Hood (luggage comp) cable adjustment - sticks

[universeman]

Hi all,
Does anyone know how to lubricate or otherwise refurb a hood release cable that is stuck?

When I pull mine to open it, all is good and I can open the hood -- but if I don't remember to push the handle back in (manually), the hood/luggage comp lid won't latch all the way down. It's like the cable is sticking open.

I guess it's binding somewhere but I can't find any description of how to remove/repair/replace the locking hood latch.

Help? Thanks!

[DRACO A5OG]

Use a chain lube can with a plastic hose and spray down the tube both ways

[universeman]

Draco the handle blocks access to the tube from the pass compartment - how do you get into that side of the tube?

[RD911T]

Originally Posted by universeman

Draco the handle blocks access to the tube from the pass compartment - how do you get into that side of the tube?

The knob is threaded onto the cable. Unscrew it. I would remove the latch and clean and lube it. It's not difficult to get it set up correctly if you know the tricks. I'll post s link when I get some time later.

[DRACO A5OG]

I pulled the handle and placed the plastic tube at the entrance and sprayed. A little messy but doable.

[RD911T]

If you decide to remove the lower latch and lube, here's the basics on getting it back in right.:

Remove the pin and take off the large locking nut, spring and collar. Thread the pin into the approximate depth required. Take some measurements before you unscrew it! Clean the pin and the latch surface well and then apply some colored grease to the surface of the latch receiver around the hole. Bring the hood down until it barely touches the receiver and then note where the grease is hitting the pin. Adjust, repeat, reinstall collar, spring and locking nut. Repeat the grease test, this will give you a more precise placement. Now you're all aligned!

As a side note in my search for information, I found reference from Ed Mayo over on the Early S Reg on how to adjust the cable. On my 71, looking down at the latch receiver from the front of the car, there is a small hole to the right of the receiver hole. Pull the cable until you see a hole line up below in blade that engages the pin. Insert a cotter pin or nail punch or something the same diameter as the hole. Now adjust the cable at the set screw until there is no slack or tension on it. When you remove the cotter pin, the blade should not move, your cable is now perfectly set.

[DRACO A5OG]

^^^ nice I will give this a go next time

[cmonref]

If you decide to remove the lower latch and lube, here's the basics on getting it back in right.:

RD911T: This reads like a How To for adjusting the ENGINE lid. Thanks -- I needed that since my 1980 911SC is disassembled for paint.

But the OP asked for the FRONT lid adjustment ... And I need THAT one too!

[RD911T]

Originally Posted by cmonref

RD911T: This reads like a How To for adjusting the ENGINE lid. Thanks -- I needed that since my 1980 911SC is disassembled for paint.

But the OP asked for the FRONT lid adjustment ... And I need THAT one too!

Hmm, this is the exact procedure I used to adjust my front trunk latch and cable. The pin was not aligned correctly and the hood would release, but not open because the pin was catching (offcenter) in the receiver hole. In the process I decided to remove the latch and clean and lube and in my searching for adjustment found the above instructions. I guess it could work for the rear engine lid, but I haven't tried it.

[universeman]

I think the later cars (78+) use a different latch...mine does not have a tube or pin, it's a catch and flat latch.

[cmonref]

RD911T: I stand corrected. This phrase

the large locking nut, spring and collar

sure sounds like the assembly that fits on the engine deck lid, and the description of repeatedly lowering it to check lateral adjustment sure sounds like the engine lid. But it has been 30-40 years since I reinstalled the engine deck lid latch, and I've never installed a front lid latch.

Thanks for the clarification. I think I can reinstall both latches now!

[jcsjcs]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

I pulled the handle and placed the plastic tube at the entrance and sprayed. A little messy but doable.

Old but helpful thread. This worked for me!