I've cycled the top maybe three times since I bought it in March. Just went to put the top down when the fun began. There goes my vacation ca$h... My intention is to put the top down manually by turning the petcock on the pump. I was in my garage with rags handy and a small basin for collecting the dreaded drippings when disaster struck. I'm about to read the Green shower stuff to get up to speed on the repair. Stay tuned...

 

Can I put the top down manually without screwing things up?

 

it is not recommended. Both Top Hydraulics or Cabriolet Hydraulics offer replacement hoses, rebuild kits, etc. Check out Gus's website for great instructions on replacing the hoses as well as evaluating the system: JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

If you want to manually use the top while investigating your options (there are several threads on the top hydraulics) you should start with this thread
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ght=manual+top