How to get the top down when motor won't run

[nodrog]

I just purchased an otherwise very nice 1987 22L. Previous owner had left the top up for about a year while his elderly father stayed in the trailer. After reading the owners manual, I am thinking that the top settled down on the safety bar, and possibly the motor brushes are corroded, but I really don't know. Is there any way to get the top down so I can tow it home? It looks simple enough to work on once I get it home. The book says not to tow it in up position---I only have 7 miles to go, mostly city streets. Any suggestions? I really appreciate any help I can get as this will be my first experience with a Hi-Lo. Thanks a lot. nodrog (gordon)

 

[dirtfan]

Just make sure you have a battery that you know that works and give it another try

 

[campthewestcoast]

Have you tryed using standard jumper cables from your truck to the hi-lo battery? hook up the jumper cables with the truck running, it should give you enough power to raise the top off the safety bar and lower the top down.

 

[renoites]

Nodrog
You must also raise the top, slightly, before allowing it to go down when releasing from safety bar catch. No power down.
The motor I don't think is running when lowering, just venting the fluid back to the reservoir and letting gravity and weight to do the rest.
I am not well versed in the hilo mechanisms, just my observation.

steve

 

[morpheus-HILO]

if you are sure you've got a good battery and connections, and you think the motor might be siezed/brushes corroded etc.. try tapping on the motor gently with a hammer when someone is holding the switch in the up position.

If that doesn't solve it, then you have to manually lift the top up using jacks/2x4's, lift it off the safety bar, and then lower it.

NEVER tow it in the up position, even a few feet can do damage to the mechanism

 

[nodrog]

how to get the top down when motor won't run

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am positive about having voltage to the motor, even by-passed the solenoid---nothing. it is good to know that I could use jacks to raise it enough to release the safety bar. But then lowering it could get kinda hairy I would think. Guess I'd better just try to fix the motor and get some pressure into the hydraulics. Thanks much nodrog

 

[morpheus-HILO]

I've never done it myself, but from what I understand, there is a manual valve attached to the pump that, once it's off the safety bar, will still hold the pressure. Once you release that valve, it allows the pressure the bleed back into the resevoir, lowering the top in a slow controlled way.

 

[jcurtis95]

how to get the top down when motor won't run

Nodrog
You must also raise the top, slightly, before allowing it to go down when releasing from safety bar catch. No power down.
The motor I don't think is running when lowering, just venting the fluid back to the reservoir and letting gravity and weight to do the rest.
I am not well versed in the hilo mechanisms, just my observation.

steve

I believe renoites may have zeroed in on the problem; the motor does not run when it is coming down, but, before it can come down, you must raise the top slightly by pushing the "up" or raise button [until the hydraulic pump sort of squeals], then pull the cable out that will release the safety bar and hold it while pushing the "down" or lower button and the top should come down.

jcurtis95
2406 T

 

[jcurtis95]

I did not think a 1987 had the rocker switch. My 1991 did not have it or I would have suggested that.

jcurtis95
2406 T

 

[nodrog]

Thanks to each of you. Your input really has given me something to go on. Tomorrow I go for it. norog

 

[RichR]

I don't suppose you are lucky enough to have a manual lift pump so you can bypass the electric motor. That would be too easy.

Added thought: Check to see if you have a manual release valve on the pump. If you can manage to get the top jacked up enough to get the safety catch to release you may be able to lower the top.