[xj] Series III Bonnet Support

XJ
1

Dear List,
Ok, hope I don’t cause any problems with another infamous Doug Dwyer trivia
question…here goes.
While perusing the parts catalog I noticed a listing for a pressurized
bonnet support cylinder (similar to what’s used on mini-van lift gates,
etc). There are no notations regarding application, market destination, VIN
breakpoint, etc etc.

Is my 87 supposed to have one ? Who are the “haves and have nots” with this
item ?

Many thanks,
Doug Dwyer

2

The Series 3 xj did NOT have this support, although it was used on the XJS.
Gregory-----Original Message-----
From: DOUGLAS DWYER DWYERD@email.msn.com
To: xj@jag-lovers.org xj@jag-lovers.org
Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2000 7:29 PM
Subject: Re: [xj] Series III Bonnet Support

Dear List,
Ok, hope I don’t cause any problems with another infamous Doug Dwyer trivia
question…here goes.
While perusing the parts catalog I noticed a listing for a pressurized
bonnet support cylinder (similar to what’s used on mini-van lift gates,
etc). There are no notations regarding application, market destination, VIN
breakpoint, etc etc.

Is my 87 supposed to have one ? Who are the “haves and have nots” with this
item ?

Many thanks,
Doug Dwyer

3

GREGORY,
I wonder how many other XJ-S parts found their way into the XJ6 parts
catalog ?
Regards,
Doug Dwyer

The Series 3 xj did NOT have this support, although it was used on the
XJS.
Gregory

-----Original Message-----
From: DOUGLAS DWYER <@Doug_Dwyer>

While perusing the parts catalog I noticed a listing for a pressurized
bonnet support cylinder (similar to what’s used on mini-van lift gates,
etc). There are no notations regarding application, market destination,
VIN
breakpoint, etc etc.

Is my 87 supposed to have one ? Who are the “haves and have nots” with
this----- Original Message -----
From: Dr Gregory Andrachuk mgb@UVVM.UVIC.CA
item ?

Many thanks,
Doug Dwyer

4

Just fyi, I’ve looked into this and even bought (and returned) candidate gas
lifts. The problem is the pressure under full compression is high (~50 lbs)
on typical units that would fit. Because of the way the hood is bent down,
then hinged below, this exerts a horizontal force that noticeably distorts the
panel alignments. I haven’t decided what to do yet, but I have removed the
hood latch completey and the hinge arms simply contact the back of the chrome
bumper cover, giving maximum access to the engine. I’ve considered helper
springs, plus a limit cable, or an extension to the latch, as another lister
has done, but nothing definite yet, due to other demands, like the fans, the
blinkers, locks, ignition switch, fuel switch…!On the trunk, I have almost installed a small gas lift on the left hinge arm’s elbow (there’s a convenient hole right there). It will make up for the tired springs and it’s extension and max. pressure are just right for the mechanism. Alex 79xj6L SII Dr Gregory Andrachuk wrote:

The Series 3 xj did NOT have this support, although it was used on the XJS.
Gregory
-----Original Message-----
From: DOUGLAS DWYER DWYERD@email.msn.com
To: xj@jag-lovers.org xj@jag-lovers.org
Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2000 7:29 PM
Subject: Re: [xj] Series III Bonnet Support

Dear List,
Ok, hope I don’t cause any problems with another infamous Doug Dwyer trivia
question…here goes.
While perusing the parts catalog I noticed a listing for a pressurized
bonnet support cylinder (similar to what’s used on mini-van lift gates,
etc). There are no notations regarding application, market destination, VIN
breakpoint, etc etc.

Is my 87 supposed to have one ? Who are the “haves and have nots” with this
item ?

Many thanks,
Doug Dwyer

5

I haven’t decided what to do yet, but I have removed the
hood latch completey and the hinge arms simply contact the back of the chrome
bumper cover, giving maximum access to the engine.

Careful, Alex.

Others on this list have been chasing bonnet problems wherin the
metal fatigues around the hinge mount, causing it to come loose.
At least one list member attributed this to doing the very thing you
are, that is opening the bonnet against the bumper. All it takes is a
gust of wind or for you to bump into it just so while it’s open and
yours will be broken too.

My car may be different than yours. I have one 1/4 inch bolt that
holds the bonnet stay. I can remove the bolt to temporarily allow
the bonnet to open up all the way, but on my car it doesn’t touch
anything because I have somewhat different bumpers. just the
same, I also clip a bungee to keep the bonnet from resting only on
the hinges.

But please… the bonnet cannot support its full weight on the
hinges alone all the time, so be careful.

MarvinOn 15 Mar 00, at 22:09, Cannara wrote:

6

Oh yes, I agree Marvin, that’s why I’m looking toward a firmer brace – even
the original latch is inadequate on a windy day, as another lister just found
out! Ours seems to be very sturdy down there, maybe the SIII is different –
I’ll have to look at one.

Alex
Jan79xj6L SII

match@elen.utah.edu wrote:>

On 15 Mar 00, at 22:09, Cannara wrote:

I haven’t decided what to do yet, but I have removed the
hood latch completey and the hinge arms simply contact the back of the chrome
bumper cover, giving maximum access to the engine.

Careful, Alex.

Others on this list have been chasing bonnet problems wherin the
metal fatigues around the hinge mount, causing it to come loose.
At least one list member attributed this to doing the very thing you
are, that is opening the bonnet against the bumper. All it takes is a
gust of wind or for you to bump into it just so while it’s open and
yours will be broken too.

My car may be different than yours. I have one 1/4 inch bolt that
holds the bonnet stay. I can remove the bolt to temporarily allow
the bonnet to open up all the way, but on my car it doesn’t touch
anything because I have somewhat different bumpers. just the
same, I also clip a bungee to keep the bonnet from resting only on
the hinges.

But please… the bonnet cannot support its full weight on the
hinges alone all the time, so be careful.

Marvin

7

Doug, Gregory, Alex

The bonnet gas damper that you refer to was indeed fitted to Series III cars. They were fitted on Series III
V12 saloons 1987 onwards, only on vehicles with ABS and Catalytic Converter. The reason for fitting them was
supposedly to allow the bonnet to open more fully and thereby allow the engine to be removed complete with
front downpipe and cat attached without removing the bonnet.

Whilst in this particular area it is worth noting that the original bonnet stay was replaced by a later
version incorporating a check stay in October 1974. Which ever stay you have fitted be sure to keep it in
good
working order and the bonnet hinges well greased as any reluctance to operate smoothly when opening/closin
the bonnet, can place extra strain on the bonnet hinges as the bonnet tries to cant over one side or the
other. The same situation can occur if you try to close the bonnet from one side. Always close the bonnet
from
the front, ensuring that the bonnet goes down smoothly and equally. Start the bonnet to close by giving it a
gentle push with one hand and as it starts to fall backwards lift upwards with both hands from under the top
edge of the radiator grille until the bonnet closes on it’s two catches.

Regards

          Steve-----------------------------------------------------------------

Stephen Gibson
Supercat Jaguar Spares
www.supercatjaguarspares.freeserve.co.uk

----- Original Message -----

Dear List,
Ok, hope I don’t cause any problems with another infamous Doug Dwyer trivia
question…here goes.
While perusing the parts catalog I noticed a listing for a pressurized
bonnet support cylinder (similar to what’s used on mini-van lift gates,
etc). There are no notations regarding application, market destination, VIN
breakpoint, etc etc.

Is my 87 supposed to have one ? Who are the “haves and have nots” with this
item ? Doug
----------------------------

The Series 3 xj did NOT have this support, although it was used on the XJS.
Gregory
------------------------------

I wonder how many other XJ-S parts found their way into the XJ6 parts
catalog ?
Doug Dwyer
------------------------------

Just fyi, I’ve looked into this and even bought (and returned) candidate gas
lifts. The problem is the pressure under full compression is high (~50 lbs)
on typical units that would fit
Alex

8

Steve: this must be another Jaguar idiosyncracy related to markets. I can
absolutely assure you that the V12 Series III cars sent to Canada 87, and
after, do NOT have the gas damper, my 87 included; all the Canadian cars in
S3 have catalytic converters, all of them from 79 on. Having said that, the
only S3 cars with ABS shipped here were the very latest ones, 91 and 92, and
while I have examined some of these, I do not recall a gas damper, and I
definitely would have noted the presence of such a device.
Gregory-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Gibson steve.jaguar@virginnet.co.uk
To: DOUGLAS DWYER DWYERD@email.msn.com
Cc: xj@jag-lovers.org xj@jag-lovers.org
Date: Friday, March 17, 2000 12:50 PM
Subject: [xj] Series III Bonnet Support

Doug, Gregory, Alex

The bonnet gas damper that you refer to was indeed fitted to Series III
cars. They were fitted on Series III
V12 saloons 1987 onwards, only on vehicles with ABS and Catalytic
Converter. The reason for fitting them was
supposedly to allow the bonnet to open more fully and thereby allow the
engine to be removed complete with
front downpipe and cat attached without removing the bonnet.

Whilst in this particular area it is worth noting that the original bonnet
stay was replaced by a later
version incorporating a check stay in October 1974. Which ever stay you
have fitted be sure to keep it in
good
working order and the bonnet hinges well greased as any reluctance to
operate smoothly when opening/closin
the bonnet, can place extra strain on the bonnet hinges as the bonnet tries
to cant over one side or the
other. The same situation can occur if you try to close the bonnet from
one side. Always close the bonnet
from
the front, ensuring that the bonnet goes down smoothly and equally. Start
the bonnet to close by giving it a
gentle push with one hand and as it starts to fall backwards lift upwards
with both hands from under the top
edge of the radiator grille until the bonnet closes on it’s two catches.

Regards

         Steve

Stephen Gibson
Supercat Jaguar Spares
www.supercatjaguarspares.freeserve.co.uk

----- Original Message -----

Dear List,
Ok, hope I don’t cause any problems with another infamous Doug Dwyer
trivia
question…here goes.
While perusing the parts catalog I noticed a listing for a pressurized
bonnet support cylinder (similar to what’s used on mini-van lift gates,
etc). There are no notations regarding application, market destination,
VIN
breakpoint, etc etc.

Is my 87 supposed to have one ? Who are the “haves and have nots” with
this
item ? Doug
----------------------------

The Series 3 xj did NOT have this support, although it was used on the
XJS.
Gregory
------------------------------

I wonder how many other XJ-S parts found their way into the XJ6 parts
catalog ?
Doug Dwyer
------------------------------

Just fyi, I’ve looked into this and even bought (and returned) candidate
gas
lifts. The problem is the pressure under full compression is high (~50
lbs)
on typical units that would fit
Alex

9

Steve: this must be another Jaguar idiosyncracy related to
markets. I can
absolutely assure you that the V12 Series III cars sent to
Canada 87, and
after, do NOT have the gas damper, my 87 included; all the
Canadian cars in
S3 have catalytic converters, all of them from 79 on. Having
said that, the
only S3 cars with ABS shipped here were the very latest ones,
91 and 92, and
while I have examined some of these, I do not recall a gas
damper, and I
definitely would have noted the presence of such a device.
Gregory

My Dec 1982 XJ12 parts book shows a gas strut (BAC4302) for the bonnet
on page 2H 10R. The strut and associated components are marked to say
that these components were fitted in Germany only. FWIW.

There is nothing to reveal where it is actually fitted to the bonnet.

Craig

10

Gregory,Craig

I did not qualify in which market the cars with the strut fitted were sold. I gave the circumstances and
specification conducive to the car having this fitment. They being that it was for Series III V12’s, 1987
onwards, whose specification included both ABS and Catalytic Converter.

An extract from the 1991 publication JJM 10 02 02/10 Jaguar Series III V12 Handbook reads:

“Lift the rear edge of the bonnet, the gas filled struts will assist the opening of the bonnet, and retain it
in the fully open position”.

The handbook is the English edition but I personally can not recollect seeing this installation but
considering the few cars that fit the specification outlined, that is hardly surprising.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there has been a certain amount of comment on the list concerning the topic of
devising ways to have the bonnet open wider by all manner of ideas. This was one of the reasons why I
endeavoured to find out about the strut in question. Regardless of anything else, if someone wishes to have
their bonnet open further, they at least have the knowledge and availability to know that Jaguar have already
done it and they can follow suit if they wish.

The Part No. BAC4302 has been supercceded.

Regards

        Steve-----------------------------------------------------------------

Stephen Gibson
Supercat Jaguar Spares
www.supercatjaguarspares.freeserve.co.uk

Snip snip

----- Original Message -----

Having said that, the
only S3 cars with ABS shipped here were the very latest ones, 91 and 92, and
while I have examined some of these, I do not recall a gas damper, and I
definitely would have noted the presence of such a device.
Gregory

My Dec 1982 XJ12 parts book shows a gas strut (BAC4302) for the bonnet
on page 2H 10R. The strut and associated components are marked to say
that these components were fitted in Germany only. FWIW.

There is nothing to reveal where it is actually fitted to the bonnet.

Craig