Bonnet catch adjustment 144

arcturus · Mar 30th, 2023, 13:50

Hi what is the best way to adjust the bonnet catch. Is is by adjusting the catch on the bonnet or an adjustment on the front panel ?
I need to close the bonnet very firmly to make it hold.
I don't like slamming it.

142 Guy · Mar 30th, 2023, 18:14

The only way to adjust the main catch closed position is by releasing the nut (#35) that retains the center guide pin (#34) which sets the resting position of the stop sleeve (#37). Adjusting the length of the guide pin changes the amount of force that is required to push the hood into a closed position. Increasing the length of the guide pin will make the hood easier to close; but, the resting position of the hood will now be higher and the edges of the hood may no longer be flush with the fenders. If you fiddle with this you should recheck the height of the little adjustable rubber cushions at the front corners of the hood.

When adjusting, make a small change in the guide pin length and then test. I suggest no more than 1/2 a turn for each check. Been there, done it, got the Tee shirt. My hood was very difficult to close and the guide pin spring was compressed so tight that it was applying enough pressure on the retaining catch that I almost needed two hands to pull out the release handle.

cassell · Mar 30th, 2023, 19:04

142 Guy's method is spot-on in terms of adjusting the depth of the sprung guide bolt to ensure a gentle closing of the bonnet.

However here is a tip which is useful and saves a lot of hassle. When replacing the catch assembly onto the bonnet with the two securing bolts, leave them slightly loose so that the catch can move slightly (the threaded plates are floating in the bonnet) as it closes.

When all your adjusting has been done and you are satisfied with the alignment of the coned bolt into the slam panel catch, then tighten those bolts.

Why? well if you position the catch slightly out of line and bolt it up tightly you may not be able to open the bonnet again as the cable won't move the sliding keeper enough to release the sprung pin. Yes, I fell foul of this and had a terrible job trying to remove the grille with the bonnet closed so that I could use a pry bar on the catch from underneath!

Hope this helps and saves your sanity!

Paul

Mar 30th, 2023, 13:50	#1
arcturus arcturus Last Online: Today 08:14 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sagres Portugal	Bonnet catch adjustment 144 Hi what is the best way to adjust the bonnet catch. Is is by adjusting the catch on the bonnet or an adjustment on the front panel ? I need to close the bonnet very firmly to make it hold. I don't like slamming it. __________________ life's too short to drink bad wine

Mar 30th, 2023, 19:04	#3
cassell Member since 1988 Last Online: Apr 23rd, 2024 19:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Middlewich	142 Guy's method is spot-on in terms of adjusting the depth of the sprung guide bolt to ensure a gentle closing of the bonnet. However here is a tip which is useful and saves a lot of hassle. When replacing the catch assembly onto the bonnet with the two securing bolts, leave them slightly loose so that the catch can move slightly (the threaded plates are floating in the bonnet) as it closes. When all your adjusting has been done and you are satisfied with the alignment of the coned bolt into the slam panel catch, then tighten those bolts. Why? well if you position the catch slightly out of line and bolt it up tightly you may not be able to open the bonnet again as the cable won't move the sliding keeper enough to release the sprung pin. Yes, I fell foul of this and had a terrible job trying to remove the grille with the bonnet closed so that I could use a pry bar on the catch from underneath! Hope this helps and saves your sanity! Paul

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