bleeding convertible hydraulics 1989

[archibald tuttle]

Got an '89 celica convertible. first outing in the toyota soft top world. been a camry wagon and cab and chassis man until now.

Obviously part of the reason I could afford it is the things that didn't work, including the hydraulics for putting the top up and down.

I put in a used pump on that is moving oil (although I haven't put any gauging on to see what it is actually putting out for pressure). There is a seal leak on the passenger side piston and I'm giong back to the yard to get that piston, but it isn't leaking that much fluid and yet the top doesn't budge when I engage the pump.

I'm assuming this means I haven't got the air out of it yet. I ran the top up and down by hand which has definitely moved air to the pump reservoir and the see through lines look pretty clear of air but still can't even get the top to even make a ghost of movement in either direction.

Any infor on this system and bleeding procedures or other possible issues appreciated.

brian

[Canal Noises]

I just read the chapter on the hydraulic system in my '87 Celica convertible factory repair manual (which should also apply to your '89) and it doesn't mention anything about bleeding the system. It seems to imply that having a bit of air in the system is ok, although that seems counter-intuitive.

When you run the pump does it sound like it is trying to move the top, or does it sound like it's just spinning freely? On my '87 there's a valve on top of the pump (called the "Hydraulic Bypass Valve" in the manual) that needs to be closed in order for the top to move. I would try that before trying to bleed it.

[archibald tuttle]

Originally Posted by Canal Noises

On my '87 there's a valve on top of the pump (called the "Hydraulic Bypass Valve" in the manual) that needs to be closed in order for the top to move. I would try that before trying to bleed it.

I tried it with the valve closed and open. i assume that valve is meant to allow bypass so if the pump fails you can move the top by hand. When I run the pump we do see some oil moving in the lines. There is a slight leak around the seal on the passenger's side piston. I wouldn't have said that leak were enough to prevent the top from trying to move but the thing doesn't budge.

Maybe the piston is leaking worse between its own chambers internally than the tiny drip I'm witnessing externally so as to effect is own bypass but the top just does not budge in either direction when I run the pump.

Have a parts unit to cannbialize. We tried switching pumps, same result, so now we're going to pull the leaking piston.

will advise. any other reported experience with these systmes appreciated.

brian