Patient is the top motor in my 71 convertible 442. Functioning quite properly for the past four years but recently slow to open and close. Now motor noise but no top movement, just spent 30 minutes contorting into the trunk for a visual evaluation, and quite amazingly the fine engineers in Lansing utilized three small grommets to secure the motor to sheet metal behind the rear seats. I understand wanting to isolate vibration, but that seems a bit, um, uninspiring.

So after tremendous perspiring, (88° at 9 PM) and back into some AC, I’m curious what typical symptoms these motors exhibit as they die. Hydraulic cylinders, from what I saw of them looked clean with no leaks. My phone was on the workbench, so no photos, but lines were red with ATF fluid, and no visible leaks. However the forward, driver side aforementioned grommet had popped off, allowing motor to lean rearword, I resecured, with same symptomatology (motor noise with no top movement).

Feedback from more experienced convertible owners is greatly appreciated. I’m leaning towards a new motor, but probably could rebuild this one as well. Thank you.

 

Anything remarkable?
Besides the zip tie.

 

Mine did that when it was low on fluid. Have you inspected the floorboards under the cylinders? You may need to remove the seat and arm rest panels to get a good view.

 

Great idea, thank you. Just found this from DIY Dan, he’s certainly an Oldsmobile guy with a 71 442 and a 68 cutlass in his garage. Worthy viewing for others considering tackling these same issues, and perusing his YouTube channel indicates he tackles other common Oldsmobile A body issues. Great stuff.