R129 - soft top slow after winter

[LeaUK]

R129 '93

haven't been around for a while but hope all are well.

Hard top has been on for all winter (over 6 months) and now the soft top fails to lift enough to get even half way - all OK if I help the mechanism and all locks fine etc...

Have read from Gilly (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/sl-forum/171638-advice-buying-1999-500sl-soft-top-problem.html) that it's probably air in the hydraulics and to leave overnight, so hoping it's as simple as that!

It makes sense and something I had thought about especially as I'm sure it happened last year and I simply topped up the oil and it worked (but could have just been the time taken to drive to MB, buy it and fill). I was just about to suck what I could from the tank and replace, but will definitely give this a go first!

Then onto the rear window clean - they are starting to look a little yellow now, not good!

Lea

[Will_w202]

I would exercise the hydraulics in winter - just unlock and relock the hardtop once every few weeks. Make sure fluid isn't leaking, make sure it's topped off in the pump, but my #1 suspect is voltage. Mine halts half to 3/4 down if I haven't run the car for at least a few minutes, and it's been sitting for a few days. They take a ton of juice to operate.

[LeaUK]

Hi Will

Thanks for your reply. Yep, these cars EAT batteries when idle and one reason I have to remove mine when I'm not using her. In fact it's more of a case of putting the battery in when I want to flex her!

My batt's nice and new (as I left the previous in without use for 3 months, that killed it) but has been standing for over 5 weeks, that's enough to reduce it to 50%.

Plenty of correct Merc fluid in the tank and had the car running for 5 mins before trying the top.

But I'll charge it overnight and let the hydraulics settle with soft top locked - double chance (hoping).

Cheers
Lea

[Will_w202]

Mine sat for a week recently, and I had to run it and restart it 3x for 10 minutes, before the tonneau cover would finally come down. I suppose one of the sensors or switches (which I havent explored yet) could be at fault, but it doesn't normally do this after the car has been driven

[LeaUK]

Well I'm more than happy to say all is well. I left her in the soft top locked position over two nights (just because that's how it panned out) and charged the bat fully. I really don't think the bat was the issue as I was originally attempted soft top operation with the engine revving to ensure the alternator was delivering. I also know from experience that if the soft top detects low voltage it will flash the red soft top knob!

Anyhow, the first attempt and the roof failed to lift back so I relocked, then attempted again, viola! Faultless operation for at least 5 attempts after in a row (all without engine running).

Feeling better today, might even take her for a spin ;-)

Cheers
Lea