Hydraulic cylinder leak

[joes_427_vette]

That is an interesting theory white tiger. The only problem is the snap ring diameter is the same as the barrel diameter. You can not snap it on or off as it is 3/16 " from the end of the ram. It also acts as a guide on the ram to keep it centered in the barrel. Either ram would allow enough clearance for a feeler gage reading between the ram and the barrel snap rings.
I asked at the hydraulic repair center and he reaffirmed cutting the end cap is the only method of disassembly. If you were fortunate enough to have the collar not rust in place and " fall " out this situation could have been avoided. It is hard to visualize unless you inspect the pieces and check tollerences.

 

[whitetiger]

Is there a name or number on the cyclinder barrel? I have rebuilt a dozen or so of those cyclinders for Western Plows and very seldom does the retainer fall out.

 

[joes_427_vette]

No name or markings. Odd to have a 2 1/4 " cylinder on a 5' plow but that is what it came with. There is a lift cylinder of similar design only it is a two way. Trust me ( I was joking ) in Wisconsin where everything rusts, the collar didn't fall out except when it was persuaded with a brass drift repeatedly. When the expert who has a business of hydraulic components repair with many employees finally gave me the repair sequence I believe him. I don't know how old the rams are but I haven't seen this design in a long while.