The hydrolic fluid started gushing out of the top of the roof. I tried opening the top by releasing the hydrolic pump in the trunk. using the Allen wrench I opened the top. The roof will not budge. It feels like the hydrolic# are still in force.

I had done this in the past with no problem the only difference is the fluid was not leaking.

I also looked at videos on how to replace the hydrolic lines and it seems very tedious.

2001 xk8 convertible top

I appreciate the help

 

Ah, the infamous green shower. Basically the hydraulic lines from the pump to the overhead latch and/or rams have gone bad. A member frankc has in a separate blog, the definitive fix on this problem.

A few questions first. When you press to control switch (by the gear stick), did the rear quarter windows go down?

I know you said you've done this before, but a few checks to be sure. When you released the hydraulic pump, did you open the petcock fully (takes a full 3 and a bit 360deg turns) until you can't turn it no more.

When you put the Allen key, above the windscreen, into the overhead hole, did it fully engage and turned clockwise approx. 90deg C?
I presume you've tried the above if the Allen Key won't turn, the latch won't release the convertible hood.

IF all the above is fine, and the hood has been released by the latch (ie there's a gap now), but the problem is you can't move the convertible hood. It may be just stiff. First don't force it, the hinge mechanism can easily be bent laterally. Lubricate the joints/hinges/pins (WD40, light oil etc). The is a way to press down gently on the hinge mechanism, at the rear of the doors, to release the hood so it folds opens easier.

You said you feel that some hydraulic fluid force is still in effect. You can always drain the pump reservoir and unbolt the hydraulic lines to the pump to be sure, but that'll be messy, and to get to the lines at the back, which control the rams, you'll need to remove the two "front" bolts holding the pump down on the CD tower.

When you said you've done this manual opening before, I wonder if that was because you were having previous problems with the mechanism already. It just got worst.

 

Gus' diagram to "gently" force the convertible hood linkage is in the link below:
http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...oof%20Rams.jpg

frankc's definitive guide to fix your problem - link below:
https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthre...=1#post1094300

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

Thank you David,

i have turned the petcock until I can’t do it, about 3 times and turned the Allen key to release the hatch.

Im going to try to push gently on the hinge mechanism behind the quarter windows.

I appreciate ate all the links you sent.

Thank you

 

No luck. The roof is so stiff. I’ll keep trying though.

Thanks

 

I take it you've opened the latch and see daylight between the hood and windscreen. Are the rear quarter lights in the down position? Now it's just moving the hood backwards on it's hinges.

 

Yes, I do see daylight and the quarter windows are down. Is it possible I need to drain the hydrolic fluid?

 

Shouldn't need to drain the tank. Maybe the petcock valve at the pump is turned the wrong way. Try both ways, using Gus' method to push directly on the hood hinges. The hood should move easily. No harm in lubricating WD40 at the hood's mechanism/hinges/linkages etc.

 

Did you read David's link to my Green Shower topic? If you look there is one part where you have to push down a hinge inside the rear of the cover to release it and allow the roof to fold. You cannot see the hinges just feel them. Takes seconds apparently to 'unlock' the roof.

I think there is a Youtube video somewhere.

 

Thanks everyone for your help. I was able to open it.

 

Great. Good luck with your repair. Let us know how you get on wont you?

 

Will do. It it won’t be for a while. It looks complicated and needs some time

 

Are you still working on it?

 

David you seem to be informed. My latch stopped locking on up. Won't lock manually. Removed locking hook and latch locked. Any input?

Thanks, EEH

 

Edwin,

Has the convertible top been working recently? Or is it infrequently used? When was the last time the hydraulic fluid was changed?

Is the top shut closed and you can’t turn the Allen key to unlock and open the latch? In this case, the best suggestion is to make sure petcock at pump is closed (3 1/2 turns) and make sure Allen key is securely seated in hole above windscreen. Gently force it with an extender ..... gently does it. Latch probably gummed up/corroded.

 

When closing the convertible top, the hydraulic latch should pull the top’s hook down to secure it. If latch closes easily manually, without the hook, then I would then check if there’s an alignment problem- check adjacent bump stops on the top line up with the holes.

Then check if hood moves easily at the hinges without any resistance. You’ll need to close petcock at the pump.

BTW could be a simple low level fluid problem at the pump reservoir.

 

David, went to shop manual to find mark for reservoir level. I am about 1/2" low. No Pentosin CHF 11s in Lake Havasu City. Won't be here until 8/22/2019. This should solve my problem. Will let you know what happens.
Thanks,
EEH

 

Where can I find the replacement hoses needed for this green shower nightmare?

 

https://www.tophydraulics.com/74-jaguar-xkr-xk8-96-06

These are superior to the OEM hoses.

 

At this time I recommend the hoses from Cabriolet Roof Hoses in UK. Half the price of Top Hydraulics and comparable quality.

I had used Top for the front latch hoses many years ago when Top had no aftermarket competition. Felt that their prices were very high even though still way below OEM. Was glad we found Cabriolet.

I recently used Cabriolet for the cylinder hoses. My DIY experience is here.

Takes about a week to get them from UK.
http://www.cabriolet-roof-hoses.com