Posted By: daveh1971
Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/18/09 05:13 PM
Hey guys,
I installed new convertible pump lines on my 71 Challenger and the top is going up and down but slowly. I can see that the lines aren't completly full. Air pockets move around when it goes up or down. How do I bleed the system? Should the lines be completly full with fluid? If I crack a nut to put more fluid in it begins to leak out, more like spew out. I've only been filling it with the top down should it be up? Any suggestions you have are appreciated.
Thanks Dave
Posted By: Andrewh
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 12:41 AM
While the rams don't care, the pump does.
I can't find my paperwork, but the guy that rebuilt my pump specified filling only in one instance. Filling at the wrong time blows out some pump seal, or over fills the resevior and blows out that seal.
Regardless, the only way to air it out is to run it up and down a bunch. Give it a rest inbetween otherwise it starts to smoke.
A fan on it might not hurt. It isn't meant to do a lot of rapid cycles.
Then pull the plug and top it off. Really wish I could remember. I seem to recall filling it with the top down, but again don't remember for sure.
Posted By: GO_Fish
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 01:00 AM
You are right to ask. I tried to add more fluid because my top went up with "jerky" motion. Shortly after adding the extra fluid, I ruptured one of the hoses behind the rear seat. That filled the seat foam with ATF and half melted the vinyl seat covers (the vinyl became very soft and drooped). Years later everything dried out and pulled mostly back into shape. But that is not an episode I want to repeat.
Posted By: 70Cuda383
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 01:10 AM
of course, Isay all this, assuming the pump is the same as the Packard stuff...the packard pump that went bad, was replaced with one that was ordered as a T-bird 'vert pump, side by side, they were identical, except for the color of the paint on the outside, all the plugs and locations and mounting brackets were identical, and both motors ran off 12V, negative ground systems...and they BOTH look just like the pumps I've seen advertised in mopar mags as "mopar" motors.
Posted By: Andrewh
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 01:57 AM
All I can say is what he said. In one position, the top rams hold more fluid. If you fill in that position, it will blow out a seal in the resevior. He said it was common, and he could tell, and would void my warranty.
Thinking about it, it must hold more fluid in the up position since the ram arms take up space in the down position.
So if you fill while the top is up, then you have over filled the system.
Posted By: Andrewh
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 11:05 AM
The rebuilder said to use dextron III or IV.
The pump was labeled something else that made me think it was PS fluid. A discontinued type, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was now.
Posted By: doctor_mopar
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 02:52 PM
I bought a new pump from Hydro Electric. They recommend trans fluid. They say if brake fluid is used, the warranty is reduced.
Posted By: daveh1971
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/19/09 08:58 PM
Thanks guys I'll keep trying. I'm in no rush so I will let it bleed slowly. The reason I replaced the lines is because they were original and were brittle.
Posted By: GO_Fish
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/20/09 01:07 AM
My line that blew was original, so maybe it was just its time. But just before I did add fluid with the top up. I filled it from inside the trunk, and that would be darn near impossible with the top stored down in the trunk. Are you supposed to remove the seat back to access the pump from the passenger compartment?
Posted By: Andrewh
Re: Convertible Top Bleeding - 05/20/09 02:34 AM
It would seem so since the plug access is on that side.
Plus I don't think in any of my cars you could do that due to the cardboard on the trunk side that covers that bar.