Convertible top pump
September 16th, 2018, 10:10 AM
#1
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Convertible top pump
I'm getting ready to raise the top on my 65, the car has been sitting inside for many years. All the hoses are intact and no signs of any leaks. I'm going to open the pump and check the fluid level before I try to raise it. Is it nessisary to flush the system or just top off if it needs to be? Any other recommendation?
September 16th, 2018, 10:38 AM
#2
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You should be able to top it off. Be sure and use ATF and not brake fluid. Brake fluid eats paint. Get several rags to put under the pump because this is a nasty job. I have the smell of ATF. Good luck.
September 16th, 2018, 11:27 AM
#3
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The service manual says top off with hydraulic brake fluid. I would prefer to use ATF like you suggested. If it originally was filled with brake fluid will ATF be compatible with brake fluid? Or will I have to flush the brake fluid?
September 16th, 2018, 01:28 PM
#7
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Older Lincoln convertibles used brake fluid in the top pump. Since brake fluid is not optimal around painted surfaces a popular mod is to replace it with ATF. Several of the Lincoln people have said in order to do this you must flush all the brake fluid out first. ATF and brake fluid wouldn't mix in the brake system, so I'm guessing it wouldn't do too well in the pump.
September 16th, 2018, 03:50 PM
#8
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I think I will try to raise it and see what happens after I check the fluid level. I have already unbolted the rods that attach to the frame to raise it manually and see if it raises without binding and also to lube the pivot points.
September 16th, 2018, 03:51 PM
#9
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You will be able to tell with one sniff of the fluid which it is. In the last 50 years I don't think any manufacture has used break fluid but occasionally it does show up. My convertible pump and cylinders had brake fluid in them when I started my restoration. All of the cylinders and pump parts had absorbed moisture at sometime and destroyed the working parts, peeling paint wasn't the problem but rust sure was..... Tedd
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