Re: [DML] *** Lower engine cover Cracking ***

[Mike Substelny <drivestainless@xxxxxxxxx>]

The following reminded me of a warning I've been
meaning to post, especially to new owners.

Luke said:

> Not sure if this helps, but my engine cover was
> cracked at the bottom center. Someone probably
> tried to force it closed without undoing the
> stay & it basically started to crack and fold
> in half at the bottom.

About ten years ago, my engine compartment cover
suffered the same damage due to weak louver struts.  I
did no forcing, but I watched it happen.  It was a
horrible sight to see.  Here is what happened:

One day while I had both engine compartment and louver
fully open, a gust of wind came from the direction of
my DeLorean's front bumper.  Even though the struts
held the louver in the fully open position, that
little gust was all it took to bring the louver unit
crashing down.  When the louver hit my engine
compartment lid, the lid cracked like dry spaghetti.

I had not even realized that the struts were weak since
they held the louver in the fully upright position.

Be warned, this can happen to anyone.  It doesn't take
a careless mistake or a misplaced tool or a clutzy
PO, all it takes is a weak pair of struts and a gust
of wind.  The louver struts give little warning; when
they are nearly worn out they just lift the louver a
little more slowly.  They seldom sag, one day they
hold up the louvers the next day they don't.

A new engine compartment lid costs over $250.  Sure,
if yours breaks you can epoxy on a piece of aluminum,
but that's not the point.  If your DeLorean has a good
lid, why would you wait around for a $250 part to
break?  You can replace the struts for a tiny fraction
of that price.  It's a no-brainer . . . if you
love your DeLorean, replace those louver struts
regularly!

- Mike Substelny
  VIN 01280, which just turned 25 years old




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