Old Worn out Dog House Latchs

[desertsherpa]

I've got a want to get dog house latches that hold more tension. My current ones aren't under much tension at all.
Anyone gone down this road?
I've considered moving the whole latch rearward.

[86Scotty]

Some are very tight and others not at all. Have you had your doghouse off a lot? Very few have. If you don't have leaks (engine noise or hot air) then you can assume the big bulb seal is doing it's job. My new to me van has basically no tension on these at all and it is weird but no leaks so I'm not worried.

[REDOVAL]

It would likely be an easier experiment to add more bend/bow to the hook arm. This would effectively shorten it and add more spring to the system and add validity to preloading the bulb seal more. Installation would be the same but removal could be more involved to get the hook out of the latch due to the angle change. Just a thought.

Scott

[N147JK]

Maybe find one at a wrecking yard? Looks like its riveted on - be sure to take your drill if you go.

[desertsherpa]

Originally Posted by N147JK

Maybe find one at a wrecking yard? Looks like its riveted on - be sure to take your drill if you go.

Originally Posted by REDOVAL

It would likely be an easier experiment to add more bend/bow to the hook arm. This would effectively shorten it and add more spring to the system and add validity to preloading the bulb seal more. Installation would be the same but removal could be more involved to get the hook out of the latch due to the angle change. Just a thought.

Scott

I may try bending them.
This is a newer doghouse and seal from the junkyard.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by desertsherpa

I may try bending them.
This is a newer doghouse and seal from the junkyard.

I'm still curious. Do you have a leak/noise or are you just convinced that there is something wrong because they don't have much tension?

[desertsherpa]

I've got a noise issue that I'm looking to solve. It is a 6.0!!!

[gahamby]

Is this a discontinued part?
Perhaps something in this line would do.

https://www.mcmaster.com/draw-latches/

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by desertsherpa

I've got a noise issue that I'm looking to solve. It is a 6.0!!!

I think your noise problem might just be that it's a 6.0l, Lol.

The older doghouses had two slots on the top latches so you could draw it in tighter but the newer ones (97 up) do not as far as I remember.

My 2011 just has one slot, feels very sloppy but is completely quiet.....but it's a V10.

[desertsherpa]

This should make a change:
I moved the latches back 0.5"
When securing the cover, you can feel the thing actually deform. 0.25 may have been a bit to much. However TIme will tell. I had almost 0.25" free play in both latches, and the spring assembly its self can take up the slack.




For future people, the latches are still available :
https://alliancebusparts.com/i-23809...ine-cover.html

Ford part # F2UZ-1510444-A