QuestionHello. I need help. We can not find any description for lubrication of the motor/cylinder of the top-cover for an 1966 Cadillac Eldorado. For my understanding it is some kind of cylinder that needs some oil or something. What oil and where do I fill it in??
Many thanks in advance and greetings from the good old German black forest.
Yours
Bernhard
AnswerGreetings in return, from the boiling hot desert of the Southwestern US!>
1966 was a change-over year for most cars, I am not sure which was used in Cadillacs - it is even possible that they switched mid-year. For that reason, I am not completely sure whether your car used Brake Fluid or Hydraulic fluid, but I think it probably uses normal transmission fluid - the same stuff you use in your automatic transmission, Dexron/Mercon III. To make sure of this, though, take out the filler plug on the pump and smell it. If it is brake fluid, you will definitely recognize the smell (compare it with the can of brake fluid you carry in your trunk for emergencies). If the smell is not very strong, or if you see that the fluid is red, then my first guess was correct - use transmission fluid.
The pump is on the raised structure behind the rear seat, over the rear axle - you have to take the rear seat backrest out to get at it to service it. The fluid filler plug is on the side of the pump - I think you'll find it without a problem, once you get the seat backrest out of your way. To remove the backrest, you have to remove the bottom cushion, then find the two locking bolts on the floor right below the backrest. Take those all the way out and then lift up on the backrest firmly to slide it up off the retainers. If you have a rear seat radio speaker, you may have to remove that first - just look around for bolts and screws and keep taking things apart until you get the backrest loose.
Your system should not ever need fluid added unless you have a leak - and if you have a leak, you should be able to see that the fluid is red in color, assuming it is transmission fluid. If the system has brake fluid in it, you will see paint peeling off the metal wherever the leak is.
The system consists of a hydraulic pump connected by hoses to the hydraulic rams that actually move the top parts.
If you don't already have a shop manual for this car, I strongly advise you to get one if you are going to be maintaining this car. They run on eBay frequently, and also can be purchased from any of the automotive literature dealers - I use Ed Faxon at www.faxonautolit.com, but there are many others.
Dick
