Convertible Top Troubleshooting - First Generation Forum

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Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Thursday, August 24, 2006 7:23 PM
Hello-

The top on my car is getting slower and slower to come up. It goes down with no problem. Any ideas as to what it could be. I know the motor is working. Do you add fluid to these things - do the cylinders go bad?

Anybody know where I can get some info?

Daryl?

Take Cre-

Paul






Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Thursday, August 24, 2006 11:57 PM
paul check that the cylinders aren't leaking...


1st 1st gen on air.....
Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Friday, August 25, 2006 8:07 AM
just look for a fluid leak on the cylinders?




Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Friday, August 25, 2006 10:27 AM
Paul- Check the fluid level.

http://www.geocities.com/doctorsvt/cavtech

I just posted this on my webpage a week ago. If your seals in the top cylinders are bad, the fluid will leak out and cause the top motor to work slower *harder.

Manual says to use brake fluid. I have heard of some people running ATF in there as well, and PS fluid...but I'd stick with brake fluid unless you completely flush the system out.

I can post more page scans from the manual when I get home this weekend if you'd like.



Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Friday, August 25, 2006 3:05 PM
i run ATF, that's what alldatadiy.com suggests, and seems to work awesome thusfar


1st 1st gen on air.....
Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Friday, August 25, 2006 6:28 PM
Grand Slam!

The top works great, the only casualty was the rubber cap that tore in 2 when I removed it. Know where I can get another?

Two things fixed in one night, I hope the clutch replacement, interior replacement, and intercooler install go this smoothly.

Thanks again for all the assistance!




Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Friday, August 25, 2006 7:08 PM
Brake fluid and ATF are completely incompatible!! If the manual says brake fluid, use it. If the manual says ATF, don't use brake fluid. My 2nd gen uses ATF.

-->Slow
Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Friday, August 25, 2006 8:27 PM
Good news Paul! Glad to hear its back up and running. I have no part# for the rubber plug, but a place on the web called "Hydro-e-lectric" sells convertible top parts and they may have something that works. Google them for their web address.

Yes, the 86 Cavalier GM shop manual says brake fluid or similar hydraulic fluid. As long as we're on topic, would PS fluid work as well?

Once the system is flushed, ATF would also work I would think.



Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Tuesday, September 05, 2006 7:13 PM
I contacted them - thanks Daryl.




Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Monday, September 11, 2006 4:41 PM
Hydro-e-lectric sent me a new plug.

I am sure they are warming me up for a cylinder purchase.

Thanks again Daryl!




Re: Convertible Top Troubleshooting
Monday, September 11, 2006 5:50 PM
Right on!

Glad they worked out for you.

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