Thanks, that, of course, I can understand - things work better with the wires not crossed but the implication was that the hose itself only worked one way - that I don't understand at all !

 

Tom statement is correct. As you know the latch has 2 hoses one is to open and the other is to close. When the open operation is selected the control module selects the open solenoid and pressure from the pump is directed to that hose the other hose on the latch is then a fluid return. The close operation selects the close solenoid with the same process. The latch is operated in both directions with a push, push operation. The fluid at the latch does not pass to the other side at the latch.

 

That's fine, thanks for the trouble Gus.

 

I assume this is a decimal-point error or some such?

 

Look at this Jaugar XK8 XKR Roof Pump, Hydraulic pump/Motor | eBay

 

The relief valve kits are back in stock 8/8/2012. There are presumably quite a few on back order so not sure how long this batch will last. They will continue to be available as long as there is demand.

 

hi got the same problem with the front latch, where it wont lift to catch the roof ,
want to get at latch but how do i remove the trim cover ? any ideas

 

Before you start taking the car apart, have you checked your fluid level in the pump in the right side of the boot (behind the carpet)? Also make sure the petcock on the pump is firmly turned to the right.

Also, what color is your fluid. Early cars had a yellow fluid that tends to gel up with age. It need to be replaced with Pentosin CHF-11S which is green.

 

First try just a little spray lubricant, not WD40, on the latch to eliminate just a friction issue. The screws on the cover are obvious but there is one on each side covered by rubber gasket material that will have to be carefully pealed back to expose the screws. There is a TSB on replacing the early yellow fluid with the Pentosin somewhere on the forum. Check the stickies above if you have an early car. If you have the green fluid there should be no reason to replace it.

Also check that the pump 'T' handle bypass valve is fully closed clockwise. Dealers have replaced $6000 pumps when an open valve was the problem.

 

What year is you car and what exactly is the roof doing and not doing?

 

does any one know how to get access to the top latch carnt see a way of getting the trim off ?

 

hi the car is a1996 the problem is the front latch is very slow at lifting to open roof and the same when i close it wont lift to catch roof , if i stop the roof just before it shuts and wait for it to lift with a little help, it will close changed to correct fluid thought latch could be full of old gunged up fluid, so wanted to have a look

 

Yes we do know how to gain access to the latch and yes you need to remove the trim. Your car being a 96 you need to check the fluid in the tank, if it is brown replace it if it is green make sure it is to the top fill line and see if that works first. If you need additional info on how to do all of this you can go to my page or use this link to XK8.

Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

hi, must be missing something no screws anywhere to get the trim of the top latch, peeling back the rubber trim still no screws dont want to put a screwdriver in as i know trim will bend, does the interior trim have to come off first some how ?

 

There are four screws holding it on, plus the two black fir tree clips. Two screws and the fir tree clips are in plain site at the top, the other two screws are at the ends, under the rubber trim. First the plastic fir tree clips need to be pulled out. A tack puller will work. Then the hidden screws are under a bit of adhesive under the rubber trim, so it needs to be very carefully peeled back at the ends to access the screws.

The fir tree clips are a brittle plastic...do not be surprised if they crack and need to be replaced.

 

See if this helps Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../IMG_1330w.jpg Did you check the fluid?

 

thanks gus but there is no screws in sight, no problem with the firtree clips but there is no screws behind thre rubber seal, its a mistery to me, maybe it clips on? it is one of the first xk8s any ideas regards colin

 

wow found the two screws @ the sides with the help of yr photo, but just cant find the others any more pics of the other screws ?

 

There are two screws on top in plain sight and two as shown in the photo below under the rubber, with adhesive over them.

 

The latch piston is a sealed mechanism and the only way to gain access to the latch is to remove the entire header from underneath. Now if this helps the elbows at the latch and at the pump are designed with an orifice used to restrict surge and flow to the latch. If your system has the old fluid they (orifice) may be clogged or restricting the flow because of the old fluid. You will not be able to see that from the top access you will need to disassemble the header to gain access to the latch and fittings. If your latch is the problem it will need to be replaced; however, low fluid will cause the same symptoms. I will provide another link for you to look at or read. I hope it helps.

Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../IMG_1331w.jpg
Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../IMG_1332w.jpg
Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto.../IMG_1316w.jpg
Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource