I have had a 97 xk8 since 2000, the top seems go up and down progressively slower each year. The latch at the center of the windshield operates so slowly that I have to press the open button and wait about 45 seconds for anything to move. When the top begins to move upward, I then have to release the button and wait about another 45 seconds for the latch to fully open and then I can press the button again to lower the top. to close it, I reverse the above. The top closes to the windshield before the latch is open enough to hook the top.

The car has 52,000 original miles, has been garaged since I bought it. Since I have never taken it out in the rain, I have at times left the top in the down position for 2 or more months. So, my annual top operation has been minimal.

I have read that using the allen wrench to manually run it through the operation may get it to re-learn the timing sequence. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Hi Rabbits2,

I have no real experience with what you are describing, but, a couple of things come to mind.

Is you battery fully charged and in good shape?

Is the by-pass valve on your hydraulic pump fully closed?

Is there enough fluid in you reservoir?

These would seem to be a good place to start if you haven't checked them already.

Good Luck

Darrell

 

The early XK8s used a yellow hydraulic fluid that gelled over time. When this happened it resulted in the symtoms you describe. The fluid was changed to Pentosin CHF-11S at some point in the production run when the problem became evident. The cure for the early cars is to drain and remove the yellow gelled fluid and exchange it with Pentosin CHF-11S. Car parts stores sell the stuff.

If you do a search on this forum for Pentosin CHF-11S, you will find lots of references to the issue.

Hope this helps.

Jack

 

I had the exact same problem on a 99 XK8 Convert and low fluid in the reservoir, located in the back right side of the trunk, was the problem.
I filled then worked the top through a complete cycle and then topped off the fluid again. No problems since!
Good Luck
Ron

 

All outlined in TSB 501-33am

bob gauff

 

I have added fluid which is at least getting the top to operate more quickly. However, the latch timing is still not correct. I assume therefore, that I will need to follow the procedure outlined in the TSB that was attached to this thread from Motorcarman. Since, it is working enough to enjoy some top down time, I hope I can put off this job until the fall.

Thanks for all the responses.

 

The hydraulic actuator for the latch has virtually NO fluid capacity so the congealed fluid is trapped in the long lines (it just moves back and forth).

Removing the lines from the latch and purging them is about the only way to ensure free operation of the latch.

It is really not that big of a job. Just make sure the lines are out the left door so fluid will not be spilled on the interior.

bob gauff