Bonnet catch

Deansy · Postby **Deansy** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 8:19 pm

Hi everyone,

I've recently bought a 1963 Mk2 3.8. On a long run home earlier in the week my Bonnet catch released though thankfully held on the emergency catch. I'm now having trouble securing the bonner fully. It tends to pop open due to vibration on start up or when going over bumps in the road. The mechanism seems to be working but I think the bonnet may be aligned a little off centre.

Has anyone had similar problems? Or have any suggestions before I try a local specialist?

Thanks for any help you can give.

PeteB · Postby **PeteB** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:50 pm

First, try giving the catch mechanism a good squirt of WD40 or similar and check that both it and the pull cable are operating freely, without any signs of sticking. Otherwise, the catch can be adjusted by either a) slackening the 2 fixing bolts that secure the mechanism to the underside of the bonnet closing panel, or b) lengthening or shortening the pin fitted to the bonnet by screwing it in or out.

Hope that helps.

jwment · Postby **jwment** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 7:05 pm

Mine's the opposite. With the bonnet open, everything moves very easily, but when it's shut, I have to pull the knob with both hands to release it. As the round knob is recessed into the dash, getting two hands onto it ain't easy, so I tend to leave it unlocked unles I'm actually gonna drive it.

It has defeated me on several occasions, but getting someone to push down hard on the leaper works. I'm guessing that extending the pin a little should relieve this?

Johnny

Deansy · Postby **Deansy** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:58 pm

Thanks Pete - sorry for the late response - I've been a bit snowed in!

I'll give the WD40 a go and if that doesn't work try the adjustments you suggest. Your help is much appreciated.

Johnny - not sure which is worse :0)

PeteB · Postby **PeteB** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:22 am

Johnny, unscrewing the pin a bit should definitely help. If you have to force it down for the catch to work, the front edge of the bonnet can end up warping, as the load gets taken on the 2 adjustable buffers that meet the closing panel. If they're still fitted, that is..

jwment · Postby **jwment** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:49 pm

Johnny, unscrewing the pin a bit should definitely help. If you have to force it down for the catch to work, the front edge of the bonnet can end up warping, as the load gets taken on the 2 adjustable buffers that meet the closing panel. If they're still fitted, that is..

It'll be a while afore I give it a try Pete.
She's all cuccooned up and under 12" of snow at the moment.

Johnny.

Bonnet catch

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