The 2000 I bought had a blown right ram line. The top was manually closed by the previous owner and the relays jumped to roll up the quarter windows. I don't know what happened and if it was going up or down when the failure occurred.

1. Once I finish replacing the line, should I get the top working before I put the interior back together, or should I refit everything and then fill the system?
2. Is there a procedure published somewhere on how to start the hydraulic bleeding process? Is it better to start with the top closed and latched or in the down position? Is there anything to do other than to fill and press the button and hope for the best?

I'm sure this is somewhere but couldn't figure out how to search for it.

 

After all is connected on the pump, rams and header, make sure all is clear of the back windows to roll up.
It took about 4 times for mine to bleed the system, it does it by itself, no bleeding externally.
Keep a close eye on the pump fluid and keep it over the line until things work like they should.

 

Rojeho,

I overhauled the lines in my XK8, so in your case leave the Interior fit out, as it’s not involved in the top operation. Fill the pump tank with fluid and just run the system up and down a few times. It’ll self bleed. Might be slow at the start but should smooth out.

As you’ve fixed the rear quarter rams, you’re probably aware, the latch above the wind screen is the other one to watch for.

 

I am seriously thinking of having the canvass top and head liner replaced on my car. I can get the parts at Tops Online https://www.topsonline.com/model/Con...8_And_XKR.html and am looking at the German Sonnenland Classic Cloth option. They have headliners as well. My question is this : When I replaced the top on my Mazda MX5 I had to replace a plastic drain rail piece that joined the top to the body and this was not supplied with the canvass top. Is/are their similar parts on the XK8 top that should be replaced when getting this new canvass ? I am aware that the rear window must me reused.

Thanks for any insights