Fluid level on convertible pump

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Russ Dyer

Russ Dyer

69 barracuda convertable
Joined
Jan 3, 2019
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I have a 1969 Barracuda convertible that the top does not go down all the way. How do you check the fluid level on the pump and what kind is recommended.
 
That is not a fluid problem then. If you had a fluid issue it would not go up all the way or struggle and be very slow getting there. It sounds like you have a binding issue
 
Russ Dyer said:
It will go up all the way but will not go down flush with the body.
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did it ever go down flush with the body?

What has changed if it did go down flush in the past, new top? cold vs hot? folds in the top in or out? etc.

toplscuda said:
It sounds like you have a binding issue
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That is what I was thinking


Disconnect the cylinders from the frame and lower the top's hydraulics so the cylinders are retracted, do the cyls retract all the way or close to it?

with the cyl disconnected can you manually lower the top without binding to a position you feel is acceptable? ( be careful it might get heavy and be sure the cyls are out of the way of any moving frame parts or top material)

is it possibly that the top never was intended to lower to as flush as you expect it to?

some photos of it down would be helpful
 
If you watch related youtube videos you'll find most everything uses the same pump. Maybe a difference in where the fill hole is located but fill procedure is the same. Seems the most common issue is "fails to go all the way down" too.
 
Dana67Dart said:
did it ever go down flush with the body?

What has changed if it did go down flush in the past, new top? cold vs hot? folds in the top in or out? etc.


That is what I was thinking


Disconnect the cylinders from the frame and lower the top's hydraulics so the cylinders are retracted, do the cyls retract all the way or close to it?

with the cyl disconnected can you manually lower the top without binding to a position you feel is acceptable? ( be careful it might get heavy and be sure the cyls are out of the way of any moving frame parts or top material)

is it possibly that the top never was intended to lower to as flush as you expect it to?

some photos of it down would be helpful
Click to expand...
Just got back from Mecums at Kissimmee and read the posts. I will disconnect the cylinders tomorrow and see how it is. Thanks for the advice.
 
My 69 Vert. Fish............. i put new cylinders on and bled the system. The fluid in the reservoir is just below the filler hole.
 
Post some photos of the top in the down position. My dart has some parts that do not sit totally flush, i assume it is normal as there are plastic protections under the top cover for those locations
 
Dave NEO said:
ANy info on how/where to check/fill fluid? thnx
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Look in your factory service manual for procedure.

There is a plug on the resavour. Remove it, level should not be over that but maybe just up to it
 
OK thnx, I think I saw reservoir when I had rear seat back out. will have to get it out again to check fluid level - it's working ok but a little slow (like me!).
 
Not sure about other cars but 67 dart you can get to it through the trunk
 
Dana67Dart said:
Not sure about other cars but 67 dart you can get to it through the trunk
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Agree. Through the trunk and on the passenger side of the pump is the plug. Fill up to where your finger can feel the fluid in the pump. Also leave the plug out and move the top with the switch on and car running to get the air out of the lines. It will not spray out of the pump. I did it to mine 69 Barracuda vert.
 
thnks - not sure why car needs to be running - my electric pumps work when car is off - maybe my '68 is different, but sure better if no start and it it starts to rain!. Also, I believe you check fluid level with top down - is that right? thnx again!
 
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It shouldn't matter up or down as the fluid in the upper half of the cyl goes back to the resovour as the lower half fills.

BUT... with the top down you would be hard pressed to access the pump
 
yes ..of course it would- duh. Maybe I should actually eyeball it before asking ridiculous questions! I mean, I'll still ask'em, they'll just be more informed ridiculous questions!
 
no question is a ridiculous question.... might be some ridiculous answers out there:)
 
ok, so reckon it's that nylon looking screw/plug on top right side of pump - looks like phillips head............. not sure I got required amount of contortion to reach it from trunk but would beat pulling seats...

103_3519 (2).JPG
 
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