News:

www.W116.org - All about the Car!

Main Menu

Hood release cable preemptive replacement?

Started by daantjie, 18 September 2021, 05:08 PM

daantjie

Hi guys
Been thinking about this for a while...is there any value in preemptively replacing the hood release cable before it snaps on you in the middle of nowhere?
Or does this fall in the "leave well enough alone" category :o?
Cheers
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

Alec300SD

78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

daantjie

Thanks I see references to lubing the front lock mechanism so as to remove strain on the cable.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

Alec300SD

Agreed, regularly lubricating moving parts promotes their longevity, and the weakest link fails first.
78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

UTn_boy

I have to agree with the keeping things lubricated and leaving well enough alone.  I've never seen a hood release cable break on a W116, either.  However, I have installed several over the years.  The reason being is that the rubber grommet that is affixed to the firewall dry rots and crumbles away.  Those grommets are no longer available separately, so the only way to get a new grommet is to buy a new hood cable, as they come with a new grommet.  But 9 times out of 10 when you remove the grommet and hood cable you'll discover rust under the firewall pad.  In addition, getting the grommet to seat correctly is a huge pain.  It's a catch 22 situation. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

daantjie

Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

TNNBENZ

Thank-you for the great information.
The metal barrel came off the end of my cable ! 
Anyone have solution as to how to add something to end of cable to replace it ?
Neglected ~ Rescued ~ 1977 450SEL 4.5L  U.S.A. ver.
Project of Compassion ~ Respect
Silver Green Metallic / Toast
Left Hand Drive
Sliding Roof

Alec300SD

Temporary fix, use a bike yoke cable clamp.

Once affixed to the cable, you have something solid to tug on and open the hood latch.
78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

raueda1

Quote from: daantjie on 18 September 2021, 05:08 PM
Hi guys
Been thinking about this for a while...is there any value in preemptively replacing the hood release cable before it snaps on you in the middle of nowhere?
Or does this fall in the "leave well enough alone" category :o?
Cheers
Daniel, thanks for asking this!  I've been pondering the same question for some time, so the responses are helpful and reassuring.  FWIW, some time back I did get Uncle Kent's hood adjustment tool kit.  It does seem to make that job easier and I've gotten plenty use out of the wrenches.
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

TNNBENZ

Quote from: Alec300SD on 22 September 2021, 12:13 AM
Temporary fix, use a bike yoke cable clamp.

Once affixed to the cable, you have something solid to tug on and open the hood latch.
Do not know what a bike yoke cable clamp is ........but will certainly try to see if this works.
Within a few days of aquiring car I lubricated the hood latch and oiled the cable some because release was very hard to pull. Of course within just a few more openings the barrel cam of the cable.  Cable did not break, just the end that holds it in the latch !!!
Thank-you 4 the suggestion..........
Neglected ~ Rescued ~ 1977 450SEL 4.5L  U.S.A. ver.
Project of Compassion ~ Respect
Silver Green Metallic / Toast
Left Hand Drive
Sliding Roof

Alec300SD

78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

TNNBENZ

Alec300SD, your a gentleman & a scholar... ::)
Neglected ~ Rescued ~ 1977 450SEL 4.5L  U.S.A. ver.
Project of Compassion ~ Respect
Silver Green Metallic / Toast
Left Hand Drive
Sliding Roof