XK8 convertable roof fluid....
Discussion
I have got hold of the Jag technical bulletin for this problem. It looks like the fluid either evapourates or turns into a gel hence causing the problems. The solution is to flush the system and put different fluid in.
If you want a copy of the bulletin let me know I'll mail it to you.
Cheers
Nik
If you want a copy of the bulletin let me know I'll mail it to you.
Cheers
Nik
Hi Guys,
Have mailed you both about the tech bulletin on doing this job.
We did this on my friends XK yesterday and it was quite an easy job, and it made a hell of a difference.
The problem is that the hydraulic fluid in the latch mechanism turns into gel because of the heat it is subjected to from the roof. once you have cleaned the latch mechanism out and flushed the system it works a treat. Whole job took about 3 hours.
Cheers
Nik
Have mailed you both about the tech bulletin on doing this job.
We did this on my friends XK yesterday and it was quite an easy job, and it made a hell of a difference.
The problem is that the hydraulic fluid in the latch mechanism turns into gel because of the heat it is subjected to from the roof. once you have cleaned the latch mechanism out and flushed the system it works a treat. Whole job took about 3 hours.
Cheers
Nik
Steve,
Just resent, it bounced back the first time.
Pentosin is the stuff, Jag charge about £28/litre, but my friend managed to source it a lot cheaper, but to do that had to buy a box full. Give me a shout when you want to do the job, I'll put you in contact with him.
I think you need about 2 litres to do the job.
Cheers
Nik
Just resent, it bounced back the first time.
Pentosin is the stuff, Jag charge about £28/litre, but my friend managed to source it a lot cheaper, but to do that had to buy a box full. Give me a shout when you want to do the job, I'll put you in contact with him.
I think you need about 2 litres to do the job.
Cheers
Nik
Chaps,
I have had a few requests for this document, but it is 4.36M so it keeps bouncing from mail accounts. I have posted it on the web here for you to download at your leisure!
www.petrolart.com/files/Roof_instructions.pdf
I have had a few requests for this document, but it is 4.36M so it keeps bouncing from mail accounts. I have posted it on the web here for you to download at your leisure!
www.petrolart.com/files/Roof_instructions.pdf
A bit long winded this one, but worth it for anyone with a malfunctioning XK8 roof;
Firstly, A HUGE THANK YOU to Nik for persevering in providing the technical bulletin on this.
When my roof failed to open and I approached a Jag main dealer, they told what the problem was likely to be, that it wasn't a major job and would cost £200-300+ to fix. I challenged this, believing that as Jag had mis-specc'd the fluid, it should be a 'recall' type job - ie, that Jag should pick up the tab. They refused.
I then came across Nik's message re the technical bulletin, got sight of it and noticed the instruction to Jag dealers to carry out the work "This should be performed on a customer complaint basis only..."
Not having the basic technical nous to do the work myself and being pompous enough to believe I shouldn't have to, I spoke to Jag Customer Services who, after not too much resistance, agreed to pay 100% for the work. A week later, I have a sunburnt forehead = A result!
I'd recommend that anyone who is in a similar position should give Jag a call on 02476 203834 and don't take no for an answer.
Good Luck,
Darren
Firstly, A HUGE THANK YOU to Nik for persevering in providing the technical bulletin on this.
When my roof failed to open and I approached a Jag main dealer, they told what the problem was likely to be, that it wasn't a major job and would cost £200-300+ to fix. I challenged this, believing that as Jag had mis-specc'd the fluid, it should be a 'recall' type job - ie, that Jag should pick up the tab. They refused.
I then came across Nik's message re the technical bulletin, got sight of it and noticed the instruction to Jag dealers to carry out the work "This should be performed on a customer complaint basis only..."
Not having the basic technical nous to do the work myself and being pompous enough to believe I shouldn't have to, I spoke to Jag Customer Services who, after not too much resistance, agreed to pay 100% for the work. A week later, I have a sunburnt forehead = A result!
I'd recommend that anyone who is in a similar position should give Jag a call on 02476 203834 and don't take no for an answer.
Good Luck,
Darren
Hi all, you may like to trawl through this link and pick out the relevant sections....this is an excellent forum for things like this..... Hope it helps, Cheers, Jon http://forums1.roadfly.com/jaguar/forums/xk8/search.php?st=changing+convertible+roof+fluid&ps=20&m=natural&o=default
My 2001 XK8 convertible sprang a hydraulic oil leak under the roof latch, dripping down through the ultrasonic sensor screen, etc. Very messy & also disturbing given my car is pampered (only 33k miles). I do drop the top a lot here in Atlanta since the weather is ideal for convertibles. But come on! The latch hydraulics ought to have 'life-of-the-vehicle' durability. (Fortunately, I am still under Jaguar extended factory warranty through 2007.) I remember recently reading about an XK8 owner who had this same leakage, and he contemplated re-crimping the braided hose in the windshield frame. Is this a Teflon hose or a braided rubber hose? The fluid appeared greenish in color. Any Technical Service Bulletins I can read on this?
Have you thought it could be a leaking roof cylinder, have had to change both sides on mine in last 12 months, way to tell, top up fluid if level goes down substantially in a few weeks or you see fluid below rear wheels then definately cylinders, cost about £120 each to replace, self fit relatively straight forward. If you want more info I will be happy to assist. Fluid buy from BMW CHF 11S £20/liter cheaper than Jag. Good Luck
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