Convertible top.......latch question.
 

To those who survived the hurricane ! After installing the hydraulic valve and filling the resevoir to the ideal level, I'm thinking maybe I should lubricate the top latch? 1999 xk8 w/16000 miles. Do you think it is due? If so, how is that done? Do I need to take anything apart and what kind of lubricant should I use? Many Thanks! mick 99 To be specific I meant to say the hydraulic relief valve above!

In the past I have just shot a squirt or two of WD-40. The "right" way is probably to use some white grease or something. I just got the car back from the dealer for an oil change and a sensor light check and I told them to make sure the latch was lubed. When I picked up the car the service guy made a point of telling me how they carefully lubed the latch and that you needed to be careful not to get anything on the microswitches.

Doug

I am a preventative maintenance kind of guy but I will be honest and say your thoughts are not misplaced. You can do the cleaning and re-lubrication but to what degree. I did mine but am afraid that others may over do it and create a bigger problem down the road. Using the WD-40 is good, it will clean and lubricate. Using a quality grease is a good idea but only if you know the temperature ratings for the product many do not function well on high or low temps. I also caution using only a little, over lubrication is not a good thing in this application.

This is my link http://gusglikas.com/images/AutoRepa...atchRepair.pdf

Good to know you are doing OK after the storm. I was evacuated from OC Md. on Friday and returned today to see that the sky did not fall!! I am about 40 ft from and 6 ft above the bay. I hope you had the same experience.

I remember this post from Walt a while back. See post #57...

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e3/#post238678

He says...

The latch mechanism is complex and has several parts that slide against each other. There is a good photo of this on Gus' hose page. I think dirt and lack of lubrication cause parts of this to hang up. I think some light grease or a spray that leaves a light "dry" coating is the right thing. You don't want something that attracts dirt buildup. WD40 is temporary but is good for lubing and cleaning switches. I use a product called Sailkote that I buy at marine supply stores to lubricate the mechanical parts. This leaves a dry slippery finish that is ideal.

I bet Sailkote is good stuff. Haven't used it though.

Jack

Outboard latches, too
 

Don't forget that the central latching mechanism also mechanically drives the two outboard pin type latches. I'd recommend lubricating them, too. Also, see that they engage properly without hanging up or binding.

Would the NAPA white grease part # 765-1393 be equivalent to the PENNZOIL 705?

You need to look at the temperature ratings. You do not want grease to gum up and cause additional problems. The Pennzoil 705 is available at AutoZone, PepBoys and a few other places. I had a hard time finding a product to meet the temperature ranges when I was looking.