Convertible top question....
 

Here's a question for any of you skilled or knowledgeable in XK8 Convertible top problems. I have a 2001 XK8 with 28,600 miles. I bought it a couple of years ago, when it had 21,000 miles. I have had no obvious convertible top leaks, but I very rarely lower the top...as a matter of fact I think I have maybe only lowered it maybe 5 times max. My question is..if I don't plan on lowering the top very much at all, as this is pretty much a weekend pleasure vehicle....is there a way to prevent the hose leak problem that almost seems to be inevitible with these cars...? Maybe something like shutting off the pump pressure, or reducing the pump pressure or anything similar to this principle ? I don't really ride with the top down, and I know many are wondering why I bought a convertible in the first place. The truth is, I am simply in love with the looks of these cars, even if I don't drop the top. I just don't want to face the dreaded convertible top hose leaks that seem to be almost a guarantee. Can I do something like turn the petcock on the pump in the trunk and lower the pressure on the hoses, or what do the experts here on this forum recommend...anyone ?

This thread is for you :) https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=27132

Buy it, install it, love it, and don't fear (as much) the green shower.

The green shower only occurs when you cycle the top. There is no pressure in the system when it is up and latched or down. You don't need to open the valve or anything. However, if you're going to be cycling the top, then Gus and Walt's pressure relief doohickey is the way to go. If you don't want to install that, then just make sure the engine is off when cycling the top. That should reduce the pressure a little.

If you are not going to lower the top just leave it alone. If you want to lower the top whenever then install the valve from LSI. Installing the valve will extend the life of your hyd system, it will not prevent failures. The valve changes the operating pressures from 1600psi to 1000+/- a few psi and we found this to be a favorable change to the hyd system. To prevent the hyd shower that I call the green monster you will need to identify that the hose has not shown stress from previous usage. That would be to open the header and check for minor leakage of hyd fluid at the hose connection at the latch.