Hood Latch, won't pop!

[northerngmc]

When I reach into the grill and pull the lever to release the hood the hood does not pop up. I have to put a screwdriver down into the crack between the grill and the hood and pry it up.

The truck is a 69 GMC and I believe it to be stock in this area.

I have tried lubricating/cleaning the latch with penetrating oil and while the mechanism moves easier, the hood does not 'pop' up.

I did a search and found someone else with this problem and they were told to adjust the hood rubbers higher. So I went and looked and one of my rubbers was missing and the second was cracked. So I went out to my 72 GMC parts truck and found two that were is reasonably good shape. I have now installed them and adjusted them as well, to the point that my hood sits 1/4 inch higher at the front than the fender and it still won't pop.

Any suggestions?

[sick69]

Try adjusting the striker bolt. (the part on the hood that goes inside the latch) If its to far forward or to the rear it will bind up and not allow anything to move freely. Should just be a matter of loosing it and moving it a bit.


Frank

[northerngmc]

hummmm, 24 views, 3 hours and not a single response.


ANYBODY?

What makes the hood pop up when the lever is pulled? Is there a spring somewhere, or what causes the force to push the hood upwards?

[72CSTC5]

My hood is off of my truck but if you post some pics of the striker and the bottom of the hood I will tell you how to correct the problem but if your hood sticks up higher than your fenders that is your problem right there. There needs to be some pressure on the hood when you shut it so it will pop when you release the hood.

[corn]

mine did the same thing after I had it off. I loosened the hinge bolts just a little & shut the hood. I opened it back up slowly & tightened the hinge bolts & the latch worked even better than before. I think you will just have to play around with the latch or the hinge bolts...

[northerngmc]

72CSTC5 My hood is off of my truck but if you post some pics of the striker and the bottom of the hood I will tell you how to correct the problem but if your hood sticks up higher than your fenders that is your problem right there. There needs to be some pressure on the hood when you shut it so it will pop when you release the hood.

I have readjusted the strikers and my hood is level on both sides with the front fenders. Still won't pop.

Here are pictures of the striker and the bottom of the hood.

[tiggerstoy]

wish i could help...but things like that i have to see for myself to be able to fix!!!, but, give a pm if you still need some help, and i'll go for a drive.

[falvarez12001]

Had the same issue with my truck and I just fixed it this weekedn. I replaced the hood springs on my truck and adjusted the bolts on the hood hinge, problem solved .

[72CSTC5]

Northern, you see the shaft sticking out of the bottom of the hood, loosen the jam nut at the base and then screw in the shaft to make the distance shorter, that should put more pressure on the hood when latched, you will need to adjust the hood stops too that are on the core support and grille area. Try that and let me know what happens.

[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by tiggerstoy

wish i could help...but things like that i have to see for myself to be able to fix!!!, but, give a pm if you still need some help, and i'll go for a drive.

That's a long drive, about 1400 kms, but you're welcome anytime.

[northerngmc]

Well it works now, thanks to all for you help and advice.

I shortened the shaft, to the point it wouldn't latch and it was popping a little but still not enough.

I loosened the bolt on the plate that hold the shaft in place and gently shut the hood. Then I opened it and tighten the plate back up. Now the hood would not latch. So I lengthened the shaft out and adjusted it and now the hood 'pops'.

Thanks to all for your help.

[EAST SIDE LOW LIFE]

Your hood latch and striker look to be pretty dry, (no lube on them.) Get some good lube and put it on both areas and with the hood open work some on the latch that moves back and forth with the latch lever readjust your hood and make sure that it lines up all around. There is a spring that the latch lever hooks up to but you would be able to see as well as feel it if the lever had no tension on it. Adjust the stricker as sugested by the other member. I have a latch assembly PM me if you need it.

esll.

[northerngmc]

Thanks, I'll try lubing it. What do you suggest, light grease, KY, ??????

I'm sure I have another on a parts truck if needed, but thanks for the offer.

[EAST SIDE LOW LIFE]

Any light grease ... I use Super Matalium, it's a high speed high temp grease. You can use litheum grease as well.

esll.

Great to see it fixed!