When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Now, this is a relatively minor gripe.....and to be honest, just feel free to skip but I need to vent. Don't judge me.
The guys who designed the GM convertible top pump......well, those guys are dead so it's too late (at least without a shovel, a heater and some serious smelling salts) but perhaps to the folks who are making after market pumps:
A couple of suggestions:
1. Fill hole on the top of the pump. Seriously. Who thought....hey, let's put the fill hole on the side. That is OBVIOUSLY the most logical location for it. Right? I mean, I fill EVERYTHING from the side.
2. A plastic reservoir. I mean, being able to see the amount of fluid in the resevoir.....couldn't see why that would be a useful piece of information.
3. Mounting feet. OH BOY. Whoever came up with that idea is just a straight up jerk. Perhaps a bolt with a rubber bushing/washer? Holy crap man. Getting those feet back in place....I was really starting to question my sanity.
On the one hand, the motor lived 49 years so I guess I should whine too much but would making it a LITTLE easier to service have been too much to ask?
Oh, and the guy that assembles the aftermarket pumps.....a longer ground wire would be FANTASTIC.
Sorry for the rant....we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.
First thing I had to fix on the Cutlass was the top motor. That was back in 94- no problems since. So at least it should last a while, sounds like you got it fixed?
I'm assuming the fill hole is in the side because that's the level it gets filled to. I don't have any more trouble filling it than my Muncie transmission.
I had a Saab 900 (hey, don't knock it, that was a FUN car to drive)........and swapping the top pump took about 5 minutes. Checking/filling did not require a Rube Goldberg contraption.
Now, I get it.....the GM pumps are pretty much bomb proof and it's a one and done thing, so there is that. However......even in our cars, the radiator/surge tank, washer jug, master cylinder, oil......fluid all added from the top. Gravity has it's inherent advantages. Also, in each case, if you can't SEE the fluid level, there is an easy way to tell via a dipstick. Top pump? When ATF fluid starts running all over your trunk....BINGO! Full!
First thing I had to fix on the Cutlass was the top motor. That was back in 94- no problems since. So at least it should last a while, sounds like you got it fixed?
Sure did, thanks!
It decided to take a dump six days before our Blue Ridge Parkway road trip....so there was some anxiety about getting it and all that before we were supposed to leave.
Really, I deserve the punishment because when I replaced the rams and hoses, I should have just replaced the pump and been done with it....but, I was way too smart for that.
Someplace, I have a meat injector that I had stuck the needle through an extra rubber plug.....and, it worked pretty well last time I had to mess with the pump.....but do you think I could find that GD thing yesterday??
Convertible top pump engineering.....gripe.
