What should I do if my XK8 convertible top leaks?
The lesson for owners of pre-2000 XK8 convertibles: If you have trouble with the top, be prepared for the possibility of leaks after flush, and if that happens, rebuild the whole thing and have done with it because the alternative will be replacing everything one part at a time, which will cost you a lot more in the end.
Are there any issues with the Jaguar XK8 convertible top?
I’ve written a few articles about the issues with Jaguar XK8 Convertible top hydraulics over the years. I’d like to begin by referencing Jaguar’s own technical service bulletin on this topic – Issue: early XK8 Convertibles may experience slow operation of the convertible top, or slow or erratic operation of the latch.
What kind of hydraulic system does a Jaguar XK8 have?
Hydraulic System Upgrade for 1996-2006 Jaguar XKR/XK8. Hydraulic System Upgrade for your 1996-2006 Jaguar XKR/XK8, excluding pump. Includes Rebuild Service for the set of 3 Hydraulic Cylinders/Rams, and a Full Set of 6 Replacement Hydraulic Lines/Hoses.
Why is my Jaguar XK hydraulic top not working?
If the reservoir level is persistently going down and requires periodic attention, then the cause is probably a leaking lift cylinder. The leak occurs in the seals that ride on the shaft as it goes in and out to raise and lower the top. A quantity of oil is lost during each roof operation. Jaguar XK Hydraulic Upgrade Kit Contents:
How does rear window control work on a Jaguar XK8?
Convertible Rear Window Control Modifications (Jaguar XK8/R) Jaguar engineers restricted the raising of the convertible rear quarter windows when the top is down. This document describes a modification to override this restriction and allow a quickpress on the ROOF CLOSE button to raise the windows.
How to upgrade the convertible top on a Jaguar XK8?
Jaguar XK/XKR Hydraulic Convertible Top Upgrade Instructions Background Information: This upgrade kit is designed for the Jaguar XK8/XKR model years 1996-2005. The automatic convertible top in these model years is operated by a hydraulic system manufactured for Jaguar by the Power Packer company.
Hydraulic System Upgrade for 1996-2006 Jaguar XKR/XK8. Hydraulic System Upgrade for your 1996-2006 Jaguar XKR/XK8, excluding pump. Includes Rebuild Service for the set of 3 Hydraulic Cylinders/Rams, and a Full Set of 6 Replacement Hydraulic Lines/Hoses.
Where to find chf11s fluid in Jaguar XK8?
The first clue can be seen in one of the pump reservoirs, shown after thorough flushing and change to CHF11S fluid. You can see the fresh CHF fluid as green liquid in the bottom of the reservoir. Above that, lining the bottom of the reservoir, you see a slimy mix of the two fluids.
Why does my Jaguar XK8 not leak oil?
But they do not always leak, because the chunks of congealed oil act as leak-plugs, which means the problem worsens with age, while remaining invisible. All that changes when the fluid is flushed.
The lesson for owners of pre-2000 XK8 convertibles: If you have trouble with the top, be prepared for the possibility of leaks after flush, and if that happens, rebuild the whole thing and have done with it because the alternative will be replacing everything one part at a time, which will cost you a lot more in the end.
How to flush hydraulic fluid on Jaguar XK8?
Flush Hydraulic Fluid to Fix Problems Opening/Closing Convertible Top on Jaguar XK8 Problem Description Problems when opening or closing the convertible top may be fixed by flushing the hydraulic fluid and replacing it with an improved Jaguar fluid.
I’ve written a few articles about the issues with Jaguar XK8 Convertible top hydraulics over the years. I’d like to begin by referencing Jaguar’s own technical service bulletin on this topic – Issue: early XK8 Convertibles may experience slow operation of the convertible top, or slow or erratic operation of the latch.
Where is the Hyd pump on a 99 XK8?
For this procedure NOTE: This is for a 99 xk8. The ’07 and up XK convertible top is completely different from the ’97-’06 cars. Hyd Pump located on the right side of the trunk area.
What to do if your hydraulic oil leaks?
As the chunky old fluid is washed away, leaks appear. The solution: Replace the lines, rebuild the rams, and rebuild the latch and pump. All the chunky old oil has to go, as do all the seals, and total rebuild is the only way to accomplish that. My takeaway from this: Change your hydraulic oil, just like any other fluid.
But they do not always leak, because the chunks of congealed oil act as leak-plugs, which means the problem worsens with age, while remaining invisible. All that changes when the fluid is flushed.
As the chunky old fluid is washed away, leaks appear. The solution: Replace the lines, rebuild the rams, and rebuild the latch and pump. All the chunky old oil has to go, as do all the seals, and total rebuild is the only way to accomplish that. My takeaway from this: Change your hydraulic oil, just like any other fluid.
Why does my Jaguar XK8 convertible top stop working?
From VIN 037189, vehicles in production have been filled with an improved fluid, Pentosin CHF 11S. The service bulletin informs us that the fluid may gel, and the top may stop operating as a result.
What kind of oil is in Jaguar XK8?
At the front of the reservoir is a hard lump of what started out as Jaguar hydraulic oil, circa 1998. We already know the old hydraulic fluid was prone to thicken and solidify in chunks. What we now know is that those chunks get into the seals of the rams and latch, and chew them up.
At the front of the reservoir is a hard lump of what started out as Jaguar hydraulic oil, circa 1998. We already know the old hydraulic fluid was prone to thicken and solidify in chunks. What we now know is that those chunks get into the seals of the rams and latch, and chew them up.