I did the manual latch conversion on my XK8 ( seemed like a no brainer to me to avoid green showers and tearing out the interior to change lines )

Anyhow ...its a simple job but I'm reading the instructions as follows:

1. Open the latch by turning the hex key fully clockwise, about 100 degrees.
2. Press and hold the "Roof" rocker switch on the console, in the "up" direction, until the top contacts the latch.
3. Listen for a change in sound from the hydraulic pump, typically a few seconds, while continuing to press the "Roof" rocker.
(When the sound changes, the pump has reversed directions; it "thinks" it is pulling the latch closed.)
4. Close the latch by turning the hex key fully counterclockwise while continuing to press the "Roof" rocker.

Would there be a fairly easy way to install some sort audible alarm to make it very clear when the pump changes direction ? Or has this already been tried and is to complex . Cheers

 

Barry,

At the time I wrote that, laying out best procedure to follow was still a little bit trial-and-error. As I read it now, it seems overly complex.

I think you'll find something like this will work as well ...

- Follow instructions 1. and 2. as written.
- After the top contacts the latch, continue holding the "Roof" rocker switch in the UP direction for a few seconds;
then close the latch using the hex key.
- Again press the "Roof" rocker switch in the UP direction for a few seconds.

I'm writing this from memory, and it has been a few months since I've closed the top with a manual latch operation (I only use this method in the heat of summer) but I think this is how I've been doing it. Let me know please if this method does not work.

 

Mine is in the garage for winter so I won't actually be able to try it for a while but I shall indeed. I was concerned about hearing the change in pump sound , but from your latest explanation it does not seem to make much difference.

Cheers

 

I've not had any trouble with it. It seems intuitive to me. Thanks to Dennis for the help when I did this years ago