Bonnet stuck shut! - Ideas?

[snailshed]

Hi All,
My R4 GTL is resting while other projects are getting finished off. I had a need this morning to open the bonnet. Having got in and pressed the rod release I didn't get the familiar clang when the catch releases. The rod can be pushed all the way forward but for some reason the bonnet won't release.

I've tried banging the bonnet above the catch with the palm of my hand and jiggling it about from side to side in the forlorn hope the catch might spring free, but no success. I wanted to open the bonnet as the battery is likely to be flat, hence I can't easily drive it and its currently wedged in the corner of a dusty shed.

Has anyone had the same problem, and a potential solution? Theres no obvious way of getting access that I can see (possibly from underneath but thats a pretty 'doing it blind' option), although as I recently had the bonnet off I'm toying with unbolting the hinges and lifting it at the front a bit to see if I can peek in and prod stuff with screwdrivers...

All suggestions welcome!

 

[malcolm]

The spring that pushes the bonnet off has fallen off. Push the relaase foreward and pul the bonnet up with your fingers. Should be released just not springing up.

There is a little metal tab that the end of the spring sits under. Can be replaced just be careful with fingers.

 

[angel]

The bonnet catch mechanism is so simple, few things can go wrong.

When you push the release button, do you feel spring resistance (and the button returns back), or do you feel it "dead"? In the latter case, the rod may be broken and you may as well be able to pull the knob / rod out, and insert a screwdriver through the bulkhead grommet. Then try to find the edge of the catch, push it forward and the bonnet will open.

The most frequent cause, however, is that the spring that pushes the bonnet up has popped off its retaining tab. Push the knob inwards while lifting the bonnet at the same time (2 persons preferably) and the bonnet will open.

 

[Iain P]

My 1968 4TL did the same thing for a few years. I carried a length of broom handle which I wedged between the release push knob and the front seat back while I lifted the bonnet.