BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet

Subject: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: GUEST,Mac Annick
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 11:38 AM

Not an item of headwear, but the bit of the vehicle that covers the engine. It's stuck. I've checked the catch under the steering-wheel and I've tried pulling on the Bowden Cable to release the catch. The hood/bonnet only lifts slightly at one side. I can't get my hand in to push the lever sideways in order to fully release the catch. I've thought of inserting a screwdriver or similar and using that, but thought I'd first see if anyone here has encountered similar problems or can suggest a way round this one,

Mac

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:10 PM

If the cable isn't broken and is pulling the lever some then have someone pull the lever and using either a rubber mallet or your hand lightly hit the bonnet (hood) about where the catch mechanism is located... If this works don't shut it with out adjusting the cable...

If it doesn't work get back to us and I'll give you Plan B...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: EBarnacle
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:39 PM

One of the tricks I used to use in the good old days was to use a screwdriver as a lever to actuate the stuck release. This gets interesting when the catch is in an odd spot.

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: gnomad
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:51 PM

Is there a user group on the web for your vehicle? You are unlikely to be the first owner with this problem, so somebody has probably already found the answer.

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: GUEST,Mac Annick again.
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 02:02 PM

Thanks so far; I'll try all three suggestions, and hope that Bobert's "Plan B" isn't (ain't) needed...

Mac

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 12:46 AM

I had the same thought as Bobert--it sounds like it isn't quite closed so it won't open correctly now. Good luck! (If a mallet doesn't work, I'd probably try simply sitting on the hood and bouncing up and down a little. Probably less likely to chip the paint with your bum than with a mallet. . . your mileage may vary.)

;-D

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: GUEST,Mac Annick for a third time
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 11:20 AM

Success! Used a screwdriver a la EBarnacle. On the road again. Thanks to all once again; but what was Plan B?

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 11:42 AM

Get a hammer? LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 11:52 AM

As said in the business Sorch, "If the tool you're using doesn't work, try a bigger hammer."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 05:05 PM

Plan B was the screwdriver but I hate to resort to it because it can lead to damage to the car...

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 08:34 PM

While the bonnet is openable, whip out your little digital camera and take a picture of the actual latch that has to be tripped.

File it for future reference so you'll know exactly "where to stick it" the next time you need to resort to screw(driver)ing it.

The latch typically is "greased" pretty liberally, and age and hardening of the old grease is often a contributing factor in such jams. Scraping off any extruded hardened grease, and applying an appropriate fresh and liberal gob - worked into the latch by cycling a few times - should be a regular part of maintenance, every year or so at least. For the bonnet latch a good grade of wheel bearing grease(soda-lithium often preferred) is usually okay and is less likely to age-harden than some chassis greases. You can use almost anything slimy if you adjust the re-lube schedule appropriately.

Door latches often are similar, and may benefit from occasional fresh lube; but designs for them are somewhat more variable. On the doors, you need to be careful about excess that might cause embarassing "spots" on your clothing etc. when you bump up against them. Some shops use a "white grease" on the doors to avoid the stains or make them less apparent, although I've found the same stuff as on the bonnet latch okay if applied a bit more carefully.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 08:48 PM

Good advice, JIK...

Also, be sure to readjust your cable before shutting the bonnet again... You will have to shorten the distance between the lever in the car and the hook lever under the bonnet... A couple mililmeters is all it is going to take but do it...

Also, as John ahs mentioned, a little lithium (white lube)grease on everything... Or graphite lube... No cutting oils like CRC or WD40!!! They will mess thing up worse...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Leadfingers
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 08:57 PM

Once it IS open a liberal spray with WD40 round the latch will help clear the congealed grease ! After a suitable interval for the WD 40 to evaporate , re grease !

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 09:02 PM

Yeah, okay, lead...

A little WD to clean but a liberal dose of grease afterwards...

Lotta folks use WD and think they are fixin' stuff but it is a cutting oil... No good for lubrication...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: Don Firth
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 09:05 PM

How's your boot?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Problem with Hood/Bonnet
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 10:40 PM

Left or right Don?

:-P