Convertible top hydraulics troubleshoot

[Trifecta]

Have a convertible top that comes up only with assistance after several years of use.  Seems clear its in the hydraulics, failing piston? fluid flush and refill?  Not much out there on this forum as to how I should proceed. 

Anyone out there with some experience servicing the hydraulics on a vert that can point me to the right right direction on this process, your insights would be greatly appreciated.

[CudamanTom]

Welcome to the C-C.com forum.

Sounds like to me the pump is wearing out. You might try replacing the fluid with new fluid first and see if that helps. But the pump sounds like the problem IMHO.

[Trifecta]

Thanks Cudaman - I've been lurking for some time.  This forum is a great resource.  System takes F-type hydraulic fluid correct?

[RzeroB]

System takes F-type hydraulic fluid correct?

Automatic trans fluid - Type F or Dextron - I don't think it matters which one you use with the 'vert pump.

Make sure the pump is topped off with fluid.

You don't have any fluid leaks do you? Those plastic lines get brittle with age and can crack. Give the pump, lines and actuators a good visual inspection and make sure they are not leaking.

[wiging19]

Welcome to the C-C.com forum.
You might try replacing the fluid with new fluid first and see if that helps. But the pump sounds like the problem IMHO.

That was my experience when my top didn't come up.  The previous owner never checked the level.  I think I replaced all the lines with tubing used in aquariums.  Looked exactly the same except not yellow.

[Trifecta]

Thanks for the comments.  They are helpful.  So upon removing the sear it is clear that the unit has been leaking although its very slight so hard to tell the location of the leak at this point.

Filled the resevoir - now how do you bleed the air out of the system?

[Finoke]

Thanks for the comments.  They are helpful.  So upon removing the sear it is clear that the unit has been leaking although its very slight so hard to tell the location of the leak at this point.

Filled the resevoir - now how do you bleed the air out of the system?

This is a good supplier for parts as well as instructions for how to bleed...

http://www.hydroe.com

[CudamanTom]

This is a good supplier for parts as well as instructions for how to bleed...

http://www.hydroe.com

This is a good site to go to. 

[hemiken]

 

[Trifecta]

  Back in service.  Appears the gasket between the reservoir and the motor may have been seeping.  I tightened it a bit, filled with fluid, bled out the air.  I'm going to leave it open for a bit to see if it starts to seep again.  Can you replace the gasket between reservoir and motor?

[Finoke]

Yes, I believe they sell the gasket.