How/where to fill up fluid for convertible top motor?

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1966DartConvertible

1966DartConvertible

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Hi

I tried the convertible top switch today and the motor seems to be kinda noisy. I think the fluid is running low. Any advice on how to top up the fluid? I looked around the motor and cant seem to find it. (Its 830pm here so that might be the reason why...)

Anyone with a picture of the motor that shows where to top up, would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Oh btw its a '66 Dart 270 Convertible.

Syed
 
If I remember there is a plastic/metal plug on the pump, been awhile
 
the pump is behind the rear seat...it is mounted in rubber and comes up easily...when topping the fluid...do so with the rams for the top in their collapsed position (not extended)
 
waggin said:
the pump is behind the rear seat...it is mounted in rubber and comes up easily...when topping the fluid...do so with the rams for the top in their collapsed position (not extended)
Click to expand...

Well thanks. But i know where the pump is... i just want to know where in (or on??) the pump am i supposed to fill it up? i.e. the reservoir for the hydraulic fluid.

Thanks again.
 
One end should have the wires going in, and the other end should have a triangular bolt in the middle of the end, and next to it the fill hole with either a metal screw in plug, or a rubber one.
 
I'm just about to do this excercise on my '63. Can't talk from experience yet, but I have read up on it a bit. It is in the SM and also I have a link for you to Hydroe Electric.

Firstly, if you have the factory pump and reservoir there will be a plug (mine is screwed in) on the end of the reservoir (ie on right side end when the pump is in the car).
Here is the link that I will be using
http://www.hydroe.com/Tips_-_Cylinders__amp__Pumps.html
It explains the procedure a bit clearer than the factory SM I think.
If no one else posts, and you need more help just ask and we might be able to work it out.
Good luck and let's know how you go!
I am hoping to get onto mine in the next week or so.:thumblef:
Gary
 
I remember reading a post about leaking cylinders and adding fluid often. The owner ran a pipe from the fill hole on the reservoir out to somewhere so he could add fluid without crawling into the trunk. I dont know how well it worked out for him.
 
It is slotted plug at the end, towards the top of the pump. Please, follow waggin's advice, as you will blow the pump seals.

Don't ask me how I know. :D
 
If you need fluid that means you have a leak which needs to be fixed first or you'll be finding fluid all over your carpet or trunk in the near future.
 
cudajim said:
If you need fluid that means you have a leak which needs to be fixed first or you'll be finding fluid all over your carpet or trunk in the near future.
Click to expand...

When the car was fully stripped to baremetal, all the carpeting, interior and the top pump were removed and stored. It was during this long "storage" time that I think the fluid leaked out and why im suspecting the fluid might be low.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.
 
Again with reference to my '63 (I am unsure of how different your model is) the workshop manual says to use Brake Fluid. That must be what they put in at the factory HOWEVER, when I emailed the convertible top specialist in Ca who did the work on my car they said that these days they use auto trans fluid. they actually suggested Dexron III.
So that is what I intend to use.:yawinkle:
I would suggest that if your car had brake fluid in the pump resevior you would have known it when you saw the leak. I would say there would only be a remote chance that any early 60's convertibles are still running brake fluid - wouldn't you?
 
Nooooo,
Plain old 20W hydrolic oil only. It's pretty much odorless since it doesn't have the detergents and crap in it
. If trans fluid ever leaked back there you'll live with it's odor.
 
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