Engine lid latch breakdown and cleaning - pic

[scrivyscriv]

Here's a disassembled engine lid latch, on a 72 bus. If your latch broke and won't keep the lid closed, the retract spring probably broke - like mine did.

Note there's a rubber O-ring between the spring and the plunger - mine was cracked in half, and water got into the latch and rusted the spring.

Disassembling is simple. Push the button all the way in, and the hinge pin lines up with the holes in the latch body. Knock the pin out with a punch, and the entire latch will come apart.

If your spring isn't broken, just clean everything (EXCEPT THE O-RING AND WEATHER SEAL!!) in lacquer thinner and brush it out with a brass bore brush. Blow it dry with compressed air - or let the thinner evaporate, your call - and reassemble it with lube. I used Sil-Glyde brake lube on the O-ring, and graphite on the sliding part of the plunger and latch. Don't gob things up, use just enough to lubricate everything evenly. I don't recommend anything other than graphite or teflon spray on the moving parts.

You can polish all the chrome parts with super fine steel wool.

Side note on the O-ring: I didn't measure the O-ring, but you can find a MS28775 O-ring to replace it if you have the dimensions. Measure with a vernier caliper for accuracy, and check with Aircraft Spruce for the part.

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Robert in Memphis
Dünkelgrügen 1967 Java Green bug thread
Engine rebuild thread
If you're ever in the Memphis area, you are welcome to stop by for advice and help.