xk8 hood slow or

[tuscan66]

sometimes not working any one around west sussex that does a hood service many thanks think oils had been changed in past about 10 years ago how full should the pump res be ? thanks all

[cardigankid]

Common problem. The hydraulic fluid degrades and thickens, particularly if it is not used frequently and in cold weather. IMHO you need a Jag specialist.

[tuscan66]

yes agree hope they have a way to open the latch I tried all with the wrench but it wont shift even with valve open think best leave it don't want to break the latch lol

[XKRacer]

I had this on my wife's XK8 convertible, the oil was fine elsewhere but in the latch mechanism the oil had turned to a thick sludge and would not go through the valve even with the allen key it was incredibly difficult to move.

The top rail needs stripping out, the solenoid removed and taken apart and cleaned, pipes cleared out, took me about 3 hours to do but once done it was perfect...

[tuscan66]

XKRacer said:

I had this on my wife's XK8 convertible, the oil was fine elsewhere but in the latch mechanism the oil had turned to a thick sludge and would not go through the valve even with the allen key it was incredibly difficult to move.

The top rail needs stripping out, the solenoid removed and taken apart and cleaned, pipes cleared out, took me about 3 hours to do but once done it was perfect...

how did you get the roof open to start with mine now is shut ! bit reluctant to be heavy handed in the key to release ?

[XKRacer]

Timing......

When you try to release the hood watch the hole the allen key goes into, you will see it trying to turn, when this happens get the key in quick and help it, once it finishes the cycle hold the key so it can not revert back then try to open the roof again turning the key at the same time, it will go with a bit of a bang but it will go.......

Its a bit of a chore but doable

[tuscan66]

XKRacer said:

Timing......

When you try to release the hood watch the hole the allen key goes into, you will see it trying to turn, when this happens get the key in quick and help it, once it finishes the cycle hold the key so it can not revert back then try to open the roof again turning the key at the same time, it will go with a bit of a bang but it will go.......

Its a bit of a chore but doable

I will try when it stops raining fingers crossed I was bit scared of over doing the key levering and busting a pipe or seal ??? messy lol

[tuscan66]

lol thought I had it beat turned the allen key as tried to open then hey it opened and went back fine tried to close top came up and the front top latch didn't move !! hood stopped short and brought up a latch fault now I cant get back windows up pump wont run and roof sitting on the latch ?? and tried to shift with the key but solid ! now a tape up on the roof till try again oooops

[Jagman7567]

Arun Service Centre will change the fluid/clean the system for you and are based at RH14 OAX.
It is a pretty common problem.....