The power top on my 65 GS goes down just fine, but it takes a while before it will power up. I can see bubbles in the lines in the trunk, so I'm guessing I need to add fluid. I can't find any words about servicing the system in my Buick shop manual, and I have a few questions. 1) How do I add fluid? 2) What kind of fluid should I use? 3) Do I need to bleed the system when adding fluid? 4) Is my diagnosis correct? Thank in advance! Keith buickgsconvertible@yahoo.com
http://topsdown.com/Convertible+Top+Pump,+cylinder+and+hose+installation+instructions-sp6.html check this link its got some valuable information you are gonna have to take the back seat out and make sure the cylinders are not leaking or the lines or the pump then troubleshoot from there
you'll also want to bypass the switch on the dash and check it's speed. it could be on it's last legs, or just in time to add a relay kit. If the top makes a lot of noise you more than likely need fluid, but you'll need to find the leak. hydro-e-lectric also sells a pump rebuild kit that includes all the pump seals if you find out that is leaking. however, i ran into the problem when the old lines get old they get very brittle and when disconnecting the pump i broke the lines. -nate
Thanks for the replies, guys. I've crawled in the trunk, and nothing appears to be leaking. I can hear the pump motor running when I turn the switch, and it doesn't sound like it is laboring or running slow, so I'm thinking the switch is okay (I don't let the pump run for more than about 10 seconds at a time). And, eventually, the top does come up, but only after about five or six tries. Going down, everything works really well. I seriously doubt the system has been worked on for years (I bought this car from the original owner, and he saved everything, including all repair receipts, and I can't find one for top servicing). I found a local shop that specializes in convertible top and system repairs in Hemmings (anybody have any dealings with ConvertibleService in San Gabriel, CA, www.convertibleparts.com), so I might just take the easy route and go see them (once it stops raining). Anybody else? I still wouldn't mind trying to fill the system and bleed it myself, if I knew what to put in it and how to do it. The website a previous poster sent (thanks!) didn't have much info. Thanks for helping out a green horno No: . Keith
FREE FLUID-MATIC TOOL WITH COMPLETE SYSTEM PURCHASE I ordered their fluid-matic tool, it fills and bleeds the system in one shot, nice piece. Also sent them my latches to rebuild. They know their stuff. He diagnosed my latch problem right over the phone.
Sticky cables will also cause this, but first you gotta get the air out of the system. Convertible tops go down easier than up, so any weakness in the system will show up when you're trying to put the top up. Air may be some of the problem, also, lube all the pivots, pistons and cables with a good penetrating oil (be sure not to get any on the fabric).
hey we all have been or still are green horns at this. filling the top is actually pretty easy. just takes time and usally the only damage you can do is make a big mess of oil. but if you pay for my ticket i'll fly out there for a couple of days, a little snow won't bother me, and i'll bring my sunglasses. :bglasses: oh yea.... i do remember needing to put some oil on the pivots and it did help a lot. I used some 30 weight in a pump oiler, as it will stay with the pivot better than most penetrating oils. near the hydraulic pistons, remove the plate on the top with the few screws are there and look down to the bottom and see if it's leaking down low or at the top of the cylinder. Also is the car running when you are raising and lowering the top? a weak battery could also cause an issue. mine will really dim the lights in the car if the engine is not running. I think mine takes a full 30 seconds or so to fully come up from starting to hit the up button. and i think less than 20 to come down. I used trans fluid when I refilled mine, others think it was brake fluid, however trans fluid won't hurt the paint and plastic as much as brake fluid. to bleed the system http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=27135 post#6
