Front Hood Latch Adjustment

[rcecale]

I've performed a search here but have been unable to find the answer to my problem.

It looks as though my front hood latch either needs adjustment, or replacement....can you help me determine which?

In order to close my hood, I have to hold the locking latch open with my fingertip in order for it to engage properly. Otherwise it hangs up and will not close.

There seems to be a lot of play in the latch, as though the spring is broken, or weak, or something. Looking at these pics, should it have this much play in it?

Normal:


Moved to allow closing:


I've looked at moving the latch mechanism on the hood, but doing so would also move the safety latch to a position where it would not engage, should the latch itself fail.

Randy