Bonnet Help

[FastEddy]

I've been having problems opening the front fluid checking bonnet on the Tuscan pretty much since we got it, does anybody have any tips or help on the best way of going about opening the thing?!

[plipton]

1. make sure it's unlocked (sounds silly but try opening it without the key....D'oh!)

2. open the latch in the cente (the bonnet will pop up a bit)

3. pull up on the Off side end first. Might need quite a tug but be carefull as too big a tug will crack the fibreglass.

4. repeat 3 on the near side

5. open and connect stay rod

6. bingo!!

If 3 and 4 don't work you might have to adjust your latches at each end. It does mean opening up first though


Mine were so badly aligned the off side would pop open of its own accord when driving on a bumpy road.

To adjust you can move the ball (attached to the bonnet) on 2 7mm nuts (or it is bolts?) and get the ball to align centrally with the socket.

You can screw the ball in and out (in fact do this first as they are not a linear adjustment) to get the height right.

You can also move the bar that holds the socket in and out, rotate it and adjust the spring tension too.

If you are reasonably competent it's just a case of trial and error until it all sits tight, but can be opened and/or stays shut until you decide otherwise. In my experience adjust things so th eball pops straight into the socket.

Should take no more than 1/2 an hour

Good luck

Plipton

[grimbo]

It may also be the centre catch not retracting enough when you pull the little handle.Mine has just started to do this recently and it is a right bugger to open now.The ball and sockets pop open fine but i have to tug on the centre pin also to open it.
I haven't looked to see if there is an adjustment/stretched wire or the second bonnet has been replaced slightly off after recent service.
something for next weekend

[Bob the Planner]

I have found that the pull out thingys have got tighter as the weather has got colder. A little warmth from my hand over the corner helps a bit. No idea why though.

Bob

[T88CAN]

The main retaining pin in the centre of the front bonnet is adjustable however the main bonnet its self has to come off, easy enough job though Tony

[Fast Eddie]

Thanks guys. I guessed I could make some adjustment once I got the Bl**dy thing open. Interesting it was more difficult in the cold weather. I'm concerned about pulling too hard.
Perhaps I need to set aside more time.
Cheers to all

[graham66]

Once it is opened put some copperslip or similar on the pop out bits, stps them rusting together in the damp weather

Graham

[Maf]

Bob the Planner said:

I have found that the pull out thingys have got tighter as the weather has got colder. A little warmth from my hand over the corner helps a bit. No idea why though. Bob

My pull outs gradually got stiffer (oo er mrs), but I found a regular squirt of WD40 in 'em helps.