Author Topic: Hood release mechanism  (Read 3614 times)

mauro12

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Hood release mechanism
« on: October 02, 2023, 21:41:29 »
Hello guys , I’ve noticed that when I pull the hood release lever , the hood doesn’t pop up  like it used to do before .
It seems that the cable is a bit loose because the hood is not bouncing when you pull the lever . I don’t know if I have explained well .  How can you  solve this issue ? I’m terrified about having the hood blocked in the locked position .
I’ve read some old post about someone that had to pay 500dollars to have it fixed ( labour time ).
How can you prevent this ? Lubricating the locking mechanism or what ? Thank you
Mauro
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

DavidAPease

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2023, 01:39:47 »
Mauro,

If you suspect that the cable is loose (perhaps due to stretching over time), you can adjust the tension of the cable with the adjusting screws shown in this photo (just like adjusting the tension on a bicycle or old motorcycle cable).

        -David
-David Pease
 '66 230SL (Originally sold in Paris)

mauro12

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2023, 12:03:25 »
You need to screw clockwise right ? I tried but it seems that doesn’t change much . Probably I need to screw more .
If the cable is loose or tight what difference it makes on the release of the hood ?
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

mazmonza

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2023, 12:41:31 »
You could do what I did as a safety measure when you are fixed, I used a scooter brake cable which can be pulled when under the car to open the hood.
1967 250sl ZF 5 speed
1991 300ce-24 coupe Sportline
1962 Lambretta TV175/ RB20
2000 Ducati 748s
1970 Ducati Monza

mauro12

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2023, 13:53:12 »
How it works is not so clear .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

rwmastel

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #5 on: October 03, 2023, 14:25:05 »
The thin curved cable is his added emergency release.  It curves over that heater hose and hangs down low by the firewall.  He can get under the car and pull it manually.  Nice solution!!
Rodd

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mazmonza

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2023, 14:58:21 »
Thank you Rodd that's just how how it works
1967 250sl ZF 5 speed
1991 300ce-24 coupe Sportline
1962 Lambretta TV175/ RB20
2000 Ducati 748s
1970 Ducati Monza

mauro12

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2023, 17:44:27 »
When you screw clockwise the cable , what is the effect ? Having loose or tight makes any difference ?
I’m trying to understand why my hood is not popping up like it used to be .
I recently have done some work and the hood was off .
Probably is only a matter of adjustment
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

rwmastel

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2023, 17:53:09 »
When you screw clockwise the cable, what is the effect? Having loose or tight makes any difference?
You can probably tell which way to rotate the nut by looking at the threads.
Rodd

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1966 230SL auto "Italian"

badali

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2023, 18:00:34 »
If the hood was off check the hood alignment.  It is unlikely that the cable adjustment would have changed.  Make sure it is in the same position it was before it was removed and the gap around it is even.
Brad

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1966 230 SL (Sold)
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mauro12

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #10 on: December 10, 2023, 16:54:14 »
Hi guys , i decided not to touch anymore the cable , it opens normally but i believe that probably is a bit loose . The feeling is that when you pull the lever , the hood doesn't  pop up with the typical bounce but a bit lazier , i dont know if it's a cable problem, any advice is appreciated . The problem is that we open the hood many times with classic cars. I disconnect the battery, riconnect , check the fluids and so on . Something you never do on a modern car. For this reason i would like to know the procedure to install this safety release cable for any possible inconveniece. Thank you all
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

mauro12

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #11 on: June 13, 2024, 22:29:14 »
Hi guys , is it possible somehow that the release cable is ok when you pull the lever , the catch is released when the lever is pulled but the hood do not pop up ? Thank you
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

Lenosa

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Re: Hood release mechanism
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2024, 17:41:04 »
I've had a similar issue with my hood. What worked for me was spraying some WD-40 on the latch mechanism to loosen it up. If that doesn’t fix it, you might need to check the cable tension or see if it's come loose. It's a good idea to get it sorted before it becomes a bigger problem, especially if you're worried about getting it stuck. I know it can be a pain, but catching it early can save you from a costly repair down the line.