engine compartment cover latch

[VinceLA]

It's called a captive fastener. Any good hardstore should have it. McMaster and Grainger should have them in bulkThe only thing is the thumb piece is not foldable. In which case, a knurled head piece should work (bottom).

[JPaul]

Thank you VinceLA!
Just one more question: the thread of those two examples are not the same than the one the smart has. Any technical description of the one we could use? To facilitate our search at the hardware store?

[SmarTek-TNG]

While lining up the tabs and pushing the cover as far forward as possible is important, I have found that if you just push down while turning the latch AND AT THE SAME TIME give the cover a good firm bump with the side of your fist, the cover latches every time easily. If the latch and clip are already too worn from previous forced attempts, they may need to be replaced. The problem was so common that my dealership now stocks both the clip and the fastener.

[VinceLA]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Thank you VinceLA!
Just one more question: the thread of those two examples are not the same than the one the smart has. Any technical description of the one we could use? To facilitate our search at the hardware store?

I thought I subscribed to this thread...pardon the lack of response JP!

I haven't ordered them from mcmaster or scout the local homedepots for sizes. I haven't really got a problem with the factory piece. But what you can do is measure the diameter/length of the factory piece. Then see if you can find something close enough.

Originally Posted by rawlus®

vince, something like this.
Heat shield

Guess what...I covered my engine with a 1.5" thick polyurethane foam (between compartment cover and top of engine). Less noise from the engine compartment and little to no heat transfer. I touched my trunk carpeting. It's not warmed up at all.

[jmaxwell38930]

We accidentally dropped our latch pin into the engine, and had a difficult time finding it. Is there a practical way to attach it to the engine cover so that it doesn't come loose when the cover is off?

[RallyRedY2KX]

If it came off ...... there is a retainer than holds it in place when you open the top. You used too much force to lift the lid .. look for the retain, it presses on from below to hole the peg in place.

[jetfuel]

..hey 930...if you already found the latch and you want to go the cheap way try this...cut a 1/2" round piece of plastic...milk jugs are a great source...punch a very small hole in center...a nail will do the trick...use this piece as the back up ring that will hold the latch in place after you force it onto the latch...

jetfuel...cheap skate..

[jmaxwell38930]

Originally Posted by RallyRedY2KX

If it came off ...... there is a retainer than holds it in place when you open the top. You used too much force to lift the lid .. look for the retain, it presses on from below to hole the peg in place.

RallyRed, I don't remember ever seeing any sort of a retainer. I think the previous owner may have lost it. I bought the car 2nd hand.

[jmaxwell38930]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

..hey 930...if you already found the latch and you want to go the cheap way try this...cut a 1/2" round piece of plastic...milk jugs are a great source...punch a very small hole in center...a nail will do the trick...use this piece as the back up ring that will hold the latch in place after you force it onto the latch...

jetfuel...cheap skate..

Thanks for the tip. But won't the milk jug plastic melt? It gets awfully hot in my engine compartment. I may need to look for another material.

[jetfuel]

..our plastic retainer is 2 years old....

jetfuel...low fat