convertible roof hydraulics

[purley]

Hydraulic fluid has just started seeping through the header rail in my 1997 XK8. What could be the problem please and how can I fix it.
Many thanks. Malcolm.

[mike020150]

Your car could have a broken pipe/leaking joint or a faulty hood latch cylinder. Stripping it to check is the only way you will determine the precise problem. Originally, your car will have had a type of hood fluid later abandoned by Jaguar because it had a tendency to gel and slow/stop hood operations. Consequently, if not already done, any work in this area should include flushing and changing the hood fluid to the later Pentosin specification. Mike.

[Foffer]

Hi Malcolm

I had the same on my 2001 XKR last year, although mine was a larger quantity than you describe! I was told that one of the pair of hydraulic hoses that operate the claw above the rear view mirror had split/burst due to age, having perished and it was necessary to replace both hoses which go all the way from the hydraulic pack in the rear to the claw device. This meant removal of a large amount of the interior and the total cost was about £800. Sorry if that's bad news!

[JimboV8]

This is the guy you need to talk to. memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=12009

He’s done everything himself with pictures.

[purley]

Thanks for your replies. I have been lucky so far in that nipping up the connections seems to have done the trick!!
Why hydraulics; electric would have been easier! Thanks again; an interesting exercise.