Lowered the top a few weeks ago to take a cruise and now it won't go up. I can hear the pump when I turn the switch but it won't move. I don't see any evidence that it's leaking from the cylinders (no fluid on the garage floor or in the trunk). I'm thinking maybe it's low on fluid and am tempted to just keep the pump going until it moves but I don't want to burn anything up. What's the most likely reason the top won't go up?
If you hear the pump working,it's probably low on oil. It's fairly easy to check the level and top off.
Did you check under the back seat? I've seen them leak fluid down there before it runs into the trunk.
Top it off with the plug out. Run it up and down a couple of times with rags arranged to catch the overflow. This will bring it to the correct level and remove the air. Reinsert the plug. At least this is my recollection.
You called it Bill. Pulled out the back seat and there is a small puddle of oil. I reached into the trunk and the pump wasn't even fastened down. Just laying there. I'll have to climb into the trunk and see what's going on. It looks like the hoses are all crimped on which will make repairing it tougher.
Climbed in the trunk this morning and saw that the motor is leaking fluid around the grommet where the wires enter the motor housing. I separated the motor cover from the pump and it is drenched with fluid. I assume the fluid should not be entering the motor housing so there must be a bad seal between the pump and motor. I then removed the plug on the end of the reservoir and maybe a tablespoon of goo came out. Are there shops that will rebuild these units or do I need to get online and order one from the usual A-body outlets at around $250-$300?
These guys have everything you would ever need for an older convertible. I also have their Fluid-Matic. It's perfect for filling and bleeding the system. http://www.convertibleparts.com/
Thanks Bill. I just went and ordered a new pump and the Fluid-Matic from that place. Pump price is the cheapest I've seen yet. In the meantime with the hoses unattached I simply lifted the top into place manually.
Check your hoses...if they are brittle...almost 50 yrs old...time to get a new set...they are not that expensive.
