Gold 2.0Si

[xantia_v6]

I think that the pin-heads might have been deleted because they would make it more difficult for emergency services to open the bonnet with a crowbar in case of engine fire.

[xmexclusive]

Looking back through the photos I think that is not a standard slam panel as it can only take the single cooling fan.
I cannot trace that version of slam panel in any of the XM documentation I have looked through so far.

John

[White Exec]

As you say, I think it's a case of lower the pins, or raise the catches (assuming they work OK).
Did wonder whether the whole slam panel could be raised (on washers) but that would upset nosecone alignment.
Did this bonnet ever close?

[Dieselman]

Looking back through the photos I think that is not a standard slam panel as it can only take the single cooling fan.
I cannot trace that version of slam panel in any of the XM documentation I have looked through so far.

John

It was used for low power engines without A/c. P/n 7104 75.

[MTXM]

My early Poland car has the bonnet catches with pin-heads! Regards, Matthew T.

[Eddie nuff]

Looks like the clasps are the problem. Pushed the shaft of a screwdriver into each clasp and got two slightly different answers. The ns clasp just sprung the screwdriver out whereas the os clasp clicked around the screwdriver and then sprung it out. No matter how I did it or how much force I used the clasps would not accept the screwdriver shaft. The rods on the bonnet are the same distance as Chris's, 18mm.

So can these clasps be sorted or is it a new pair I need?

[White Exec]

Would think the catch/clasp could be sorted. You might need to sit down comfortably, and suss out how it functions. I'm guessing there's a 'trigger' mechanism that brings down/across the latching hook. The one that works should give a clue. Mind your fingers!

Glad you found something, and updated us. Have been wondering how you were getting on with this unusual problem.

[russ92xmsed]

Unusual is the word, strange how both have malfunctioned.

[Eddie nuff]

A bit too much of a coincidence maybe. I wonder if there's a fault with the connecting rod or it's mechanism?

[White Exec]

That was the reasoning behind John's suggestion of "working backwards" through the set-up:
- unhitch connecting rod and operating cable
- check action of the catches, individually (using dummy rod, if needed)
- if ok, reconnect link connecting rod and retest
- if ok, reconnect cable

Done that way, a malfunctioning rod or cable will be spotted, as soon as it's added in a causes a problem.