Engine Compartment Hinges - Bad Design

[CindyB]

We have a 2014 Georgetown 329DS. The engine compartment hood will not stay in the up position when trying to check fluid levels. We've taken back to the dealer numerous times and they have been unable to fix it and finally said it's just a poor design (I agree). Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so, any ideas for a good solution - other than an old fashioned rod prop of some sort?

[alparmer]

Ours stays mostly up. We have a 351 and assuming the 329 has the same front end: You can remove the main grill with four bolts. You can loosen them and lift the grill off the bolts. It's designed that way to have better access to the compartment.

[kenandterry]

I'm not sure if they made a design change since our 2010 model for the engine hood but...........

Have a really close look at the right side (or maybe the left side) hinge assembly for the hood. It sort of works to open and close like a parallel system of pivots and brackets. On mine, there is a small piece that swings into position to prop the moving assembly against itself, and hold the hood open.

If not........I open the hood as far as it will go, and place a "C" clamp on the inside of the hood to one of the windshield wiper arms. Actually, this system holds it open further than the first way.

Just saying..........

[Dijoeboss]

I have a 350 XL and mine doesn't stay up either, poor design, springs are pointless.

[petey]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

I'm not sure if they made a design change since our 2010 model for the engine hood but...........

Have a really close look at the right side (or maybe the left side) hinge assembly for the hood. It sort of works to open and close like a parallel system of pivots and brackets. On mine, there is a small piece that swings into position to prop the moving assembly against itself, and hold the hood open.

If not........I open the hood as far as it will go, and place a "C" clamp on the inside of the hood to one of the windshield wiper arms. Actually, this system holds it open further than the first way.

Just saying..........

I have a 2012 378xl and when I open my hood there is I small arm to the right of hood that you swing out and put into position and it hold hood open its works real good and you wont bang your head.Pete

[alparmer]

Originally Posted by petey

I have a 2012 378xl and when I open my hood there is I small arm to the right of hood that you swing out and put into position and it hold hood open its works real good and you wont bang your head.Pete