Chris Wilson Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Brut force. Do you suggest he splashes it on all over, or just on the catches? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted February 27, 2015 Author Share Posted February 27, 2015 I this point I'm willing to try anything!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 If you get it fired up find the the bumpiest, most pot holed track you know of, pull and hold the bonnet release and drive like Walter Rohl on steroids, it will probably open then, or the wheels will come off If it doesn't have a safety catch (like some aftermarket things), don't try this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Brut force. Do you suggest he splashes it on all over, or just on the catches? Maybe get Henry Cooper to give you a lift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Just been out to whack the bonnet while somebody pulls the cable and it still wont release!! The Halfords charger cant put enough power back in to the battery via the ciggy lighter socket so thats out. Can anybody recommend a mobile mechanic in Herts that can come out and take a look? And does anybody have any pictures showing the bonnet release mechanism under the bonnet so I can see what I'm aiming for if I can reach up from underneath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Have you tried levering it (fairly gently) open whilst someone pulls the release lever? A bolster chisel, a thin strip of hardwood, a heavy gauge fish slice, covered in tape of other thin protection, used between bonnet and front bumper as a lever should free it. Dont't forget there are two clamps, LH and RH! I suspect you are not being robust enough with it! If the undertray is missing, as on a lot of Supras, you can access the big terminal on the alternator to charge it. Otherwise remove the lower trim under the steering wheel and you can charge on the ignition switch lead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Thanks Chris, WOuld the ignition cabling be robust enough to take that sort of power? I wouldnt want to end up melting the ignition cabling on top of everything else. My front undertray is missing so I may be able to do that, any particular place to connect the earth to when the jump start is down that way? Just off out to give it a go. I put my left hand over where the catch would be and smacked it pretty hard a lot of times with my right...I'm expecting bruises!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Oh Mr Wilson, you were right as always. Got a large wooden fish slice, pushed it in there and levered it open. Yay, its open now!! Thanks for your help folks. Must add that fish slice to my emergency kit for the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 No worries John. The ignition feed to / from the ignition switch would take at least 30 amps. You couldn't jump start via it, biut it would handle the normal fast charge rates a domestic battery charge might be capable of. Now soak the 2 latches with WD40 and operate them with a screwdriver so the close around the tip, IYSWIM? Then release agin with the interior lever. Don't shut the bonnet until they are nice and free and well oiled. Definitely add a wooden fish slice to the tool kit list.... Make sure the safety catch is free, they are no use at all if they are stiff and stay in the released position, oil it up whilst you are in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wile e coyote Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Glad you all sorted John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Me too. Having looked at the bonnet release cable work, you cant actually get to it from underneath via the bumper or even via the engine undertray. There is a plastic cover under the area where the cables run to and the radiator is in the way too. Make me wonder what the next step was if the spatula hadnt worked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitbox Junkie Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Me too. Having looked at the bonnet release cable work, you cant actually get to it from underneath via the bumper or even via the engine undertray. There is a plastic cover under the area where the cables run to and the radiator is in the way too. Make me wonder what the next step was if the spatula hadnt worked. Grinder for the next step Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitbox Junkie Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Do you suggest he splashes it on all over, or just on the catches? haha all over get a good coating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Grinder for the next step I was busy lining up ashbuster's bonnet just in case, always wanted a carbon bonnet and it would have been a perfect excuse!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sideexitsupra Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Would suggest cleaning the mechanism properly and then lubricating with silicone oil, something like bike chain oil. Had a similar issue on another car and this helped, though ultimately had to replace the cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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