74 Eldorado convertible....paused top lift???

[danjarrett1]

When I attempt to return my top to the up and locked position, it lifts about a third of the way before it completely stalls to a halt. The motor and relay are less than a year old, the actuators have been disassembled, cleaned thoroughly and lubricated and checked. I literally have to get in the back seat and help lift the heavy scissor top to "get it over the hump"  the motor has any affect. Any suggestions fella's???

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Dan,

Are you running the engine at the same time in order to give the battery extra "oomph"?

Is the day cold? or warm?   A cold, stiff top material is really hard on the lift mechanisms.   One thing to consider is to allow the roof to soften under the heat of the Sun, before raising or lowering it.

One thing that these mechanisms need is completely clean terminals, and a good battery.   This is one reason I went to a 800 CCA battery.   Not stock, but really strong.

A friend of mine with a '71, finds that it helps if he increases the engine revs, when raising the roof., to give the battery a helping hand from the Alternator.

Bruce.

[danjarrett1]

Yes, I do run the engine at a higher RPM, battery is a few years old but putting out well. Not sure what the CCA rating  is for  the battery.  Probably do need to check for good ground but thought I had that taken care of. Temps are in the 70's and 80's and top is sun soaked and pliable. I know it's a heavy contraption for sure. Thanks fir your ideas

[MaR]

The two rods that help push the main arms straight are out of adjustment and are binding up.

[hornetball]

Recommend looking at MaR's build thread.  He did an extensive and excellent write-up on restoring/installing/adjusting a new top.