?

I just pulled out the 4 ton hydraulic jack from my Westy's storage cabinet
and tried to raise it.  It wouldn't work.  So, thinking the jack was old and
had lost its seals, I went out and bought another just like it from Ace
Hardware, and that new one performed exactly the same way..namely, it won't
lift the vehicle.  I'm glad I discovered this when it was in my own
driveway.  What is the proper jack for a Westy?  If it's a hydraulic, is 4
ton not enough?  Does Walmart or NAPA have something appropriate?

Thanks for any tips.

Paul