It's still winter here in our neck of the woods. After acquiring my wife's 2006 XK8 in early February 2012, the top was regularly dropped and raised from late March until late October last year. So no top activity for more than four months now. I know the fuel pumps don't like to sit idle for long periods. What about the top pump and the other hydraulic components involved? Is she asking for trouble by not exercising her top for months at a time? I'd like to postpone the dreaded green shower for as long as possible....

 

It is not a problem leaving the roof alone for a seasonal period of time it is when it is not operated for a year or two or longer MAY be an issue.

 

I'd guess the worry is the mechanics of the latch getting sticky from old lubricant.
It would do no harm to operate the latch manually a couple of times and maybe relubricate it if the top hasn't been used for many months.

 

If lubrication is your concern I would say to not be concerned with a roof being used under normal conditions. If lubrication is necessary I would recommend a dry lubricant. I use WD40 to clean an area then treat it with new dry lubricants that is now on the market.

 

Have just opened my roof today after a long winter period, and an exceptional 1st warm day of the year, everything went fine, and oh what a joy it was again to drive topless ;-)

 

So my trusty tube of white lithium grease should not be used to lubricate the latch mechanism?

 

I use WD40 and White Lithium Grease (WTG) on my car and do not have a problem with either one. It is when it gels is when it becomes a problem and if you are aware of it and you use a WTG that is not suppose to gel then you should be ok.

A dry lubricant seems to do the job; however, it does not stay with the application as long but does the job.

 

I had a moment of panic today.
First time I've tried to lower the roof in months and it refused to open.
Reversed back on the drive and no reverse sensors.
Changed a 5amp fuse in the trunk/boot and all is well again.
Anyone else had this problem?.

 

Are you saying that replacing the faulty 5 amp fuse restored both your reverse sensors and your convertible top functions? What fuse number was it?

 

IMO the lack of use might allow seals and o-rings to dry out. But I think that would take much longer than a year of disuse for that to occur.

 

How is the house & garage going?

 

Yes both now working fine.
Think the fuse was 3 or 4 .
To be honest I was so pleased to find a blown fuse and have it fix the problem I didn't take note of the number.

 

With temperatures in the high 60s yesterday, I instructed my wife to open and close her top for the first time since late October. Very glad to report that she got a normal open and close with no issues. I've instructed her to do this at least once a month going forward. Top-down season isn't quite here yet in our neck of the woods, but by late March / early April it should be....

 

Jon,

Uh, we are talking about the car, right?
(I hope that wasn't offensive)

 

Yep, the car. Not offensive at all....

 

Is it bad to do this almost daily? Already had the hoses and such replaced an owner or three back. I haven't dropped daily yet, but may be starting to now... 70*F in Dallas all week and into the 80s! This time of year (and the fall) between extremes is gorgeous here in North Texas. It's like California. Lots of patio and wine time.

 

During the spring-SUMMER-fall that is north Texas, I put mine down in the morning, up when I park at work and back down going home. I may or may not put it up in the garage, depends on my mood. It has gotten this exercise for over a year now and it still has the original hoses.

Probably just jinxed myself, but feel it is meant to be used. My only concession is that I never raise or lower it with the engine running. I understand from the forum threads that increases the already high pressure in the system.

 

Wow, 12 years and 100K miles in Texas on your original hoses.
I tip my hat in your general direction!