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Topic: Engine cover latch problem (Read 919 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine cover latch problem

Having got the MH back yesterday from being serviced, was checking the engine cover and discovered the curb side bottom latch doesn't latch.  The rubber "donut" that the upside down U comes down on is, first of all, much larger than the U, so it doesn't really fit, it just tears out the rubber, and now it doesn't hold.  Is this a common problem and is there a fix, before I jury rig my own fix?
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: Engine cover latch problem

Reply #1 –
Indeed on many of the Unicoaches that use this system for the rear hatch this is a problem.  Many repair shops don't know how to set the hatch down properly so the two parts mate properly prior to fully latching the door closed.  I make sure that I lubricate all the parts of the door mechanisms with lubes such as silicone and white lithium grease. And, when I pick up the coach from any repairs/maintenance, that's the first thing I check.  I also remove the tow bar as one already opened the hatch and was not careful enough and left me with a nice gouge on the fiberglass.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Engine cover latch problem

Reply #2 –
I just returned from MOT with my new to me 95 U320c SE. It had the same problem with the driverside catch. Both rubber bumpers had gouges in them I took a pair of chanellock pliers and rotated them to a good section of the rubber and they work fine.  It looks like replacement of thes bushings will be required.
Jerry & Joanne       
'95 40' U320c SE Foretravel
towed '11 Jeep Liberty
Green Valley AZ.

Re: Engine cover latch problem

Reply #3 –
All,
Watch for any "swelling" of the fiberglass, on either the door or the end-cap, in the vicinity of the lower door "U" shaped anchoring hooks.  The pressure of the gas struts "cold forms" the fiberglass door outward until it starts to rub the end cap at the lower extremities of the door.  Mine progressed far enough to break the bolts that hold the end cap lower extremities in place (in relation to the coach frame).
My solution involved going to this (below).
Regards, Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: Engine cover latch problem

Reply #4 –
Neal, are you saying you converted it to two swing doors?  If so, great looking job, and great idea. 
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: Engine cover latch problem

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Gayland Baasch –
Neal, are you saying you converted it to two swing doors?  If so, great looking job, and great idea. 

I have admired the look on James Stallings' coach for some time.  Then I found out that the fiberglass "cold forming" couldn't be reliably stopped.  So, yes, Two swinging doors, with an easily removable lower panel at the bottom, for totally free access to the rear of the engine, when desired.  I always carry a "Little Giant"  ladder  that I can have in place within 30 seconds, so I don't regret losing the 185Lbs of aged ladder and door lift mechanism that I left at James' Shop (Xtreme Paint and Graphics, Nac).
It's expensive, ($3K.......there's a lot of work in this "simple" design revision), but it's oh so much nicer than the problem I struggling with.
Neal
The selected media item is not currently available.
Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten