10 replies to this topic

[Mike92]

Model: Mayfair
Year: 1989
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):
Hi guys,

Did a quick search on the forum, couldn't find anything about this problem. Basically I have a interior bonnet release cable and the bonnet keeps popping up when driving over bumps! I had a new radiator fitted (same 2 core style) a week ago and ever since the bonnet keeps popping up. I also looked at the bonnet hook catch thing and that's rusted out on one side, but I can't see that being the problem. Anyone got any ideas what would be the problem? Could I try tightening the cable so to speak?

Thanks, Mike


Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?
Interior Bonnet Release Cable

[Ethel]

This can happen if the bit of the front panel above the grille flexes, look for corrosion at the ends. Pulling the release with the bonnet open should show if the cable or catch are moving freely. You can also adjust the striker on the bonnet: the screwdriver slot in the end winds it in & out & there's a lock nut on the other end.

[Mike92]

This can happen if the bit of the front panel above the grille flexes, look for corrosion at the ends. Pulling the release with the bonnet open should show if the cable or catch are moving freely. You can also adjust the striker on the bonnet: the screwdriver slot in the end winds it in & out & there's a lock nut on the other end.

Brilliant cheers will have a go tomorrow.

[Mike92]

This can happen if the bit of the front panel above the grille flexes, look for corrosion at the ends. Pulling the release with the bonnet open should show if the cable or catch are moving freely. You can also adjust the striker on the bonnet: the screwdriver slot in the end winds it in & out & there's a lock nut on the other end.

Right I'm lost.

I took some pictures:

This is when the cable is pushed in as far as possible, does this look right?


Does this look about right? You can see what I mean about the bonnet getting rusty!


And also, does this radiator look like its sitting too high? As I imagine if it is that would be causing the bonnet to pop up going over bumps.

Edited by PoweRMikE, 19 June 2011 - 02:08 PM.

[Mike92]

Right, after lots of "Uhm"'s and "Ugh"'s, I think that the radiator is sitting too high, because: the fan rattles at certain revs, which I believe is the radiator sitting too high, which is making the bonnet rattle as well as sitting higher and therefore making the catch not work as it should. So now, the question is how do I lower the radiator?

[Dan]

Can't really see how the radiator can be too high unless its been manufactured wrongly. There are captive nuts in the rad that set its position in the cowl, and the cowl bolts directly into position. You need to adjust the bonnet or its catch. Did you fit the rad? Did whoever fitted it remove the bonnet to do so and then refit it? Is the bonnet position right?

[Mike92]

Can't really see how the radiator can be too high unless its been manufactured wrongly. There are captive nuts in the rad that set its position in the cowl, and the cowl bolts directly into position. You need to adjust the bonnet or its catch. Did you fit the rad? Did whoever fitted it remove the bonnet to do so and then refit it? Is the bonnet position right?

Right ok. No I didn't myself, I took it to a garage, so I'm not sure, and the bonnet seems to be ok, but maybe if its not positioned correctly it would cause these problems?

[jonny d]

right what you need to do is get some plastercine or cooking dough and put it on the rad filler and the top right of the rad ,close the bonnet slowly making sure it closes ,open it up and see if it has a flat spot in it or if it has marked the bonnet you should be able to see what size of space you have between rad and bonnet by the thickness you have in the dough hope this tip helps because i think it is an adjustment issue that you have ok. J.D.

[v21ash]

The rad looks to be about rite, if it was too high then the fan wouldn't be central in the cowl (unless the bolt holes for the cowl in the new rad are in the wrong place)

As for the bonnet catch, i had the same when i bought an Mpi, have you checked the spring hasn't come off, broke or missing. Mine was missing so it would pop up on every bump, new spring sorted it

[Mike92]

Right I managed to make the bonnet sit further away from the car, and drove up and down the road without any bonnet popping!

right what you need to do is get some plastercine or cooking dough and put it on the rad filler and the top right of the rad ,close the bonnet slowly making sure it closes ,open it up and see if it has a flat spot in it or if it has marked the bonnet you should be able to see what size of space you have between rad and bonnet by the thickness you have in the dough hope this tip helps because i think it is an adjustment issue that you have ok. J.D.

That sounds like a very good idea, thanks for that, will try that tomorrow!

The rad looks to be about rite, if it was too high then the fan wouldn't be central in the cowl (unless the bolt holes for the cowl in the new rad are in the wrong place)

As for the bonnet catch, i had the same when i bought an Mpi, have you checked the spring hasn't come off, broke or missing. Mine was missing so it would pop up on every bump, new spring sorted it

Hmmm, mine still has the spring on the catch, but maybe a new spring may also help the problem.

Thanks guys!

[Uncaged]

This can happen if the bit of the front panel above the grille flexes, look for corrosion at the ends. Pulling the release with the bonnet open should show if the cable or catch are moving freely. You can also adjust the striker on the bonnet: the screwdriver slot in the end winds it in & out & there's a lock nut on the other end.

I've had the same problem....
It was the length of the striker (on the bonnet) that was making the bonnet pop open... it needed extending.

On the striker (bonnet) undo the locknut (hidden under the spring) and then use a flat head screwdriver to extend it. Then re-tighten the locknut.

Well worked for me!!!

Edited by Uncaged, 12 June 2012 - 09:49 PM.