87 Conv. top motor problem

[Jeff5678]

The right side motor for my conv. top will run but the latching mechanism does not unlatch. How can I release my top so I can change out the motor? Also how hard is it for me to change out the motor myself? How hard is it to align? I already have the replacement motor but the shop that does all my work is backed up and I can't get my car in for the fix. If I can at least get the motor to release so I can put my top down that would be great. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff

[MTN930]

If you're talking about the latching mechanism at the top of the windshield, above the visors, see post #4 here: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/535397-87-cab-top-wont-go-down.html

I've had the same problem in the past w/ my '86. Manually unlatching was easy to do, replacing the latch motor at the top of the windshield took about 10 minutes.

If you're talking about the motors on the left and right behind the driver's seat that move the entire top up and down, no experience there.

[Jeff5678]

The motor works but the gear inside that operates the locking mechanism does not. I was told I can take out the bolts and just remove the motor from the top of the header and that will release that side. The left side motor operates properly. I had the lift motors disengaged so it is manual for up and down. I just have the latch motors working.

[megerian]

Let us know how it goes, the part that confuses people is that when inserting the screwdriver to manually detach the convertible top from the windshield takes A LOT OF TURNS and you may think you are turning the wrong way or that nothing is happening. Use a cordless screwdriver.

[Jeff5678]

I took off the cover panel so I could use the screw driver easier. I did a lot of turns and nothing happened. I then operated the switch and saw the motor spinning but the latch was not releasing. I am guessing that the gears are toast which is why it will not release. I will be removing the allen screws today to detach the motor from the header bow and then remove the motor. I have another one to install. Not sure if there is an alignment issue. I will know when I take out the bad motor.

[megerian]

I am not clear on how there would be an alignment issue if you have already changed to manual operation of the actual opening and closing of the top itself.

Most people that have alignment issues (and I was one) experience a problem where the control arms that move the top forward and back are not lined up properly, or even worse, one side is not moving at all. But in your case, it would seem from your description that you just need the latching motors to detach the front of the cabrio top from the top of the windshield, then you just finish the opening process by hand.

[Jeff5678]

Megerian you are 100% correct. My alignment was for the latching motors but they only go in 1 way with no adjustment at all. I went to manual so I would not break any of the top arms or bows. Mine got wonky when I was picking up from the shop. The owner saw this and screamed "stop" The top was going down on one side but went askew on the other side. They loosened the bolts for the cables so the top would move freely. Ever since then I have just kept it manual except for the latching motors. I put the new motor in and all is back to working. The old motor broke a couple of the brass teeth so I am going to order the repair gears and fix it since the actual motor works fine.

[megerian]

glad to hear it - i am one of the few people that is still keeping the full operation of the top functional, even though most people have suggested going to manual like you have.

i have had to fix it no less than 6-8 times, with various symptoms

[Jeff5678]

lol when I get too old to manually put it up and down I will have the full power restored. Until then it generally just stays down anyway so not a big deal.