Engine Cover Latch - Adjustment Needed

my qv and noticed a few others out there,this is common. never slam that lid down. close it then apply prssure to the side that needs attension to.I've spent to much time trying to adjust it and found this is very common so live with it. and Joe is your 308 in the registry?

 

Joe,

I'm both familiar with the problem...and the waves that you describe.

The solution, although easy in description, is a bit more difficult in application.

Simple things first:
Are the rubber channel gaskets still soft?
No->Replace
Does the latch (female part) move easily?
No->Free up and lube
Looking at the deck lid, there are two "U" shaped piece protruding.
-Loose the jam nuts equally, and extend the "U" (Less is more here) so that it protrudes "more" from the deck lid
-Do the same for the other side
Close the deck lid...and see if when it is closed if you have any "upwards" play against the latch
-If no, loosen and extend the "U" piece more
-Reclose and check for play when latched
Repeat the above procedure until the lid latches easily, yet when the lid is closed, there is no upwards play when latched.

Sounds easy...although a delicate touch and small increments of adjustment are essential.

David

 

My 80 GTBi has small alignment holes drilled where the bolts attach the lid at the hinge. I was told they do this at the factory? When it gets out of alignment I just loosen the bolts slightly and use a phillips screwdriver pushed in the hole to align, then tighten the bolts back down. I have to do this a couple of times a year. Joe

 

I've been told by quite a few Ferrari mechanic that you put two fingers on top of each latch area and slam! Don't apply any pressure because the rear lids will warp. Esp. don't apply pressure in the center of the deck lid. Mine is suppose to be as straight as the original without any wavy or bent lines. I also tried and tried and tried to adjust the hinge, the u-bolts, and any other adjustment points. My holes don't quite line-up on the hinge. Any small adjustment on the hinge makes a large difference in the tail. It's also easier with two people.

Ace

 

I had the same problem. When I had the major done, they removed the lid and when they re-installed it, it worked perfectly! They must've made a few small adjustments. They also removed and re-installed my A/C unit and since then it blows really cold! That was last year, great guys here in Winnipeg at Continental Car.

 

Agree with David. If you were near me i'd do it 10 to 15 minutes. Normal 'problem' and if your trunk gasket is getting old, buy some new stuff from JC Whitney and THEN make any adjustment if needed.

 

anybody know if the 'correct' JC W replacement for the trunk trim is part #5 in photo 2, or is there a closer match?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductBrowse?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2008597&productId=2008597&catalogId=10101&N=111%2B10201%2B600003813&rlid=group_listing

thanks!

 

5 works fine. Also works for the front of car lid as i recall.

 

thanks - the front on my '85 has a thin molding without any 'bulb' like the back, don't know that the front lid would close if it did.

cheers
Kurt

 

The left side of my 328 needs a bit of persuasion. I was also shown never to "lean" on the deck to get it to close/latch or you may dent it/warp it.

The way my indi bloke showed me to close it was to throw it down. i.e. you pull it down & let go of it about 8-10 inches before it hits the catches with sufficient speed to make it latch.