I have an older 911 ('69) where the hood keeps poping open when I hit bumps. I replaced the lower hood latch assembly, which helped for a while. I've looked at the cable which seems tight. I'm not sure what the problem might be. Any ideas?

Dave

 

Cable might be too tight. I just put new engine lid shocks on my car and started having the same problem. Cable was too tight, and was actually partially releasing/opening the latch. The pressure from the new shocks cuased the lid to open after hitting bumps. Loosen cable, and the re-tighten it at the point that the latching mechanism is fully closed. That should then allow it to open to the release point when you pull the handle.

 

It seems as if this cable always needs to be under tension -- am I missing something?

Thanks

Dave

 

No-The latch mechanism itself should have onboard springs that hold it in the locked position. Pulling the cable, against this spring tension, opens it and releases the hood. The spring on the hood post pushes the hood up so that when you release the cable the hood isn't locked again. If you loosen the cable, you can see the mechanism in it's "resting" state. Adjust the cable so that it is just tight enough to not cause any movement or actuation of the hatch release mechanism, but tight enough so that moving the release handle inside the car causes immediate movement of the mechanism. A little play ( a LITTLE too loose) is OK. Take care not too loosen it so far that when you close the hood, it can't be opened. Be sure to get the cable adjuster good and tight before each test. It would be a bad thing to have it slip when you pull the handle.

All of the above assumes that your mechanism is the same as on my '75 911 (or at least functions the same) - a good assumption, I think.