RE: Re[2]: [Chrysler300] Question on refill of convertible pump/motor 30

Fern et al,

The 1960-1961 Chrysler service manual states on page 82; item 110, of Body and Sheet Metal section: “Fill the reservoir until the fluid runs out of the filler holes. Use a Heavy Duty Brake Fluid”.

I have followed that service directive since January 1978 with my G convert, and all the original parts are still in place including the cylinders, as well as the pump and lines. Its hard to argue with success, I don’t quite understand it either but that’s my reality and I’ve followed the book. Now, I do run the top up and down about 6 times a year so exercise is very important as well..

When I got the car in 1978, one of the first things I did was get the top mechanism working, and the brake fluid was dried out and I had to disassemble the pump and clean it out, but never replaced a thing, other than fluid. I need to top it off about every 6-7 years, I’m due now, but it was working well last summer.

Bob J

From: Fern Rivard <crc@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 3:42 PM
To: RICK AND DEBBIE CLAPHAM <rixpac@xxxxxxx>; Bob Jasinski <rpjasin@xxxxxxxxxxx>; Lars Kirschke <lars.kirschke@xxxxxxxx>
Cc: Chrysler 300 List <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re[2]: [Chrysler300] Question on refill of convertible pump/motor 300G

Brake fluid is NOT a good thing to use in power top as it is very corrosive. I would rather use ATF as it doesn't have that issue.

Fern

------ Original Message ------

From: "RICK AND DEBBIE CLAPHAM rixpac@xxxxxxx [Chrysler300]" <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

To: "Bob Jasinski" <rpjasin@xxxxxxxxxxx>; "Lars Kirschke" <lars.kirschke@xxxxxxxx>

Cc: "Chrysler 300 List" <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Sent: 22/04/2020 4:21:49 PM

Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] Question on refill of convertible pump/motor 300G

I have never use brake fluid. My 62 said ATF on the pump reservoir. Our 70 Challenger also uses ATF.
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From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> on behalf of Lars Kirschke lars.kirschke@xxxxxxxx [Chrysler300] <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 4:07:13 PM
To: Bob Jasinski <rpjasin@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Chrysler 300 List <chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] Question on refill of convertible pump/motor 300G

Hello Bob,

thx for the quick reply and advice. Would never had thought that it would take brake fluid. 😳
Best regards
Lars

Am 22.04.2020 um 22:40 schrieb Bob Jasinski <rpjasin@xxxxxxxxxxx>:

Lars,

If the pump still runs and is lifting the top, that is a good thing because it means the pump is not seized. Going through the trunk is the easiest way to add fluid, much easier than removing the interior pieces! The manual calls for “heavy duty” brake fluid, I would take that to mean DOT 4, but DOT 3 is compatible too. The filling plug is on the vertical face (side) of the pump, and there may be one on each side. Remove one of the plugs and fill until it comes out the side. Run the top up and down to expel air and refill until all air is purged from the system and replace plug.

Bob J
300G convert (still has original top pump and lines)

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of lars.kirschke@xxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 1:18 PM
To: 'Chrysler 300 List' <chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Chrysler300] Question on refill of convertible pump/motor 300G

Hello,

my name is Lars and we own a „barn find“ which we are currently trying to bring back to live. So far we have been quite successful and there seems to be no major rot.
So our aim is to repair or overhaul as much as possible in order to keep the unmolested status.. As i dont want to ruin the precious original power top motor, i thought i´d rather ask before being sorry.

The top is opening and closing, but real slow. Sounds at some point like it´s lacking liquid. This leads to my questions:

Is it better to remove seats to have better access, or through the boot?
Which side is the hole to refill, and how to open it?
Which fluid should i use to refill?

Thanks a lot for reading and giving advice

Best to you

Lars

PS: we have a manual, but it´s lacking the convertible part ☹

RE: Re[2]: [Chrysler300] Question on refill of convertible pump/motor 300G