Assistance with Rear Hatch Closure Mechanism

[Andrew Duff]

Hello,

I've got May 1979 Series 1 RX7. Australian Build. Wondering if I can get some help, my rear hatch closure mechanism is not holding the latch closed. When you lower the hatch down the what I'm going to call the engagement hook that is supposed to go over the loop on the hatch and then lock in place so the hatch is down does not clamp on. This means the hatch is 'open'. The solenoid all works to open it BTW. Please see the photos, I've identified a hole that looks like a spring could go in it to hold the engagement hook in place but can't see where the other end could go.

Any help much appreciated. I've got more photos of the mechanism. Ones I can see online all look different.

Hole at end of Engagement Hook.JPG (44.43 KiB) Viewed 14411 times

Engagement Hook.JPG (49.38 KiB) Viewed 14411 times

Thanks Andrew Duff
Australia
May 1979 Series 1 RX7

[Hobbawobba]

Hmm I don't think I've really heard of issues with this aye! I think if you loosen the bit attached to the glass then there should be a decent amount of wiggle for adjustment. Not sure if you have tried that, or if it would help

[Andrew Duff]

Thanks @Hobbawobba for the idea . I worked on it a fair bit yesterday including moving that clip that attaches to the hatch. Then I removed it and found that whether I used the hatch catch in the car or a pencil to replicate it, the engagement hook does not lock in place, it remains loose all the time so you can just left the catch or pencil out. So I'm back to thinking there must be something that is missing or broken that is preventing the hook from staying in place when the catch or pencil is engaged....

Oh, well, here we go again.

[marksport]

Think I've got one in the shed , so will have a look and see if you have any bits missing.

[marksport]

Should have three springs on the mechanism ...

[Andrew Duff]

@marksport, could you send some photos showing the 3rd spring? Thanks, Andrew.

[marksport]

[Andrew Duff]

Hi all, it's been a few weeks since my last post about the hatch closure. With your help I identified that the mechanism was missing a spring that attaches to the hook. I tried a few from Bunnings but they did not work. I found a full replacement mechanism in Queensland -- this has what looks like an original spring so the hook works perfectly.

When I installed the replacement unit into the car it would work manually but not using the electric solenoid my car has. I pulled the solenoid apart, found that the lubrication and/ or plastics inside had failed and 'glued' the cam against the body. Took me an hour or so of cleaning, lubricating and rebuilding to get it working.....but now it's perfect!

Thanks for the help.

[marksport]