How do yo add Hydraulic Fluid for the convertible top ? My convertible top leaks a little bit where the latch is. Does this mean I need some hydraulic fluid ? Im very concerned right now. Thanks

 

Fluid at the latch is doomsday and it will likely get worse. You will probably need to replace the hoses. Look at the FAQ section as well as Gus' website.

Doug

 

You can go to the FAQ on this forum or you can go to my page and read about it.

 

Hey Gus--people with think we coordinated this

 

I thought this means that I must replace the fluid ? Also Gus you bought a kit for $250 which cures the leaking problem would this help in my situation or will I need to spend $2000 in replacing the hoses ?

 

If you have a failed part be it a hose or lift or a latch it will not fix it, it may prolong the inevitable. If the hose is in fact leaking now the pressure valve will do little to save it.

 

Try the pressure bypass unit and see.

Fair chance that the hoses are going to need to be replaced sooner or later if they are already leaking. $300 for new hoses, $250 for the pressure bypass unit, DIY and save $1450.

Changing the hoses involves removing and reinstalling a lot of things but nothing is difficult.

 

This is scary!

 

You are correct!

 

I'm starting to get a slow drip from my latch area on a 2006 xk8 with very low mileage. I had the car in for a major multi point inspection and the mechanic thinks it might be the piston? which can be replaced with a new or rebuilt part. Does that sound possible? Maybe it's not the hose?

 

Use the search function on the forum and type in "XK8 green shower". Then sit back and do some serious reading of the many threads that will pop up. In all likelihood your hydraulic hoses have failed and will need to be replaced. Go with aftermarket hoses -- their quality is far superior to anything Jaguar ever installed in these systems....

 

Let me reiterate:I want to highly recommend Marvin Johnson with Jaguar Top Repair. Last January I had him come out to my garage and replace all of my hydraulic hoses and rams for my XK8 convertible roof. They had not started to leak yet but were definitely showing signs (white matter flaking off all hoses in truck/pump area). He performed that repair in one day while the car stayed in my own garage (he comes to you). The only thing he did not replace was the top latch as he thought it was ok and said he could save me some expense by doing so.



Well, the latch started leaking early this week on a drive. Just a few drops on the rear-view mirror. I got home and called Marvin. He said he could be there today and showed up exactly on time as we agreed to. Within an hour he had the top portion of the windshield removed and the latch replaced, and everything works great. I asked what I owed, and he said that was covered under warranty. We did the who pays the check dance and he refused. He is very much a man of his word and does great work while you stay comfortably in your own house.

Marvin Johnson

mjohn2001@yahoo.com

 

Ok Folks,

While dismantling everything for my stereo upgrade, I noticed the hydro fluid reservoir is hovering right at the minimum line. This is a completely new pump and lines which were installed just before my purchase. I’m not worried about the green shower, but I would like to add some fluid.

The pump is bolted to the top of the amp/cd changer cage and looks like a beast to get out of there, just for a top off.

Is there an easy way to add fluid without having to remove the whole pump assembly?

Which fluid should I use? I’m reading 5606h is the one?

Are there any rules for topping off fluid? (Pressure, temp, etc)

I’ve never had to deal with a hydraulic system before, and my gut tells me it’s different than just topping off motor oil or power steering fluid.

 

Pentosin CHF 11S

 

If leaking by the latch, it is only a matter of time before you have a major leak that runs down the rear-view mirror, etc. I suggest having the leak repaired or it will continue to leak no matter how much fluid you add. If you only want to add fluid, in trunk, pull back carpet on right side. You will see the pump and fluid levels there to refill.

 

I don’t see any leaks anywhere. I have a feeling when they replaced the system, they didn’t bleed it enough and left it with a lower final level in the reservoir than they wanted to.

Fingers crossed that it just needs a top off.

 

Any other recommendations for which fluid to use for top off?

 

PENTOSIN CHF 11S.

It is your car and you can use anything you want but Jaguar recommends CHF 11S.

I had to drain/fill dozens of convertible top hydraulic systems a few decades ago when Jaguar changed fluid specs. and issued the TSB.

I still have a partial bottle of UNIVIS on my parts shelf. I keep it for a reminder of the 'good-ol-days'!

 

Thank you!
When the roof is open, should the fluid level be at the upper mark, or lower mark? Same question for when the roof is closed.

Currently, my roof is open and the level is at the lower mark.

 

Where is it when closed? My guess will be the same because ram travels the same up or down and fills on one side when empties the other.
I have some other convertible questions but don’t want to highjack this thread, so I’ll start another.