| Author |
Message |
Michael Klein (Malibumk)
New member
Username: Malibumk
Post Number: 50
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 11:39 am: | |
Ferrarioldman Tom Jones is showing his wisdom...Thanks Tom.
Your discription was spot on and saved me a lot of time.
Here's what I can add:
OIL- All the local independents are using generic automotive Mineral Oil sold for car hydraulics. They've apparently done so for years without any problem, and use it for the P'Steering hydraulics in some cases too. One uses Seepco 715, another had Castrol Mineral Plus (also used on a lot of Rolls and Bently). I used the Castrol because I could get it easily.
On Bleeding. It takes quite a few cycles and the air comes back as airated (foamy) oil that needs to stand for awhile for the air to come out of solution and stiffen up the system. The electric motor can get hot, so I took my time to let it cool and to let the air out. During the process of bleeding, it seemed like I had another control/logic problem, but in time as the system blead, everything returned to normal operation.
Now the system works fine.
On the question of where the oil went, I suspect that the weepage and/or wetting of the four cylinder rods and the subsequent evaporation of this very light oil is wher it "went" without a trace. I doubt this system had ever been touched in it's 6 years, and the total reservoir volome is only about two ounces, with low being down an ounce...thats all it takes to upset the operartion.
Good collective work here genrtlemen. Thanks.
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Dave (Parts_man_soda)
New member
Username: Parts_man_soda
Post Number: 42
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 9:28 am: | |
Thats Ferrari for ya!
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Henryk (Henryk)
Member
Username: Henryk
Post Number: 339
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 11:28 pm: | |
Dave: There is no reason to test the fluid. Hydraulic fluid, by it's nature is the same.
$45 for a liter is stupid!!!!!!!!! |
Dave (Parts_man_soda)
New member
Username: Parts_man_soda
Post Number: 41
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 11:14 pm: | |
It is maybe 1 ltr.
If someone can test the fluid and tell if it is the same as something else I would be more than happy to send them some.
Dave
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Henryk (Henryk)
Member
Username: Henryk
Post Number: 338
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 6:20 pm: | |
$45 for Ferrari hydraulic fluid?......it better be 4 gallons of it. I use hydraulic fluid for my hydraulic testers (these cost about $3,000 each)...I demand the best, and it cost $10 a gallon. What makes the hydraulic system in the Ferrari so mysterious? It is just fluid pushing metal, with a rubber seal inside.
Next thing you know, someone will be trying to sell you Agip, or Ferrari, AIR to put in your tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Dave (Parts_man_soda)
New member
Username: Parts_man_soda
Post Number: 40
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 10:12 pm: | |
Ferrari part number for there oil is 4820 cost
about $45.00 from a Dealer.
I also recommend not using anything else but the
Ferrari oil. There is no information anywhere
stating that there oil is the same as MB , VW
or any other manufacturer. Or exactly what type it is.
Perhaps it is the same as MB... but do you
want to be the first test pilot?
They sale there oil in a unmarked silver can...
Cheers,
Dave
~Sodacoms~
www.sodacoms.com
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Henryk (Henryk)
Member
Username: Henryk
Post Number: 330
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 7:55 pm: | |
In a hydraulic system there is no need to "bleed" it of air. When operated to it's maximum position, a relief valve will open in the actuator "switch" and send the excess oil, with air into the reservoir. If the system operates too slowly, it is usually due to either; a weak hydraulic pump, or oil too thick for the ambient temperature.
Basically, there is nothing special about hydraulic fluid, except for the viscosity. There are, obviously various kinds for various system applications, but the convertible top hydraulic system would be of a very basic simple design, and should require just basic hydraulic fluid. |
Tom Jones (Ferrarioldman)
New member
Username: Ferrarioldman
Post Number: 25
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 7:26 pm: | |
I have seen this many times but never find a leak. I wouldn't recommend using another manufacture's oil although this top is made by the same people who make the tops for Porsche and others. The oil level should be checked with the top down. If you need to top up the oil, you must first remove the servo cover. Then remove the ECU. Usually a screw on the top and a nut on a stud on the bottom. Then move the relays out of the way. Remove the block on the front of the servo and behind it is the fill plug. There is no pressure behind it so it won't spew oil or anything. I use a small syringe to add oil with. Once the oil is topped up (and make sure it is full before you do this), an easy way to bleed it is to use the emergency top switch in the side of the console behind the driver's seat. Whenever you reach fully up or fully retracted position using this switch, keep the button pushed for another 10 to 15 seconds and you will hear and see the air return to the reservoir if there is any in the system. |
Tom Bakowsky (Tbakowsky)
New member
Username: Tbakowsky
Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 4:58 pm: | |
I beleve that the oil used in the tops of SL500 M-Benz is the same as the F-car oil |
Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member
Username: Kaz
Post Number: 31
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 12:51 pm: | |
Michael -
I just bought a Spider and although it's not here yet I did a lot of research. I remember seeing a thread here that if the car is stored for a long time (ie dealer showroom) with the top down that air can get in the system which will make the top slow down or even stop. The system can be bleed, like brakes, but as I understand it, the valves are difficult to reach. Did you get an owners manual re: hydralic fluid? The other issue would be do you view the reservoir when the top is up or down. It would seem to me that the reservoir should be "full" when the actuators are retracted. Do a search on this site...also I ordered a complete parts book from ferraribooks.com (from this site) and should have it here by early next week. If you don't have an answer by then I'll look it up for you. |
Michael Klein (Malibumk)
New member
Username: Malibumk
Post Number: 48
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 11:48 am: | |
Just aquired a 355 Spider and while investigation its' sluggish top operation find the fluid reservoir behind the seats below 'min'with the top up....seems to explain why it runs out of poop half way up. The questions are;
1) Whats the right fluid to use, and where to get it short of the F' Dealer.
2) No evidence of any leaks or wetting at the pump or the actuators at all. Where did the oil go?? By the looks of it, the system has never been touched on this '96 MY car and the system otherwise opperates as it should.
Thanks, Mike. |