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MG MGA - Engine hood won’t open

My engine hood wont pop open on my 59A. Any tips?
Edward Daniels

Attached link to Barney's site may help:

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd101a.htm
Nick Kopernik

I have had both my bonnet and boot not wanting to open,both within a week of each other and this occurred immediately after purchasing my A. With the bonnet we did 2 things-
1 when we pull the bonnet release on the passengers side we somehow need to push it back in .This stops it jamming when we close the bonnet.
2 we carry an extremely long screw driver in the car ,this is in case it jams again,hasn't in 4-5 years. We push this thru the grill and 'flick' with force the ^ (upside down) catch that attaches from the bonnet into the top of the grill...
Good luck,
Michelle
MA Thompson

I have trouble with that link to Barney's website.
The link below seems to work.

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd101a.htm

Mick
M F Anderson

Doesn't help immediate problem but see previous threads on making grill removable from outside.

Paul
Paul Dean

Much as Paul says.

When you do eventually get it open it is worth checking that the latching mechanism has been correctly assembled. The problem can sometimes be traced back to the latch plate being assembled 180 degrees out. Have a look at the explanation on my website and my version of exterior access to the locking mechanism.

http://tinyurl.com/qcwndqw

Steve
Steve Gyles

Another option is to fit a secondary pull. Just a very simple short straight one under front wing. Personally I prefer the externally removable grill as Steve.

Paul
Paul Dean

Edward,
Try pushing the rod all the way forward and then give it a very quick pull. The quick pull works for me if the bonnet doesn’t open like it should.

Another thing to try if this doesn’t work is to have someone push down on the bonnet at the front while you pull the rod.

Neither of these methods will work if the rod connections are not good.

Jim
JL Cheatham

While it's apart, weld a guide tube to the underside of the stationary plate. This will help to keep the post centered so it dosn't catch an edge on it's way up.
MAndrus

MAndrus, Could you post a photo of that please?

Barry.
Barry Gannon

MAndrus. As with Barry I am slightly puzzled. The 'stationary plate' which I presume is the the slider support plate already has a shoulder on it on one side to keep the pin central. See my last post with the link.

Steve
Steve Gyles

any update?
Gene Gillam

This thread was discussed between 11/11/2017 and 24/11/2017

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