Thread: D2 Bonnet release and engine running issues.

1. There is a little nylon clip/spacer at the bonnet catch that breaks. I managed to access the catch by cutting open the plastic "pocket" that the catch lives in, visible from the grille. I used a long sharpened screwdriver and a hammer to cut open the pocket and then move the catch lever. If there is an easier way someone will no doubt tell you.
2.Major vacuum leak, did the gasket between the manifold halves get a wipe of sealant?
3. You should have cleaned the rocker covers before refitting. Once you have the bonnet open start again. Doing the inlet manifold gasket at the same time is a good idea too, as they tend to fail after a while and leak vacuum at individual cylinders. And they are equally covered in gunk.

I called NRMA and he pointed out the step switch for idle circuit was disconnected. I took the manifold off again and while looking for missing plug I found I had plug the step switch plug into the coil pack. Finally swapped over and back together, car now runs fine.

Bonnet is still a problem.

I did claen the inside of the covers but some of the screws holding the deflector plate wouldnt budge so its still gunked in there.

The gasket between the 2 manifold halves was thin sheet metal with a flared edge around each port, so I put it in dry relying on the flared edge to seal each hole.

The bonnet will open if you lean on it while pulling the release lever, I'm thinking bonnet pins might be the go.

James

Originally Posted by JBM770

I did claen the inside of the covers but some of the screws holding the deflector plate wouldnt budge so its still gunked in there.

The gasket between the 2 manifold halves was thin sheet metal with a flared edge around each port, so I put it in dry relying on the flared edge to seal each hole.

The bonnet will open if you lean on it while pulling the release lever, I'm thinking bonnet pins might be the go.

James

Don't fret the gunk, it's only an issue when it overwhelms the oil pick up. So just keep up your oil changes from now on.

The gasket should be OK as you have found the misplaced harness plugs.

As for the bonnet, I talked about a nylon spacer at the catch. Find where the bonnet cable goes into the catch and replace the spacer with something more robust. The loss of the spacer prevents the cable from fully actuating the catch. It will fail one day and totally prevent opening. Or fit a pull wire behind the grille where you can reach it in an emergency.