Just looked up manual open/close. Sounds like it can cause all kinds of problems. Back to cap off the hydraulics and use an Allen key

 

Ca jag, yes you can operate the top manually. Glad you found the Allen wrench to release front center latch on top of windshield area.

It will take some muscle! This is normal, if I hadn't told you, you'd be wondering if you tried too hard :-).

Loosen stop cocktail on pump.

Rear Windows must be down. You know I can't say I remember why, but its designed that way. There is a reason.

I should acknowledge reading about some kind of latching or locking related to rear roof cage. I've never had to mess with it but I've read about it often enough. Anyone who can explain better?

John

 

Yes, the invoices paid by the previous owner can add up to a large and scary sum. But remember , most of those repairs only have to to be done once. You shouldn’t be overly concerned with the cost of doing them as it’s unlikely that those areas will require attention for many years , if ever.

Z

 

Thanks. On some of the BaT XK8 offers, the sellers have converted to manual latch. One video of top open/close made it look easy. To open, he reached up w/ one arm, casually turned the allen key then power opened the top. To close, he waited until top closed then once again turned the allen key. Actually, he may have timed it so he was closing the latch as the hook dropped into it. L shaped key w/ was long on one side (more leverage). Is there some way to test the manual open/close while the hydraulics are still connected? I'm looking at the manual option because I rarely use the top. It would be nice to have the option w/o having to worry about the green shower. Anyone actually done the convert? Is it easier if you do the lock/unlock just as the top starts to open or close? I'd appreciate comments. Thanks

 

I should have looked. There are plenty of older posts on top operation, line replacement and other solutions. One is interesting. Per spec's, there's supposedly a 30-40% reduction in pressure if you open/close w/o the engine running. Hard on the battery of course. In all the posts, I didn't see anything about how hard is it to manually open/close the latch so am going to do a new post. The BaT video made it look easy. Time to confirm.

 

The manual latch is not all that easy, but as I recall you turn in the direction opposite to expected. You might even want to buy a 3/8 drive allen socket and use a ratchet. I still think you're overdoing this since the 97 hoses are much more robust. Better to check the ram cylinders for leaks, rebuild if needed and use the top as designed.

 

It's probably wishful thinking but the Bring a Trailer video certainly made it look easy. Just one allen key. It didn't look like he put much effort into it. Your suggest on a 3/8 drive was my first thought. Force needed may depend on exactly when the top starts to move or close. I own an 03 and 06 so lines are an issue. Checking the ram cylinders is a great idea. Thanks.

 

I am probably the last person to give you advice about buying the XK8. Other than having owned and worked on a 1970 Sunbeam Alpine GT, I know nothing about British Luxury cars. Since joining this forum about a year or so ago,and reading the very knowledgable and informative posts from other members. I realize how ignorant I am about these cars. I'm an old (74) "Shade tree mechanic" from the 50's and 60's busting knuckels on American made cars. But, ever since I saw my first Leeper, I fell hopelessly in love with Jags. Never could afford one untill I spotted an ad (with picture) on line for a 97 XK8 for sale near me. I decided to be sensible and think about it overnight and let my excitement calm down. When I checked the next day, it was already sold! I was devestated with anger at myself for being so sensable! A few days later, I came across a 1998 XK8 convertable with picture 90 miles from me. I immediately called, went and test drove it and pulled the trigger!It was clean, with 47,000 miles on it and lots of tread on the tires. Of course I've put some money into her, new tires and wheel alignment, brakes and brake system flush, headkight, windshield wipers,oil, filter, engine air filter, cabin filter, drive belt, battery and tender. So far I've put about $3000.00 into her plus the 8 grand that I paid for her..But, to this day I'm even more in love with her since the first time I turned her key. Take it for what it's worth, and good luck.