i have recently started a rehab of my 2000 xk8.....after 3 years idle....can I operate the top manually for awhile...I am not ready to handle the expense of replacing the hydraulic's just yet....but i don't want a leak right now....wondering if i can have the windows work and lift and lock the latch by hand...

Ive read that I can close the hydraulic pump at the petcock....

thanks in advance

 

Steve, I think you'd want that petcock open not closed. When petcock open, you can raise and lower the roof by hand with out damage.

Did you know that you can then latch the roof closed (or unlatch it) manually by removing the plastic plug top center of windshield area? Plug is on the header's vertical plane so don't bother looking underneath.

There's a properly sized Allen wrench clipped onto the convertible top motor from the factory. This wrench is used to manually open and close the forward roof latch.

John

 

Thank you. ....yes I have the latch Allen wrench....I just want to be sure I am not forcing hydraulic fluid though the lines when I manually lower or raise the top....does counter clockwise open or close the pump??

​​​​​​and thank you for your response

 

Counterclockwise loosens the petcock. If you were to then operate the pump, say to open the roof, the pump will operate but will not / can not make the rams operate.

John

 

YOU ARE moving hydraulic fluid through the lines with the valve open.
If you close it you will not be able to move the top cylinders because fluid is basically incompressible.

Please be aware that OPENING the top without pulling (from the inside or pushing from the outside) on the hinged area where the lift cylinder is attached will bend the top frame and damage it.(it 'cams-over' or 'hyper-extends' to lock it)

bob