Proper assembly of engine cover stay (cover prop)

[Stainless]

I am in the process of reassembling my engine bay lower cover. I had every piece of it taken apart to restore it to its original glory.

I also disassembled the engine cover stay that props up the lower engine cover. I could swear that I didn't lose any parts, but looking at the diagram and how I now have it installed, I know something is not right.

In the diagram here, https://store.delorean.com/c-312-8-4-4-engine-compartment-cover-lower.aspx I don't seem to have part #8, which seems like the part that centers the stay in part #7, which I do have. Part #7 is the only part I have securing the stay to the body tub, and the spring doesn't function like it used to. It's like the spring doesn't have anything to leverage itself against without part #8.

So I either lost part #8 or the PO had this working without that part, which I can't seem to get to work.

Do I need part #8 to get this to work properly? That part appears to only be sold as part of a whole new engine cover assembly stay and not individually, which is unfortunate, given the price of the whole assembly.

Does anyone have any better pictures of what makes up the engine cover assembly stay so that I can get mine working properly again? Thanks!

[Josh]

You could install it without #8, however #3 would be loose and jiggle around. If you want I can dig through my parts and see if I have #8. I am not a fan of this prop so I am using a louver brace to hold the engine cover up.

[Stainless]

You could install it without #8, however #3 would be loose and jiggle around. If you want I can dig through my parts and see if I have #8. I am not a fan of this prop so I am using a louver brace to hold the engine cover up.

That's exactly the symptom that I am having: loose and jiggly part #3. Let me know if you can scrounge this part up.

[Josh]

Will do! I will take a look tomorrow.

[Kenny_Z]

I'm having sort of the same issue but I misplaced part number 8 during the engine work. I'm still looking for that blasted thing. Unfortunately I've never had a part 3 so I'm going to be bending one as soon as I find part 8.

I really had nothing to contribute but I really wanted to speak in part numbers ;)

[Stainless]

I'm having sort of the same issue but I misplaced part number 8 during the engine work. I'm still looking for that blasted thing. Unfortunately I've never had a part 3 so I'm going to be bending one as soon as I find part 8.

I really had nothing to contribute but I really wanted to speak in part numbers ;)

Fair enough. Let me know if you happen to find two part #8's by some miracle :)

[Rich]

I also disassembled the engine cover stay that props up the lower engine cover......

Does anyone have any better pictures of what makes up the engine cover assembly stay so that I can get mine working properly again?

How about this?

[Kenny_Z]

Fair enough. Let me know if you happen to find two part #8's by some miracle :)

If by some chance number 8 found a mate and had little 2s and 4s I'm not sure I could break up the family ;)

[jawn101]

If by some chance number 8 found a mate and had little 2s and 4s I'm not sure I could break up the family ;)

You people are odd. :)

[Dangermouse]

#8 Looks like a perfect candidate for 3D printing - already black plastic and is mostly hidden from view.

[Kenny_Z]

You people are odd. :)

I can't tell if this was a math pun or not....

Having it 3d printed is a great idea. It looks pretty simple. I wonder what kind of engine heat it'd be exposed to in that area. That would dictate the type of material and if it would be a cost effective print.

[Josh]

I can't tell if this was a math pun or not....

Having it 3d printed is a great idea. It looks pretty simple. I wonder what kind of engine heat it'd be exposed to in that area. That would dictate the type of material and if it would be a cost effective print.

As long as you dont make it out of jello, I think it would be fine.

For the price of the entire assembly, I dont think it is worth making this small part. but thats my opinion.

[jawn101]

I can't tell if this was a math pun or not....

I love it. It wasn't before but now it is....

[dmcnorway]

I'm curious about if a modification would be possible in this area.

Would two gas struts work on either side of the engine compartment? (similar set-up as the rear louvre)
Has anyone tried this? Just curious, that's all.

Best wishes
Stian B.

[Kenny_Z]

The cheaper materials max out at about 150. I'm not sure how hot it'd get right there at idle on a stock D. The heat shield can only deflect but not stop the heat from rising. The stress combined with heat might dry it out to the point it'd get brittle and fail. The small parts I printed for the steering wheel were the 200 degree material and cost 6 bucks. It might be around 20 or more for a part printed at that size.

I bet struts would work in that area if you could find a way to get them to clear the coolant tank. It would involve drilling into both the engine cover and the body tub. An irreversible modification. It might be hard to keep them from popping up too. Your trunk latch better be in good shape.

[Stainless]

You could install it without #8, however #3 would be loose and jiggle around. If you want I can dig through my parts and see if I have #8. I am not a fan of this prop so I am using a louver brace to hold the engine cover up.

Hey Josh, any luck finding part #8?

[Josh]

Hey Josh, any luck finding part #8?

Sorry, I completely forgot. However I just opened my laptop in the garage and I just checked. I DO have the piece. send me a pm with you address and i'll send it your way.

[DMC5180]

I'm curious about if a modification would be possible in this area.

Would two gas struts work on either side of the engine compartment? (similar set-up as the rear louvre)
Has anyone tried this? Just curious, that's all.

Best wishes
Stian B.

I have been considering attempting this. It's on the back burner at the moment though.