Bonnet release scare/solution?

Micky Mouse · 1st June 2020, 15:49

I had a bonnet release scare today, luckily it eventually popped and all was well (75 V6 mk1)
I then started to think how do I gain access to the engine if there is a problem.

I removed both left and right hand bonnet catches, and ground the front lip of the securing plates level so that the 10ml bolt heads could be seen and accessed with a 10ml spanner when looking from under the closed bonnet, (chrome grill removed)

To remove the grill I have left both plastic screws proud by a few threads, enough so the screw head can be seen and lifted out with a plastic v shaped panel removal tool, with the bonnet closed of course.

I hope I never need this but at least I can get out of trouble when a cable really does let go!

paulcnb · 2nd June 2020, 07:06

Great idea.

Did you have any difficulty realigning the catches to the holes in the slam panel?

Regards,
Paulcnb

SD1too · 2nd June 2020, 07:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micky Mouse

I had a bonnet release scare today, luckily it eventually popped ...

Andy; I'd recommend removing the catch, flushing all the accumulated dust, grit and grease in a bath of Gunk (or your preferred solution), re-lubricating and refitting. You won't have any further trouble.

Simon

bl52krz · 2nd June 2020, 10:23

I removed mine and took them both to bits. Cleaned all the accumulated dirt and old grease out and put new grease in /on everything that moved. While doing the latches, I thought it might be a good idea to pump some WD40 down the three cables . When fitting them back, I noticed straight away that the lever in the car for opening the bonnet was staying flat after opening the bonnet. It never went back in on it’s own, you had to push it back in. All is now sweetness and light. Nice silky action.

Micky Mouse · 2nd June 2020, 11:46

Thanks for the responses, when i thought the bonnet was stuck it was a scary moment which prompted me to look for an emergency solution.
I agree it is probably time I took the front bumper off the car and get to the cables etc, clean and lubricate. I have meanwhile been generous with the WD40
spraying the mechanism I can get to.

Regarding the question re replacing the pins/springs, I put a few tippex marks around the plates before removal. Another suggestion I read on here though was to fit the plates with the screws only slightly tightened, close the bonnet then open, the plates should have found the central position, then tighten the screw fully.

I have taken on board the suggestion re the latch thanks.
Andy

Micky Mouse · 2nd June 2020, 11:51

Hi Paulcnb,
Re latches, I did not remove them, they look difficult to get at from the front and maybe the rad has to come out?
Andy

COLVERT · 2nd June 2020, 15:03

Just oiling the bits and pieces now and then works wonders.---

I know, you never thought of that.--

1st June 2020, 15:49	#1
Micky Mouse Newbie Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: York Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Bonnet release scare/solution. I had a bonnet release scare today, luckily it eventually popped and all was well (75 V6 mk1) I then started to think how do I gain access to the engine if there is a problem. I removed both left and right hand bonnet catches, and ground the front lip of the securing plates level so that the 10ml bolt heads could be seen and accessed with a 10ml spanner when looking from under the closed bonnet, (chrome grill removed) To remove the grill I have left both plastic screws proud by a few threads, enough so the screw head can be seen and lifted out with a plastic v shaped panel removal tool, with the bonnet closed of course. I hope I never need this but at least I can get out of trouble when a cable really does let go! Last edited by Micky Mouse; 1st June 2020 at 22:08.. Reason: errors

2nd June 2020, 10:23	#4
bl52krz This is my second home Rover 75 cdt club + Rover 2.5 KV6 Conni SE Join Date: May 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 11,387 Thanks: 6,587 Thanked 2,262 Times in 1,729 Posts	I removed mine and took them both to bits. Cleaned all the accumulated dirt and old grease out and put new grease in /on everything that moved. While doing the latches, I thought it might be a good idea to pump some WD40 down the three cables . When fitting them back, I noticed straight away that the lever in the car for opening the bonnet was staying flat after opening the bonnet. It never went back in on it’s own, you had to push it back in. All is now sweetness and light. Nice silky action. __________________ Great Barr, Birmingham.

2nd June 2020, 11:46	#5
Micky Mouse Newbie Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: York Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Bonnet release scare/solution. Thanks for the responses, when i thought the bonnet was stuck it was a scary moment which prompted me to look for an emergency solution. I agree it is probably time I took the front bumper off the car and get to the cables etc, clean and lubricate. I have meanwhile been generous with the WD40 spraying the mechanism I can get to. Regarding the question re replacing the pins/springs, I put a few tippex marks around the plates before removal. Another suggestion I read on here though was to fit the plates with the screws only slightly tightened, close the bonnet then open, the plates should have found the central position, then tighten the screw fully. I have taken on board the suggestion re the latch thanks. Andy

2nd June 2020, 07:06	#2
paulcnb Newbie MG ZT 190+ Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Canberra Posts: 19 Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Great idea. Did you have any difficulty realigning the catches to the holes in the slam panel? Regards, Paulcnb

2nd June 2020, 11:51	#6
Micky Mouse Newbie Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: York Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Paulcnb, Re latches, I did not remove them, they look difficult to get at from the front and maybe the rad has to come out? Andy

2nd June 2020, 15:03	#7
COLVERT This is my second home R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France/or Devon. Posts: 14,003 Thanks: 3,851 Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts	Just oiling the bits and pieces now and then works wonders.--- I know, you never thought of that.--