draining and refilling hydraulic top fluid

I just did this a few days ago. I actually pulled the reservoir, cleaned it out filled it, put it back on, cycled the top (using the manual switch), then repeated this about four times.

Turns out that there is a tiny wire-mesh filter in there, and a magnet right next to it, to capture any ferrous bits floating around.

Next time I do this, I'll just use a syringe and tubing. Getting the reservoir off is hard (even with the center console removed).

I just saw the write up on bleeding the top the other day. I may have saved it. I'll post it if I find it.

 

Here's a quick one on topping up:
(post #25)
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128103&page=2

 

Found it!

I think this is the one. If you do this, I'd be happy to come assist. I haven't done it before though.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=136494392&postcount=2

 

The one above works. I have gone through two cars with the directions above. Print it and keep it in a safety deposit box

 

How do you get the secondary cyl to move. I unhooked mine when I was bleeding the system. They both move by hand, but they never moved when I worked the top.
Thanks,
Eric

 

The secondary cylinders only work when closing. Also, when you're closing the top and the primary cylinders have stopped, it can take quite a few seconds before the secondaries to go. The secondaries also don't go when you're using the over-ride switch, only when you're using the regular switch.

 

Steve,

I've got a question for you. The instructions don't mention bleeding the secondary cylinders at all. Did you see a difference in the speed of secondary cylinders before and after? Speed of the primaries?

 

The reason I had to bleed mine was that the previous owner did a body work on the rear panel and had to completely remove the top. I had the top in pieces when I started working on it. I did not have to bleed the secondary ones. As you said, those are for the initial opening and end closing functions of the top. If the pistons were completely out, I would recommend you fill the piston in fully extracted position with hydraulic fluid before tightening the lines. This will eliminate any airgaps in the secondary cylinders and less effort trying to bleed the whole thing. When the main pistons are bled through the procedures, the whole system bleeds at once and vacumes any air from the hydraulic lines to all cylinders. The secondary pistons are always week on these cars. Seems like they want you to pay them to work for you. There was no change in the speed post and prior to bleeding on my second car. I have not seen a 355 open the top without the usual slow retraction.

 

Thanks roadracer311. My top did not work at all when I bought the car. It was out of fluid, I think it is leaking at the reservoir. So far I have not been able to get it to work at all with the main switch, I guess that is why the secondary cyl are not working.
Thanks,
Eric