Hood latch - could someone explain how this is supposed to work?

[Rahul]

Hi, I noticed that the hood latch has been set differently on a few other cars that I've seen online.

Could someone tell me what this forward piece is supposed to do - mine appears to be sitting rather low!

Thanks

[WRe]

Hi,
this "piece" has a strong spring underneath and pushs the hood up if you release it.
...WRe

[Pawel66]

Mine looks like WRe's in terms of its length.

[WRe]

Hi,
indeed, there had been 2 different length of this neck, see no. 30 here
https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/88-a-bonnet-grille-front-end-components.
...WRe

[Pawel66]

There are a part number changes there:

113042
A 110 880 06 60 ENGINE HOOD CATCH Replaced with A 110 880 08 60 Replaced with A 115 880 01 60

113043, 113044
A 110 880 08 60 ENGINE HOOD CATCH Replaced with A 115 880 01 60

No indication when/which VIN anywhere.

[stickandrudderman]

It doesn't matter which generation part you have, that piston should always be extended by spring force. Yours is not extended for some reason.

[Shvegel]

I agree with Colin.  No reason for it to be there otherwise.

[Rahul]

Thanks all! Will take a look.

[mauro12]

Hello , I know it’s been very long time but I’m wondering if this is my problem or not .
My spring looks normal regarding the height but since my hood was removed and put back again , i’ve noticed that when I used to pull the lever to release the hood it used to pop nicely and fast .  Now it pops up low and slow . It’s a cable issue , spring that is stretched or a mm mis alignment of the hood itself ? Maybe I can post a video somehow . I lubricated very well the catch mechanism, the central hook and also the cable in the release lever inside the car . Any suggestion ? Thank you all

[WRe]

Hi,
I would check that the hood is seated correctly if nothing has been changed in the release mechanism.
...WRe

[BobH]

Hello , I know it’s been very long time but I’m wondering if this is my problem or not .
My spring looks normal regarding the height but since my hood was removed and put back again , i’ve noticed that when I used to pull the lever to release the hood it used to pop nicely and fast .  Now it pops up low and slow . It’s a cable issue , spring that is stretched or a mm mis alignment of the hood itself ? Maybe I can post a video somehow . I lubricated very well the catch mechanism, the central hook and also the cable in the release lever inside the car . Any suggestion ? Thank you all

Just checked my car, the cap on the plunger sits proud of the lock housing, ie the white cap below extends fully above the body of the catch, and has quite a strong spring, but not strong enough that you can't push it down, with one finger.  If the plunger is in the correct position, it shouldn't fail to pop the bonnet/hood up.  Perhaps check the plunger on your catch

I've seen some pictures of these catches, where the plunger sits lower than the catch housing, i'm not sure if they can be adjusted?

https://parts.theslshop.com/mercedes-benz-sl-w113-pagoda-bonnet-hood-lock-catch-1158800160/

Apparently two different part numbers with different length plungers, can't see why?