I am sure it was asked here before, but I can't find what type of fluid can be used to refill convertible pump?
It looks like I have slow leak where OBDII port is, both skinny hoses are oily and leave residue, when I touch them.
I will address the issue soon, however right now my roof is sticking in the midair, while pump is making low fluid noise.

Thank you!

 

fluid = Pentosin 11s.

'Scuse me for being nosey, you didn't ask this: do you have a pressure reduction system for the convertible hydraulics in place? If not, that should probably go to the top of your list. Until done, would recommend you not raise or lower the top with the car's engine running (pump makes more pressure that way).

This leak is up around the dash somewhere? Scary; indicator of probable leak around the latch (sorry to say).

 

As the matter of fact, I do not. All I have is multiple gifts from handy cuban mechanics, who most likely worked on my car, before it got to me from Florida
Well, I read about one member here designing it, however is he also selling the kit? Where do I get it?

 

You have two options:
A custom made Voltage reduction solution or
A hydraulic pressure relief kit

There is a little (unfounded) controversy around the voltage reduction system, but if you are handy, it is less expensive. The hydraulic solution is easy to install (as it comes in a nice kit with everything you need) but it costs more.

 

Sorry; can't agree.

The electrical solution is known to work also.

If there is controversy about it, it is not to be found among the many people using it.

 

I didn't mean to say it wasn't known to work, its just there was disagreement (although it seems unfounded) and that can make people hesitant. I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't think it was a viable solution. I'm happy with my hydraulic solution, but had the voltage reduction system been pioneered when I bought my kit, I would have gone that route. I've slightly reworded my above post as I could see how it might have been taken differently than I intended.

 

As quoted by Mish Mish
More than likely it was repaired once with the old splice kit that is usually where it was installed. Jaguar quit supplying the splice because it wouldn't hold up. You need to address this issue immediately, or you could have quite a mess on your hands. The job is simple just tedious, about a eight hour job. then you could address the reduction system at the same time. either one would probably be sufficient. There is a lot of info on Gus's web site about replacing the hoses, and the sticky's
Doug
2001 XKR Silverstone

 

Gotcha. Excuse my siege mentality, if it came across that way.

 

Just got fluid at VW dealership, $20.
Already made 0.2 ohms resistor, will install shortly for voltage reduction.
About oily hoses, it is now on my to-do list as well, among 20 other things.
Thank you!

 

[QUOTE=Mish_Mish;322836]Just got fluid at VW dealership, $20.
Already made 0.2 ohms resistor, will install shortly for voltage reduction.
About oily hoses, it is now on my to-do list as well, among 20 other things.
/QUOTE]

I have a issue involving the XK8 TOP not going down or up without some help.
Where would I find the Hydraulic Pump to add additional fluid? Please advise with any other helpful tips too Thanks

 

It's in the boot, right side above the cd changer, nav unit if you have them and behind the carpet.
Check the petcock as well as the level.
Have you looked in the "How To" section for info?

 

Not to add to your plate, but if you replace the hoses you might look into rebuilding the top latch as well since you'll be disconnecting it. Top Hydraulics did mine.

I bought my stainless hoses from Colliflower and am very happy.

 

TOP seems to work off and on at its own choosing. I have not done anything to this 1997 XK8 but replace stuff first the secondary Can Chain Tensioners Now this top issue. Do you have any insight into why any suitable hydraulic hose will not work as a replacement ? Does the Pump also have a seal and pressure issue ?

 

You should make sure that you have the correct fluid, the old fluid was subject to gelling.

 

Excuse my Knowledge deficit but what is the issue with the hoses -- was the problem that they cannot handle the roof closing pressure or the usual age and rot issue.

Is there a common place to check for leaks on these hoses - nothing is visble yet

what do mean by rebuilding the latch ?

Thank you

 

Hydraulic hose, latch and ram failures are not uncommon to the XK8/XKR. I have a great deal of information on my page JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource if you wish to look. As for the roof operation slowly it could be caused by many things from low fluid or old fluid to the petcock being partially open. in the early cars old fluid is a problem and your 1997 model year car falls into this category. If you look at the fluid in the tank the upgraded color is GREEN if it is BROWN you need to change the fluid.

Another Link http://jagrepair.com/HydSystemEvaluationXK8XKR.htm

 

The hoses typically let loose at the latch fittings at the top of the windshield where the "claw" comes out. Heat and age cause them to deteriorate, pressure eventually kills them off. When they go you will receive a "green shower" of Pentosin from the courtesy lights and garage door opener.

There is quite a lot of pressure built up in the system when in use, more than what is really necessary. Stronger hoses help deal with that.

Reducing the pressure electrically or mechanically is another option. I had hoped that by reducing pressure I could extend the life of my hoses. I might have gotten an extra year out of them but they blew anyway.

The claw latch itself is a plunger affair with piston and seals. Replacement seals make it new. Mine began to leak soon after I replaced the hoses. I'd do it as one project.

Replacing the lines is tedious but not hard.