Hood stuck shut, any tricks??

[Petros]

if the cable came off you can grab the latch through the grill with some long needle nose pliers, or even a stiff wire hook. It is also possible to remove the grill without lifting the hood, 5 little clips and philips screw in the middle, than you can reach the latch.

More likely it is just stuck due to too much friction, spray some penetrating oil on it and give it a try. Most reliable method I have found when you are by yourself, with the drivers door open you stand next to the car so you can reach the corner of the hood. Pull the lever with your right hand and than bang on the corner of the hood with the heel of your left hand. the vibrations usually frees it. of course if you have an assistant they can just pull up on it while you release the latch. Than lubricate your hood latch with some kind of dry lube (Graphite, Lithium, etc)

[dlb]

nice pic, abracadaver. how has the wee beastie been for you on the snowy hills?

i've been working on a project terc lately. took it for another cruise around the block the other night and decided to goof around with the EL gear on a super steep gravel hill. it wound up being so easy, it wasn't even fun. such an incredible little car.

[Gottolovem]

I belive you said something in another thread that you bent the latch a little to get it to work. Try to adjust it with the grill off as petros said, you can see what's going on under there much better.

These little cars kick but in the snow. Where do you usually go boarding.

[Gottolovem]

HOLLY S!!! no pun intend a few years ago I dislocated my shoulder really bad boarding at at diamond peak the the hospital said I broke a one inch pice of the meniscus Around the sholder socket the doctor showed me how to reset it myself because I can't afford an elective surgery its a grusum sight when my arm drops over into my peck muscle. Still love to shred the snow though.

Anyway when your feeling a bit better contact me and you can by my house with the car I'll bet we can get your car to run MUCH better. If your hood is tweeked I have a parts car with a good hood we can swap it out.

[Petros]

Rest up and get well, that looks really nasty, it must hurt bad. Looks like you are done for this season. Those are the kind of pics that do not belong on a car forum!

If the hood and grill got bent it might just be jammed up, the cable could still be connected, just pushed back so it has no effect. this means it would be risky to drive since it is not really latched, just stuck. After you heal up you need to get that latch bent back into shape and working properly since it could come open on you while driving.

As far a low power it could be any number of things, from bad spark plugs or wires, to the throttle cable not pulling the carb open all the way. bad vacuum leak could also make it down on power.

[Gottolovem]

I have always loved to tinker on cars but thanks to this forum and ALL the guys willing take the time to share there knowledge,my understanding of vehicles in general is at another level. Even when these wonderful cars are gone and the forum disappears I will never forget t4wd.

Thanks everyone

[dlb]

oh my goodness gracious, that is awesome. not awesome that you seriously injured yourself, but what an incredible pic. gore is rad. also love you still managed to pull out a thumbs up for the photo op.

sounds like gottolovem should be able to help you out with the lack of power. petros gave some good suggestions, but he's right that it could be a great many things. could also be fuel filter, air filter, choke not opening once warm, accelerator pump in the carb, incorrectly routed vacuum lines...lots of things to inspect, but luckily all are cheap and easy to mess with.

i love t4's like crazy but have been driving a 4wd corolla wagon for a year and a half now. it's not as fun as a tercel but it's been so steady and reliable, gets better mileage, and is just as great in the snow. if only it had an EL gear and inclinometer!

I have always loved to tinker on cars but thanks to this forum and ALL the guys willing take the time to share there knowledge,my understanding of vehicles in general is at another level. Even when these wonderful cars are gone and the forum disappears I will never forget t4wd.

Thanks everyone

ditto, man. best forum around, without a doubt.

[Gottolovem]

I belive you will need anotber one there is a 1/2 price sale at pick& pull next weekend. I already have quite a cew parts stashed for another member. Do you want me to grab you a cable.
I bet you are still recovering but it would be a great time to get some bits and pieces for your ride.