Re: Cowling latch stuck closed
Hi<br /> Here is where I get to answer my own question. The problem has to do with the cable that connects the front and rear latch assemblys. The rear is very similar to the front. Open the front latch and tilt the hood as far as you can without breaking anything. Might be 10 inches.Check the cable where it attaches in the front and see if it is loose. If so then you have the same problem I had. Take the ball on the front cable and slip it out of its notch in the actuator lever. With this done you can slide the cable all the way into its housing to create slack in the other (back) end. Now do any limbering up exercises you can it the motor is on the boat still. I sat on the aft storage box to do this. Even though the rear latch is closed you can still get you'r hand around to it by working from the front side. Relax you'r hand and slide it along the cowling edge untill you locate the latch which is positiones similarly to the front. Now spend a couple of minutes identifying the parts by feel. The ball on the end of the cable should still be captured in its holder on the far side of the lever. The bear side with the cable housing is what comes loose. You will fins a locknut type assembly on the casing end where the cable comes out. Now locate the notch in the actuator arm same as the front assy. Slip the cable casing end with the locknots into the notch, preferably with a not on each side. Press it down into the notch. If you can finger tighten the nuts so much the better. Now reach you'r free hand around to the latch handle on the front of the motor and pull it. Hols the cable in the notch while you do it if you can. When you get it it will pop right off and you can tighten those nuts on the cable right away. Please look at the maintenance schedule. It says to adjust this assy. each 200 hours. This is what they mean. I'll do it from now on! You bet!! My thanks to the folks that monitor this site. Evev though I did not need them this time they have helped me with several vexing problems in the past and I apreciate it greatly. Hope this helps someone.
