Engine cover fastener screw thing...

[theguywiththelongestname]

so, what's the deal with that wacky screw-fastener thing that holds down the engine compartment cover? Is there some special technique that I am missing? It seems like I spend way too long trying to refasten that piece...I did try a little dab of grease on the spiral shaft and it seemed to make that thing fasten better...

is it called a Dzus fastener?
or a Zeus fastener?

or what is it called?

[NCC1701]

Don't know what it's called. But, I opened the engine cover on mine just today & just the 2nd time I've done it. Pulled the dip stick and was pleased at the color of my oil with about 3K on the odometer. Not so pleased to see quite a bit of dust covering various motor parts. Putting it back on, make sure the tabs are centered correctly, then make sure the cover is pushed ALL the way back (kind felt like it snapped in?) then the thumb thingie secured fairly easily.

[sixcrows]

I HATE that thing.

It has got to be the cheapest, worst-designed part of the smart. Every time I take the cover off, I cross my fingers that this piece of crap fastener is not going to break off in my hand. I've already had it replaced once by the dealer.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

so, what's the deal with that wacky screw-fastener thing that holds down the engine compartment cover? Is there some special technique that I am missing? It seems like I spend way to long trying to refasten that piece...I did try a little dab of grease on the spiral shaft and it seemed to make that thing fasten better...

is it called a Dzus fastener?
or a Zues fastener?

or what is it called?

There are many different yet similar types that use the same basic camming technique to pull down and hold tight a panel.
They are extensively used on fighter jets and other aircraft which is where my first experiences with them were. Some have phillips head drives on them, some common slotted screwdriver, etc.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

... is it called a Dzus fastener?
or a Zues fastener? or what is it called?

It works similar to a Dzuz fastener, but not as robust. A real, "D-ring" Dzuz would be an improvement.

[LDGsmart]

I hate the whole cover design also, to include how I have to fold back the foam/carpet cover. This is a definite after-market opportunity. Any suggestions?

[jetfuel]

is not the fastener soooooo it must be the ..........
...if yours is/was like ours, it was missing the washer that held it in place so as not to fall into the engine compartment....BTW if the cover is not totally centered in its place it will be much harder to turn and pull the Dzus fastener.....

jetfuel

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

is not the fastener soooooo it must be the ..........
...if yours is/was like ours, it was missing the washer that held it in place so as not to fall into the engine compartment....BTW if the cover is not totally centered in its place it will be much harder to turn and pull the Dzus fastener.....

jetfuel

Huh??

[SuperGeek]

The fastener shouldn't be too hard to close if the cover's properly aligned... but we're talking about a 1/8" tolerance here... that cover's got to be exactly square from left to right and front to back. Check the tabs in the back of the cover area... it's really easy to misalign one of those.

I also wish they'd had a different design for the engine cover. Too many opportunities for misalignment. And the carpet thing? Gimme a break, I can't even show off the engine. I have to tell people it's too hard to get at.

[EdwardDennis]

Back in mid-May, or so, the dealer replaced my original defective Dzus assembly, and I still had trouble closing the cover. I ended up tossing it and meandered over to Orchard Supply Hardware to find something better.

I replaced the Dzus fastener assembly with an 8mm nut plate (snaps right in the old Dzus plate location--more securely--, by the way) and an 8mm flange bolt (M8x25 or X20 is good). I've been using it for months with no issues. This combination assures that the cover is properly closed and won't "pop open". Drop a little machine oil on the bolt threads to work it in and you're good to go...