The Ford Barn

Displayman · 08-24-2016, 02:34 PM

Hi,
We have a 47 Merc. convertible. Just had the convertible top motor rebuilt.
Filled trans fluid to fill line in bottom cannaster.
Pulled handle on dash control no fluid is pumping fluid out of cannaster.
Even tried in and then out on control to get fluid started.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
We have another 47 Merc. convert, and that motor works fine, top goes up and down with ease.

Thanks,
Bob-Hampshire, Illinois

KGS · 08-24-2016, 02:36 PM

The system is probably air-bound and needs to be bled. Ken

flathead48 · 08-24-2016, 03:18 PM

That happen to me once and I had to prime the pump to get it to start pumping.

Russ/40 · 08-24-2016, 07:07 PM

KGS is correct. You need to flush all lines full of fluid as well as the areas of the pump with plugs. Flush clear to the cylinders. Then use a 12 volt battery to run the heck out of it. It will eventually come up to pressure. Takes a long time.

RKS.PA · 08-24-2016, 08:04 PM

Bob, I have a '47 Ford Conv. and I assume the top systems are similar. Mind didn't work at all because the brake fluid....original stuff in the pump....had turned to poop. So, I bought the pump rebuild kit and rebuilt.....not much room to work getting the pump in and out and I also replaced the hydraulic cylinders on each side in the rear because I also assumed they were filled with bad brake fluid. Filled it up with auto trans fluid and it took a while for it to make it's way to the cylinders...lots of foaming in the canister...thought I used the wrong grade of ATF....but as noted above once the air got out of the system....Viola, the top goes up and down. Great outfit in Fla. has parts for these units.

Good luck....Dick.

Frank Miller · 08-25-2016, 07:08 AM

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If you had it rebuilt then that person should be able to help. Given that I assume it is all installed and you're trying to run the cylinders. If the control valve hs been apart you should make sure that little disc in there is not 180 degrees out. There is a little hole on one side to direct fluid. I have a 49 but I believe this setup is the same. You might also try disconnecting the line at the pump to see if fluid is discharging or put a pressure gauge on it.

JT FORD · 08-25-2016, 09:27 AM

I chanced from brake fluid to ATF on my '49. New hoses, new cylinders and had no trouble getting it to operate. Didn't bled or anything, filled with oil and it operated fine.

08-24-2016, 02:34 PM	#1
Displayman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hampshire, Illinois Posts: 392	Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump Hi, We have a 47 Merc. convertible. Just had the convertible top motor rebuilt. Filled trans fluid to fill line in bottom cannaster. Pulled handle on dash control no fluid is pumping fluid out of cannaster. Even tried in and then out on control to get fluid started. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We have another 47 Merc. convert, and that motor works fine, top goes up and down with ease. Thanks, Bob-Hampshire, Illinois

08-24-2016, 02:36 PM	#2
KGS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Schooley's Mountain Posts: 530	Re: Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump The system is probably air-bound and needs to be bled. Ken

08-24-2016, 03:18 PM	#3
flathead48 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 1,110	Re: Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump That happen to me once and I had to prime the pump to get it to start pumping.

08-24-2016, 07:07 PM	#4
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump KGS is correct. You need to flush all lines full of fluid as well as the areas of the pump with plugs. Flush clear to the cylinders. Then use a 12 volt battery to run the heck out of it. It will eventually come up to pressure. Takes a long time.

08-24-2016, 08:04 PM	#5
RKS.PA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Marana, AZ Posts: 1,194	Re: Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump Bob, I have a '47 Ford Conv. and I assume the top systems are similar. Mind didn't work at all because the brake fluid....original stuff in the pump....had turned to poop. So, I bought the pump rebuild kit and rebuilt.....not much room to work getting the pump in and out and I also replaced the hydraulic cylinders on each side in the rear because I also assumed they were filled with bad brake fluid. Filled it up with auto trans fluid and it took a while for it to make it's way to the cylinders...lots of foaming in the canister...thought I used the wrong grade of ATF....but as noted above once the air got out of the system....Viola, the top goes up and down. Great outfit in Fla. has parts for these units. Good luck....Dick.

08-25-2016, 07:08 AM	#6
Frank Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn, MA Posts: 2,106	Re: Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you had it rebuilt then that person should be able to help. Given that I assume it is all installed and you're trying to run the cylinders. If the control valve hs been apart you should make sure that little disc in there is not 180 degrees out. There is a little hole on one side to direct fluid. I have a 49 but I believe this setup is the same. You might also try disconnecting the line at the pump to see if fluid is discharging or put a pressure gauge on it. __________________ “The technique of infamy is to start two lies at once and get people arguing heatedly over which is true.” ~ Ezra Pound

08-25-2016, 09:27 AM	#7
JT FORD Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W. Iowa Posts: 306	Re: Convertible top motor runs, but does not pump I chanced from brake fluid to ATF on my '49. New hoses, new cylinders and had no trouble getting it to operate. Didn't bled or anything, filled with oil and it operated fine.