328 Engine Bonnet Alignment | FerrariChat

328 Engine Bonnet Alignment

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by mike, Jun 20, 2006.

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  1. mike

    mike Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2003
    721
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Mike
    The engine bonnet on my 86 328 is a little misaligned, (difficult/ tight closing on the passenger side). I was wondering if this "adjustment" is something one person can do, if so what tricks are recommended?. I did try a little and noticed that the struts "push" and really act counter to trying to align it.
    I can take it to a dealer & let then do it..figure they do it all the time. Any comments/photos, documenting the process?
     
  2. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 27, 2003
    72,047
    MidTN
    Full Name:
    DGS
    Are you trying to adjust the bonnet alignment (seam) or the latches?
    (The latches are independently adjustable).
     
  3. chaa

    chaa F1 Veteran

    Mar 21, 2003
    5,058
    Just a quick warning. Watch the the bonnet top corners, it is easy to catch and chip the paint on the top body of the car:( I took my 328 lid of and thought i had adjusted it correctly but then it caught the corners and took of the paint:(:(
     
  4. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
    2,655
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Make sure the actual latch mechanisms inside the actual car itself (not the engine lid) are fully tightened. There's a little hex-head bolt there if I remember correctly. I was having trouble closing one side on mine, tightening the latch (which was quite loose and "wobbly" on inspection) fixed the issue.

    --Mike
    87 328 GTS
     
  5. mike

    mike Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2003
    721
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Thanks for the replies.. Just to clarify, I want to adjust the bonnet (seam).
    Here's about the best I can describe it. Both sides of the bonnet have stops (metal wedges) that rest against a rubber bumper on the angle part of the left 1/4 panel. The left side "stop" (metal wedge)-on the bonnet is rubbing against the gasket that is on the angle portion of the left rear 1/4 panel ( gasket part # 35 TAV 101 in the spare parts catalogue). So I want to "adjust" the bonnet to stop the rubbing/tightness on the left side.
     
  6. radioman

    radioman Karting
    BANNED

    Sep 25, 2004
    141
    UK
    Full Name:
    CHRIS
    when the engine lid was mounted at the factory they drilled 3 holes through the hinge so you can re align perfectly if removed at a latter date, hope this helps.
     
  7. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    Usually there are only 2 alignment holes/hinge. They're small, just over 1/8" diameter, (5/32" I think).

    Find a drill bit, or a small phillips screwdriver with a shaft size that's a tight fit in the alignment holes. Get at least 2 of them, 4 is better.

    Put a double thickness of fender protector, or other padding (like a terry towel over a double thickness of cardboard) between the top corner of each bonnet & the body.

    Loosen the bolts securing one hinge & insert a shaft in each alignment hole, then retighten the bolts. Repeat for the other side.

    Your bonnet seams should now be aligned. If they aren't, then you're going to have to loosen the hinge on the seam that's closed up & support the hinge so it can't sag downward while sliding the rear of the bonnet towards the other seam, then retighten the hinge & slowly check all the seams, especially the ones at the top of the bonnet.
     
  8. mike

    mike Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2003
    721
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Verell thanks, I will need to look for the holes tonite as I don't remember them specifically. One thing I did notice when I made my initial attempt was that the struts had a negative effect on trying to make my adjustment. Simply put they pushed the bonnet. I disconnected one strut and then had a difficult time supporting the bonnet...no comments about "keeping it up". So with trying to keep the bonnet raised, and moving it into position, it was a real PITA. Do you know if the alignment holes will compensate (realign) despite the struts acting counter to my efforts, or are do the struts need to be disconnected, then support the bonnet with something like a (padded) broom handle, then align with the 1/8 guide holes?
     
  9. SpannerMan

    SpannerMan Karting

    Nov 7, 2005
    116
    San Diego
    Full Name:
    Erik Rathmann
    Alignment is easier with two people, one to hold the bonnet up in the center while you remove the clips and pins for the struts. Then just loosen the mounting bolts slightly and make your adjustments, one side at a time. We use fender covers under the front "wings" to protect the paint in case it's way off. I rarely use the small alignment holes. Just remember to be careful and make small adjustments untill your happy with the fit. You can use a prop rod of some kind, but a human probably won't just drop the bonnet on you without warning.

    Erik
     

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