Frozen Hood Latch on L3010

Anonymous Poster · Apr 30, 2002

Short but irritating problem-I can’t get the drivers side (left or the clutch side) hood cover off. The latch is frozen. I have put 4 hours on the tractor, it is brand new, and have sprayed it with liquid wrench penetrating oil, but no movement of the latch.

I feel like a complete dope having the dealer have to come out for something that stupid, but I do not want to break the handle off.

How can I free this without breaking anything?

Any ideas?

Thank you!

Dozernut · Apr 30, 2002

Push in on the cover with one hand while turning the lever with the other. This should relieve the pressure on the latch so it will turn. If that fails use a BFH!

cisco · Apr 30, 2002

You think getting the engine cover off is tough? What til you try to put it back on. One of my covers fits so tight I have to put a shoulder against the cover and push hard while turning the lever. On the other side of the tractor, no problem. Go figure.

BobinCols · Apr 30, 2002

You might try removing the easily removed side cover and see if you can gain access to see what is wrong with the latch on the side that won't open. I know the motor is in the way but it might help. When the side panels are installed the latch can be turned the wrong way and the latch can go over center. They are tricky to latch but they are tight enough so the side panels don't rattle.

Buster57 · May 1, 2002

Thanks Dozernut!
Worked like a charm.
I think it was just new and hasn't been worked enough. I put some grease on the latch and eveything seems to be working well!