No matter how hard and/or fast I shut my hood, I just can't seam to get the drivers side latch to catch. I've WD40'ed both sides to death...they both were very dirty and didn't spring back. But now they do.

I was having the same problem with the pass. side but it's down and I feel a bit more secure about driving Ol' Smokey with, at least, one latch doing it's job.

What do I do? I've already tried to adjust those "bumper/stops" (obviously I don't know their offical name!)

If the latches do spring back till the end, you can try to re-adjust the bumper/stops to the entire minimum. Check whether the bolts that fasten the hook on the hood are tightened well and close it and check whether the cable and incar-hood handle do spring back as well...
I have seen hoods that were not closing anymore because of the hood-handle staying "open".

It should close with a flexible latch and a minimum adjusted bumper/stop. If the hood does shut properly, you might adjust the bumper/stops again...

...just a thought...

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

I've had the same problem over the years, but also had to lube the release inside the grille to get it to function properly. Also lube your hinges before you break one !!! Get every pivot with spray oil (not WD) and try to coat them with grease. I broke a rivet last winter, and had a near disaster (not to mention fighting that huge spring) and found a lack of lube at an obscure pivot caused my failure. Your hood will break the windshield if it gets away from you. I've been there, and it's not a one man job. The more you use it the easier it is. Try cleaning some of the grit and old grease from the latches. Good luck

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When I close my eyes, and inhale, I can smell No. 2.