66 convertible top pump overpressure

[afreejack]

While cycling the convertible top hydraulic system (I was trying to bleed out the air after replacing the hoses), whenever the pistons reach the end of their travel and I don't let go of the switch fast enough, the hydraulics build up enough pressure to rupture a hose. I have replaced a hose 3 times now and I'm getting a little tired of getting ATF in my face and having to clean it up from the inside of the car.

Does the pump itself have some type of relief or unloader internal to the pump that is supposed to keep the system from overpressurizing? If it does, and it's gummed up or something, is there a way to go in and clean it up or at least verify that it works? Or is it something that requires replacement of the pump?

For now I have removed the fuse for the pump and kept the cylinders disconnected so I have a manual top until I can get this problem taken care of. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[2+2GT]

Something is wrong with your system, and it's not the fuse. These cars were designed to have the top raised and lowered by housewives and teenagers, you shouldn't need the reflexes of a NASCAR driver to avoid blowing the system up.

 

[afreejack]

The fuse is out just to keep from hitting the controls and having the pump shoot out whatever fluid is left in the system.

The rams are fine, the hose was new, so the only thing left is the pump. I guess I'll be taking it apart to see what is up with it.

 

[afreejack]

Pulled the pump and took it apart. Aside from a little bit of sludge at the bottom of the reservior, it's clean. Actually the pump itself is shiny-clean.

Talked with the guys at the mustang shop near my house and they don't know what it could be (they'd never heard if it before), but suggested that maybe if it's that powerful to be blowing hoses, maybe I could sell it has a hydraulic pump for a low rider.

One other thing I forgot to mention is that the pump had blown a couple of 30 amp fuses (I have an in line fuse from the battery to the switch). Maybe I need some type of resistor?

Short of replacing the pump, and hoses(again!) does anyone have any ideas?

 

[2+2GT]

I'd swap in another used pump and see what happens. But then, I have access to used pumps.