Pump Fluid

[ProdOfFL]

What fluid do I use in the 'vert pump resevoir? I've been told different types of ATF, Hydro fluid, etc..etc. The FSM is taking forever to download for some reason, so I'm just asking and hopefully get an answer by the end of the day so I can do it. Thanks!

Edit--> K, it smells like hydro fluid and it looks like it's at the bottom line on the resovior. Since I can't download the FSM supplement for some reason I'm guessing I need to add fluid. Looks like there's two lines and the fluid is ~3mm below the bottom one. Fill it? I'll tell ya the problem too. Top goes down fine, but when it's time to put it up, it only gets about a foot up and stops. The pump is still going but there's no movement from the top. If I try it one or two more times it will work. Does this every time. When I bought the car a few weeks ago, it worked and now it's doing this. Help me out! Thanks

[240DrpTop]

Here is what I found.Adds by google.Hope this helps. Read the part about filling your top motor with your top down.Good luck. How do you add fluid to a convertible top motor? Answer Thanks for the info. My top doesn't always go down, but of course today when I took it to the dealership it worked. Where do I find the conv. motor? (I've only had the car a couple of months.) 98' Mustang

Answer Not sure if your motor is the same as mine ('71 Cutlass), but mine says the same thing: fill with Type A transmission fluid. Mine has a rubber plug on one end of the motor. All I have to do is pull that out (carefully so as not to tear it) and funnel in the fluid. After you fill it (until it runs out the hole) I would recommend running the top up and down a few times, then refill it. This should bleed out any air in the hydraulic lines. It's that easy for me...hopefully yours is the same. Oh, and I believe that Type A transmission fluid is equivalent to today's Dexron III or MERCON. Good luck!

Answer

Filling the reservoir until fluid runs out is a disaster waiting to happen. The reservoir should be filled with the convertible top in the lowered position and the final level should be approximately 1/4 inch below the bottom of the fill hole. Here's why: The reservoir is a buffer. There is always fluid in the upper and lower portions of the lift cylinders. When the cylinder rod is fully retracted, the reservoir is at it's highest level. This is due to the cylinder rod displacing some of the fluid in the cylinder. When the rod is extended (top raised) the entire bottom of the cylinder fills and reservoir level wiil be at it's lowest point. Imagine what happens if you fill the reservoir while in this position, and especially if you fill it until fluid leaks out. Hmmm, lower the top, level rises until there is no more room in the reservoir (or air volume is compressed until pressure blows the oring seals out). At this point, pressure in the reservoir will be greater than 300psi. (these pumps dead head at about 300-350psi) This means the main oring seal will blow out and the fluid in the reservoir will now be in your trunk. No one wants that. Followup To Question - I am the original owner of a 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible. I need to add fluid to my power top pump/motor because the level is low and my top moves up and down slowly. I DO NOT want to mix the wrong fluid. Therefore, I need to know what fluid was used from the factory. Through the years, the factory fluid on later models may have changed. I need to know what was used in 1967. Can you help? Thanks, PaulAnswer - Hi Paul OK as far as the fluid for the top, that type of fluid has been the same for the years 1940 - 1972 and it is just std. hydraclic fluid, (cherry juice) and the new fluid is made even better, so all I would do is try to suck out as much of the old fluid as you can get out than add the new, and if you can bleed the system if needed. okRoger .

Roger, thanks for the reply. May I assume you mean standard DOT 3 Brake fluid? I'm still a little confused. Paul

Get the answer belowHI Paul Wow I forgot that there are the two types so it is the std. heavy duty brake fluid and if it is red in color it is the a.t.f. type.(cherry juice) but only if it is red in color. so use the dot 3 that is fine but try to get all of the old stuff out first ok . Roger Type of fluidThe Service manual states use either Hydraulic fluid or ATF. Use what ever matches what is in system. On a new system I use Dextron® ATF.


Modified by 240DrpTop at 5:05 PM 12/30/2007

[ProdOfFL]

Thanks for that good info. My buddy is an ASE tech and he told me pretty much the same thing. I threw some ATF in there last night and it worked like a champ. Good searching though!

[240DrpTop]

No problem. Glad to see it's working for ya.

[240DrpTop]

Correction! Well according to the 1992 240sx fsm. sae10W motor oil is required.Who da thunk it?Here's the link.I right clicked and save as target.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/24...t.pdf

[ProdOfFL]

10W eh? Hey if it's in the FSM it must be right....right? Good tip on the download too. I'm guessing the 92 would be the same as a 93 right? I just got my 'vert so I'm sorta new to it. I know they only made them for 3 years, so does the FSM cover all those years?

[240DrpTop]

10W eh? Hey if it's in the FSM it must be right....right? Good tip on the download too. I'm guessing the 92 would be the same as a 93 right? I just got my 'vert so I'm sorta new to it. I know they only made them for 3 years, so does the FSM cover all those years?

Can't say for a fact,but I would assume that it does. My 240SX Chiltons manual covers 93 - 98. Good luck with that new vert. Have you ever posted any pictures? There is a VERT picture thread that I am sure could use a jump start.

[DeXteR]

definitely consult the 240sx convertible supplement to the factory service manual. take it as gosple as it's the bible for your vert.

92, 93, 94 convertible 240sx are all the same.