Engine lid jammed on 83 911 SC
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Austin, TX
Engine lid jammed on 83 911 SC
I have been re-installing various bits on my 83 911 SC as I just had it repainted to cure the lifting cleaar coat problem. I was doing a test closing on it after snugging down the nuts that attach it to the hinges when it clicked on the first latch, NOW IT WON'T OPEN. Am I screwed or is there some way to get to the latch or actating cable to release the latch?
Brian Collins
Brian Collins
Race Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 10
From: Virginia Beach, Va.
Is it possible that your cable broke? If so, you can remove your rear valance and muffler to gain access to the latching mechanism...(I'm doing this from memory). 
If your cable is still operable, but the engine lid won't release, you can manually actuate the latch further than what the cable normally pulls it open. Meaning that if the "throw" of the latch is say 2", and your cable only pulls it open 1.5", you should be able to reach up there and extend it beyond it's normal throw to release your engine lid.
Once you do get it open, loosen the screw that holds your cable adjustment and tighten the cable up a bit.
Sounds like you have your engine lid a little out of alignment, (BTDT), and the mushroom shaped plunger, upside down and mounted to your decklid, is out of line just enough for the release mechanism to keep ahold of it.
If your cable is still operable, but the engine lid won't release, you can manually actuate the latch further than what the cable normally pulls it open. Meaning that if the "throw" of the latch is say 2", and your cable only pulls it open 1.5", you should be able to reach up there and extend it beyond it's normal throw to release your engine lid.
Once you do get it open, loosen the screw that holds your cable adjustment and tighten the cable up a bit.
Sounds like you have your engine lid a little out of alignment, (BTDT), and the mushroom shaped plunger, upside down and mounted to your decklid, is out of line just enough for the release mechanism to keep ahold of it.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
Brian,
Here is a "low tech" approach that may solve your problem. Get a second person to push down on the deck lid - while you pull the release cable by the handle.
This has worked for me when my deck lid does not want to open on my '80 SC.
good luck,
Maurice
Here is a "low tech" approach that may solve your problem. Get a second person to push down on the deck lid - while you pull the release cable by the handle.
This has worked for me when my deck lid does not want to open on my '80 SC.
good luck,
Maurice
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 182
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne Australia
Brian, I had the same problem. The body shop didn't re-align the plunger properly after re-fitting the deck lid.
the lesson I learned is to loosen that plunger for re-alignment whenever re-fitting the deck lid.
I did exactly what Maurice recommended - got someone to hold the cable yanked out, whilst I careful wiggled and depressed the deck lid up and down with my hands only the very extreme lower corner edges where the deck lid is strongest - anywhere to the centre and you're likely to buckle the skin and fracture the clear coat....... I've been there!
After it sprung, I just barely snugged the nuts up to allow me to move the plunger by hand. I then gently closed the lid without closing it all the way and the plunger had enough slack in it to re-align itself. I tightened the nuts a bit firmer and closed it all he way. Gave the cable a yank and up it sprang. Fixed.
the lesson I learned is to loosen that plunger for re-alignment whenever re-fitting the deck lid.
I did exactly what Maurice recommended - got someone to hold the cable yanked out, whilst I careful wiggled and depressed the deck lid up and down with my hands only the very extreme lower corner edges where the deck lid is strongest - anywhere to the centre and you're likely to buckle the skin and fracture the clear coat....... I've been there!
After it sprung, I just barely snugged the nuts up to allow me to move the plunger by hand. I then gently closed the lid without closing it all the way and the plunger had enough slack in it to re-align itself. I tightened the nuts a bit firmer and closed it all he way. Gave the cable a yank and up it sprang. Fixed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
I found this thread in my search. My deck lid is stuck closed. The Pull handle works and I can hear it releasing but the latch seems to be not opening fully.
The car has been sitting in the garage all winter (cold) and I popped the lid to look at something in the engine. Then, the lid would not close. It was then that I could see the latch acting a little stuck. I adjusted the post for some reason, thinking that would help, and it ended up closing but now won't open.
Is there any way to access the latch with the deck fully closed? How? Thanks.
The car has been sitting in the garage all winter (cold) and I popped the lid to look at something in the engine. Then, the lid would not close. It was then that I could see the latch acting a little stuck. I adjusted the post for some reason, thinking that would help, and it ended up closing but now won't open.
Is there any way to access the latch with the deck fully closed? How? Thanks.
