Where can I find a tutorial on how to bleed the hydraulic system?

[chromecarz00]

My canopy slowly lowers and I can't seem to find any bleed valves... Help?

 

[ydeardorff]

As does mine....
Its impossible to really help much without knowing what pump, and cylinder you have.
Any leaks anywhere?

 

[letterman7]

unless you have a locking pump or a separate lock valve, the canopy will eventually start to close on it's own if it's overcentered to the rear. They all do - it's just the way the pumps work (or don't). Convertible top pumps were meant to be full up or full down, nothing in between, hence no internal lock mechanism. Mine will drift close, too. I bought a locking mechanism from Dave but never installed it.. I'll have to see if there is a part number or something on it.

Typically hydraulic systems are self-bleeding. If you had air in the system the rams would tend to "bump" up or down as the air is bled from the lines.

 

[chromecarz00]

Seems like something is missing, perhaps a cap or something. Seems like it would leak, but there doesn't appear to be any fluid coming out. Thoughts?

 

[ydeardorff]

It looks like the cap with the wiper seal is missing. Do you have a manufacturer or model number on those cylinders?

BTW: Next time reduce your image size. It will help.

 

[Brett Proctor]

I'm I the only one that sees that seal in the first photo leaking like a week old puppy?? or did you pour hydraulic fluid all over it.

 

[chromecarz00]

Oh you know, it's a past-time to rub things in fluid when I get bored

Upon closer inspection, it's rather thoroughly coated in hydraulic fluid. Unfortunately, no manufacture notifications or part numbers anywhere visible. There is a Made in the USA sticker though, so at least we're keeping it domestic.

Regardless, since we've realized that these are leaking, I'm guessing the next step would be to rebuild them or replace?

 

[letterman7]

Get 'em rebuilt. It's cheaper (usually). They do look like they're missing a wiper or something on the top though..

 

[chromecarz00]

Word, sounds good.

Any recommendations in the SoCal area?

 

[letterman7]

Near you, give KTI a call KTI Hydraulics, Inc. | Manufacturer of DC and AC Power Units and see if they can help you out. Eaton is also near you, but I think that branch does more industrial level stuff.

 

[chromecarz00]

Thanks, I reached out to them and some other strut suppliers I found online.

Where would be the best place to find new ones in your opinion? Found some UK-based sites but stateside.

 

[letterman7]

Did you read through all the threads in this section? Quite a few supplier links. Parker Hydraulic, of course, being one of the largest. Personally, I've used pneumatic cylinders with jack oil (non-corrosive) in both my cars with no issues. I have a set waiting to go into the Rose car that I think I bought off Amazon. I'll get the numbers off the cylinders next time I'm working on the car.

 

[ratrog64]

From Car #114

Here is a photo of the label on the Parker cylinders in the #114 car. Hope it helps.

 

[letterman7]

Glad you posted that up, Roger... I was trying to find that information..

Those particular cylinders aren't made anymore, but have a superseded number for a similar model.

 

[ratrog64]

Cool
I was working on new brackets and hardware for my top tonight and remembered this thread. They seem to work pretty good with that marine trim pump.

 

[chromecarz00]

Thanks for providing that, if I can't get a replacement I know where to look for new ones. Cheers