I'm trying to bleed the air out of the lines for the power top (as I had to replace one of the cylinders). I've read the other posts here, and the instructions in the Body Manual (which is what I'm doing - separate bottle of fluid and letting the pump pull fluid in as needed through the plug to the pump reservoir), but I'm still having issues. Short of pulling the lines, and starting over, or forcing fluid through with a syringe, any tips? When I run the pump and the air runs through the lines, back to the reservoir, how does it get purged out of the system? Is there a vent in the reservoir?
Start fresh. With the top up, disconnect the cylider rams from the top frame(1 bolt each side). Remove the plug from the pump and fill to just below the hole. Leave plug out and cycle the rams up and down several times. May take as many as 12-15 times. Keep an eye on the fluid level and fill as needed. Watch the lines for the air bubbles, you won't get them all out but you should be able to see mostly fluid running through them. Check the reservoir and fill to just below the hole again, NO more or you run the risk of blowing the center pump seal. Reinstall plug, reconnect rams, check top operation.
Thanks Doc! I have the entire system out and on the floor. I was hoping that would make this easier, but it's not working. So with the system not connected to the top, you're saying just running it in and out should eventually clear out the air in the lines? Out of morbid curiosity, how do I know if I've blown the center pump seal?
You'll have a nice fluid leak to clean up. Also, I think you should install everything first, otherwise you may have to disconnect lines again to get the cylinders in.
That's why I did it out of the car. So I could get the fluid all over the garage. It looks like it was installed so you could pull the entire set-up by "simply" unbolting the cylinders, pulling a few clips for the hydraulic lines, and disconnecting the wires to the pump. So once I know the air is out, and there are no leaks, I should be able to just bolt it back in and roll.... note how I say "should"?
Here is what I would do. Lower the top all the way and disconnect the 2 bottom lines. Then get a large syringe (vet type) and push the fluid from one side to the other into a container half filled with oil to prevent it from sucking air back in. Reconnect the two bottom lines and cycle the top up and down (watch the fluid level). I don't think you will need to do anything with the top lines as the air will automatically rise in the cylinder and ultimately be pushed into the pump. I did something similar a month ago and I have no/minimal air in all the lines.
If I understand correctly(not sure if I do)there is a check valve in the pump itself. Seems like you method may not work because of that, not to mention a bit more work...but hey whatever works for ya
I believe you are correct, that is why all the air will push from one side to the other and not back in the pump. The other thing you might try after you get one lower side hooked up is to bump the power in the top (to raise it) and push the liquid into a container on the still unconnected line. I did this also but it was rather messy and not sure it was worth it.
Hokie, my plan was to basically do what you said. My hope is that the cylinders will push any air into the lines when in the fully open or fully closed position (cause really where else can the air go?). I bought a syringe last night (based on what I think was one of your earlier posts). Once the air is in the lines, I'll disconnect the lines from the cylinders, push fluid through the lines with the syringe to push the air out, reconnect, re-check the fluid in the pump reservoir, cycle and repeat until the air is gone. I like the idea of keeping the open end of the line in a container of fluid to make sure I don't accidentally suck in air and ruin my work. I'll let you know how it goes...hopefully by Monday you'll have an answer.
The air will escape through the open reservoir. It's up to you how you want to proceed, but any other way is just going to cause you more work and mess. When done in the car, the pump reservoir is the highest point in the system, that is where the air will go to.
That goes back to my earlier question: Where is the reservoir open? Is there a vent somewhere I don't see? There's a plug that seals it where you add fluid. Should I be trying to run it without the plug to vent the air? I have it set up in my garage so the pump is the highest point in the system, so the air should be going to the pump now, but it doesn't seem to be leaving the lines, just running in circles around them... And thanks again for all the input! These kind of little issues are the ones that really get me angry.
Well everyone, thanks for the help. I finally got back to it last night. I pulled the lines and forced fluid through with the syringe. Then I kept the plug out of the reservoir and kept cycling it from extended to retracted and back. Everytime I'd cycle it, I'd get more air, but less than the previous time. I waited for the air to work it's way up to the pump and then run the pump again to force the air out. Looks like I'm good to go and should have her back together tonight. Thanks again for the help!
