For those of you that have bled your convertible top motor - what have you used to insert into the fill plug? The instructions I've seen say "Obtain spare Plug for reservoir (GM Part # 7596442)? Obviously, not going to happen. Could I use some type of of vacuum plug or rubber stopper connected to a hose?? I would think the fill hole would have to be sealed pretty good during the bleeding process…
Thanks!

For those of you that have bled your convertible top motor - what have you used to insert into the fill plug? The instructions I've seen say "Obtain spare Plug for reservoir (GM Part # 7596442)? Obviously, not going to happen. Could I use some type of of vacuum plug or rubber stopper connected to a hose?? I would think the fill hole would have to be sealed pretty good during the bleeding process…
Thanks!
All I ever did was pull the plug out, refill, and put the plug back in. I don't see why it has to be replace unless it gets damaged. All the hydraulic stuff is available aftermarket so if you need it you can get it.

What are you using for fluid? Some people use the red ATF, but I always prefered clear power steering fluid.

"All I ever did was pull the plug out, refill, and put the plug back in"

I need to bleed the top motor - not just add fluid...

It's a hydraulic system and you can pull the plug and top it off by pouring in more fluid but you run the risk of over filling it. The proper way is to fill and purge the system... Dan all you have to do is wrap the end of the fill hose with electrical tape so the hose/tubing can be pushed in and sealed for the purge and fill. I know it's posted but here's the gist of it;


Pull the fill plug and stick a section of tubing into the fill hole (wrap tape around the one end to plug/seal the connection).
Place the other end of hose in a jar/can of fluid
Run top up and down several times


Assuming the pump is primed (partially filled) the system will fill itself to the proper level and if the system was low you will be able to hear the difference (as you run the top up and down) when it's done filling and purging.

Thanks!! I'll try the tape on the hose trick.

I found this on line - would really come in handy for the job.

"All I ever did was pull the plug out, refill, and put the plug back in"

I need to bleed the top motor - not just add fluid...

Well, that is how I add fluid while bleeding small amounts of air out of the top motor.
If your system has alot of air or needs a complete refill, then the plug or taped hose is the way to go.

And the plugs are available, but not needed if you seal it with the tape as described.


There is a write up on team Chevelle for those who dont have a service manual

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113945