911 SC engine compartment release inop
 

I'm a new owner - pulled on release handle - nothing. How can I get to the latch or otherwise open the engine compartment?

try pulling gently on the handle with someone putting pressure on the bottom of the lid ...

if not you may need to remove the bumper and muffler then the rear engine tin from the bottom .. then reach in and get latch ... not easy

the other way is remove bumper and drill hole and the grab latch with coat hanger .. also not easy..

And after you've pulled and pulled on the handle with 2 or 3 of your Porsche mechanic buddies pushing down on the decklid and fixing to enter freak-out mode, have one of them pull on the handle while you gently lift up. Worked for me recently on my new-to-me SC with the front hood, at which point I exclaimed "she knows who daddy is!"

once you get it open.... you can adjust the rod on decklid with a screwdriver, after loosening the locknut with large adjustable pliers. there is a sweet spot where it is not too tight to pop open with the release lever but not too loose. if too loose it will open when you hit a bump.

Thanks guys. I did need to gently pull the lid up while someone pulled the lever because there is no visable lifting mechanism supporting the lid. I assume the 1980 911SC came with a lifting mechanism because there is also no rod to prop it open. Pelican Parts???

There are struts to raise and hold up the lid. PP has them.