Hi, I'm new and I'm from Stroud, England. I have a 2001 red xk8 convertible. Its in great condition except the roof/hood only lowers in warm weather! I guess the top-of-windscreen hydraulics need bleeding as the central top hook is sluggish when the hood lowers and again when it returns to the closed (up) position again. Any ideas from you experienced xk8 convertible owners please?

How do you bleed the roof/hood hydraulics to overcome this problem? There's nothing wrong with the hood motor, and the system is full of correct hydraulic fluid. Its my first Jaguar and I've owned it one month! I love it! Regards from new member "stroudxk8owner". 2apr12

Hi stroudxk8owner
Welcome to the forum.

I started a new Converible Top thread in the XK8 & XKR model section.
Here is the weblink to it:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...22/#post503904

Hope this helps you with your convertible top operation issue.

Jim Lombardi

Stroud
Your system is self bleeding make sure your valve is all the way open, on the pump it's a little "t" handle. Your system should work whether it's cold or not.

Many have commented on the need for lubrication of tne latch mechanism, it gets sticky after a period of neglect. I haven't experienced this myself, but it may explain the sluggish latch movement you describe.

Steve

RCSign means all the way closed - the little Tee handle should be firmly screwed in clockwise.
The valve is to depressurise the system for manual operation and if it's the least bit open will give your symptoms.
Although the pump was designed by the Nibelungen on crack I believe it rarely fails to deliver the goods re pressure.
Have you found the pump? What colour is the fluid in it? Is the level between the two lines?

A bleed and refill of your system may prove very beneficial. The older fluid is probably jello in the lines.