I put the top up this morning and the pump struggled. I have known for some time there is a small leak somewhere in the system and have known replacement is in my future. Anyway, I pulled the cover in the trunk and discovered there was very little fluid left in the pump reservoir. I'm 1,000 miles from home and have no interest in taking this to a Jag dealer. I have searched out solutions before and have many times seen the website of "J.E. Robinson Service". On there blog was a fellow by the name of "Marvin" who answered the top questions. So, I called him for advice.. mainly what fluid to buy to replace what was leaking. Marvin works out of Atlanta but happened to be in Las Vegas redoing the top hydraulics on someone's 1998 XK8. He is just finishing that job and going to Ontario, CA this afternoon to do another Jag. In our conversation he suggested that if I added fluid, it would be just leaking out somewhere and even though I've known there was a leak for a year, its probably gotten worse and a needed repair is just around the corner. And.....since he's on the west coast and Palm Springs is just an hour from Ontario, he could get to mine on Saturday. $2,000 to replace all the hoses, connections, and other parts that are worn. QUESTION: Does anyone know Marvin, J.E. Robinson Service, or can you share any information on what I'm about to do? HELP.

 

Marvin is not connected to J.E. Robinson Service. This however could be my error having seen what I though was a connection on a blog.
chuck

 

Name is Marvin Johnson

 

What does 'all the hoses, connectors and other things . . . ." consist of?

ALL the hoses?
Ram seals?

 

If the cylinders are leaking, which they probably are, they will have to be rebuilt. The cost of that alone from Top Hydraulics is $300 plus shipping. But maybe Marvin rebuilds the cylinders and that's included in his price. It would be wise to have the top latch body rebuilt also.

Best to ask ahead.

 

do a search in the forum as there are some who have used his service both + and - experiences. I do not believe he does cylinder repairs - I have only seen Cabriolet Hydraulics and Top Hydraulics offer cylinder repair.

 

I would look at the hood rams first to see where the leak is. Mine was an O ring on the hose connector it cost pennies.

Once you remove the rear seat base (2 nuts) you will know if you have a leak near the rams as the fluid will be soaked into the foam under the rear seat.

 

pm sent

 

I have a lot of information on the roof system if you wish to look. It sounds like you want someone to do the job.

 

The guru has arrived..

 

Been busy!!!

 

I do need someone to do the job. I'm not a mechanic and have no experience with much other than maintiance tasks. Oil, spark plugs, etc. I have no friends who are gearheads who could assist me. Not only that, I'm away (with the car) from home right now. If I had some assistance, I would tackle it because there are some DIY videos on this site. I'm getting mixed reviews on the person I mentioned early on. One claiming she was ripped off, another saying the work was first quality and the price was right. I am tempted to just get the system topped up for now and when I return home start the search for an independent who knows the drill.

 

OK, so I emailed an independent Jag specialist near Seattle who has did a bit of work on the car when I purchased it almost a year ago. I included all the details and options. His response was quick and welcomed........ to wit:


The Rams do leak and if it wasn't the Rams $2500 is just nuts. Anyway top it up for now you do not need the jaguar fluid. The fluid is called CHF 11.
I'm going on vacation and won't be back until April 14 email or call then. I wont remember I'm on vacation.

 

I would fill the tank and you can get the fluid from NAPA, AutoZone or Advanced Auto. It is used in several imports from Japan. As for your rams they can be rebuilt and the hoses can be purchased from aftermarket. I have two locations on my page and one of them rebuilds the rams. Both of my rams have been leaking for about 2 to 3 yrs, I will get them rebuild when I can.

I would fill the tank to the top embossed line operate the roof and fill to the line again and see how it goes.

 

I thank all of you who looked at this an offered some guidance. I can now just relax, have the independent down here top up the system, enjoy the rest of my stay with the top up or down and then take 5 days going up the Pacific Coast to home. When there I can take the car to someone who's worked on it before. Still, I would like to start taking on more complicated repairs myself.

 

Chuck, If you can want just a couple of days, Jon89 and are will be putting mine back together and will write all the details needed. I have already gotten the rams rebuilt at Top Hydraulics', they are right in your area, they sale the hoses. Gus has a good break down of the front hoses also. The tools required, if you have nothing can be purchased for less than $50 from Harbor Freight. The hardest part so far was getting the pump out of it's hidey hole. Oh, and cleaning up the old fluid all over the foam and back seat floor. Remember, all the plugs are plastic and require the touch of a gentle lover.
If nothing else, it will be good reading and will let you know what you are paying for. Dennis07 has made some good pictures of the process, just have a place to stack all the parts. Good time to clean the carpets, seats and panels. We took the seats out, 4 bolts and a plug for each, making it a easy set down job.
Hope you have a good vacation and trip.


Wayne

 

I just installed the rebuilt rams and new hoses from Top Hydraulics in a 2000 XKR and had no problems.
I would note that two of the hoses had a connection that was labelled the same, 'pump bottom right', but if you check the labels and correct any error before installing there will be no confusion.

 

Thanks for the plug, Wayne . While I do have photos of a variety of things on my "convertible top mods" pages, I'm afraid the photos you referenced here aren't from me.

 

Indeed I have a couple of days. I refilled the fluid and will head back to Seattle area in two weeks and then get the job done there..... or, I may have found someone who is familiar with this and may help me. I suppose if I can eliminate the labor, I'll go ahead and get the rebuild kit for the lifts as well as the latch. Everything has to be opened up to do the hose upgrade anyway, so why not?

 

Chuck, Good for you, take your time, it's not a job that requires things to be within thousands of an inch. Just don't pull hard on anything, it should come apart with a little effort, if not, there is a tie of bracket holding it in place and you have to find it.
Take care and have a good ride home.


Wayne