911SC fuel door latch spring install..HELP!!

[Makoshark72]

Can someone PLEASE post a CLOSE UP picture of the fuel door latch mechanism with the little spring installed... I am putting mine back together, and CAN NOT (for the life of me) figure out the spring placement. This is the small latch, next to the fuel filler, that holds the fuel door down and in place. I have the orientation of the latch itself, just can't figure how the little spring attaches to keep the latch in the "latched" position.

Thanks!

Thanks!!

[kerthunk]

Sorry, no picture handy. The pin goes through the loop of the spring. Both of the legs of the spring point down so that the spring is pushing the bottom of the latch out. It can be one of the most frustrating DIY experiences on your car.

[dyount]

Pull the spring together and use wire to hold the ends. Install the pin through and open the pin ends. Use wire cutters to unspring by cutting the wire holding the ends.

Sucks but work smarter

[Makoshark72]

Originally Posted by kerthunk

Sorry, no picture handy. The pin goes through the loop of the spring. Both of the legs of the spring point down so that the spring is pushing the bottom of the latch out. It can be one of the most frustrating DIY experiences on your car.

Originally Posted by dyount

Pull the spring together and use wire to hold the ends. Install the pin through and open the pin ends. Use wire cutters to unspring by cutting the wire holding the ends.

Sucks but work smarter

Thanks guys. That spring is VERY strong. I'm not sure how I will compress it enough, and then get it installed under the latch while pinning it.. Still struggling...

[pete3799]

Fuel door lock - sticky cable fix

[Makoshark72]

Perfect Pete..THANKS!!!!

[dyount]

If you want to compress the spring and not loose it? Put a dowel rod through it and put the ends in a vise. That way if it does take off out of the vise (or vise grip pliers) it won't end up in the attic

[frankc]

I was sending out a box of parts to be plated a few weeks ago, and decide to throw this latch in as well. I took a bunch of photos so I would know how to re-assemble it.

[Hoss911sc]

It's nearly impossible to assemble in place. The cotter pin is too long to insert due to the curvature of the fuel filler area (hint that the factory did not assemble it in place) . As you can see from the previous post, the entire assembly unbolts and that is the best way I found to reassemble and re-install in the car.

[dyount]

It does look as though removal is the easier method if you can get the bolt out.

Imagine if Porsche designed houses.... "in order to replace water heater in basement first remove all roofing shingles and lift heater out through roofing ".

[Makoshark72]

Originally Posted by frankc

I was sending out a box of parts to be plated a few weeks ago, and decide to throw this latch in as well. I took a bunch of photos so I would know how to re-assemble it.

PERFECT!!! Thanks! I WAS going to take it out of the car, but the mounting bolt is an allen head, and there's no way to get the wrench up in there with any room to loosen or tighten! And to think a couple of months ago I had the fender OFF the car, would have been so simple then.. I used the plastic strap method and all is good now..

Thanks to the forum!

Rob

[AUSTmike]

hi guys!...does anyone know what size the hex bolt is to unscrew the latch? as stated in the other reply about how difficult it is to remove the latch housing, even with a mini socket wrench for a hex socket it would be good to know the size of this hex bolt ,so i can go and buy the socket to have some sort of chance to undone the bloody thing!!!....cheers mike