"lift-o-matic" hood support
 

I recently removed one of the "lift-o-matic" cylinders (looks like a skinny shock absorber) that supports the hood from my '96 E320. When I detached it from the bolts that hold it in place, it immediately extended to it's full length and appears to be stuck. I can put my full weight on it and it will not compress.

Does anybody know if there is a trick to compressing this cylinder or is it likely that the unit is damaged and needs replacing?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi
There is a metal tab on the right side hood hinge that you press on to raise the hood to it's full open position, like for working on the engine. Maybe if you extended the hood up in this manner (full open) you'd be able to put the bolts back in.

Gilly