I have a '98 XK8 convert and am having a few top issues. I installed the voltage drop resistor to protect the hydraulic lines and it worked good, although it slowed the top operation significantly. As I have used the top since (over a year) it has gotten slower and required that I push and release the top switch several times to get it to work. Now I have to manually latch the top with the allen key. Today I did this and now the rear quarter windows will not come up. I notice that the fluid in the hydraulic reservoir is down below half and show some bubbles in it. I haven't found any evidence of a leak in the car.
Any help would be appreciated greatly.

Thanks!
Will

 

You likely do have a leak. The top can fail or be excessively slow even if the fluid is just a little low.

It could be a leak in the lift cylinder seals if there is no evidence up top. Removing the rear seats my uncover it.

What color is your fluid? If it is yellow or brown it should also be replaced with green Pentosin CHF-11S. The old style fluid jells with age and will further slow the top.

 

The windows will not go up until the rams are fully extended. Fill the tank and operate the roof.

 

Thanks guys! I will give your suggestions a try.
Will

 

OK, top is all better now! Thanks for the help.
Here is what I did.
I removed the rear seat and carpets looking for a fluid leak, none found. I checked in the rear fender well and looked for fluid on all the lines/connections and found none. I wonder where it went, magic? I filled the fluid reservoir and ran the top a few times. It works great now. By the way Jag wanted $60 for the Pentosin. I found it at the local auto parts store for $22.
Again, thanks for all the help!
Will

 

Keep an eye on the fluid level - hydraulic fluid does not evaporate - if the level stays constant then chances are it was not topped up properly after a previous repair. If the level falls you do have a leak.

 

Willtoliv,

How is the speed of top operation now? The resistor should slow it by no more than 5 sec. or so.

My experience with fluid loss is that it can disappear at a very slow rate without ever giving away the location of a leak. Mine was low when I bought the car, I refilled it once, and then it didn't need topping up for another five years. Never have found where it goes.