Cannot open hood :( 98' XLT

[Comblows]

So I just picked up this truck (super cheap). It was in a light accident that pushed in the front ever so slightly. Cant really tell it happened unless you look relatively closely. I should also mention that it hit relatively flat, so along with pushing in the fender, both headlights are goners and the grill is sol too.

My issue:

When you pull the hood latch, nothing happens. We tried to pull the latch and pry, all while manually pulling open the secondary latch from the front to no avail.

Any recommendations? I was thinking of attaching a "come-along" to the frame the radiator sits on, and trying to crank it back out. Good or bad idea?

Second:

I head the horror stories about the SOHC timing chain problems. First, is there any way for me to see if this truck was serviced for the problem at any point? Second, you can hear a slight higher pitched squeak coming from the engine area. Is this have to do with the timing chain?

Thanks guys! Look forward to reading/posting a lot more!

 

[dcdyd]

For the hood, the mechnism is easy to get rust. If that is the reason, ask a helper to push down the hood when you pull the hood inside the truck. THis may loose the latch a little to release it. Lub it after it is opened.

 

[99SportX]

If the cable is stretched, the lever may not have enough travel to trip the latch release. Sometimes you can grab the cable with a vise grip just behind the release lever and pull it manually.

If the SOHC is having issues, it will be a rattle of some sort. If it is a squeak or squeal, it likely somewhere along the belt drive system.

 

[Comblows]

Ah. ill try grabbing the cable with pliers.

If thats a no go, does trying to pop the frame forward with a come-along sound like an idiotic idea?

 

[deweyville65]

You can go through the grill with a long flat screwdriver. Top opening just left of center. There is a slot in the top of the latch, just pry with the screwdriver.

 

[Comblows]

Hey guys,

Got the hood open! Had to remove the latch and adjust the cable. Im proud of myself!

Also, is there any way to tell which PATS system I have? I know PATS 1 needs only one key (which is all I have) in order to make a new key. PATS 2 I guess needs 2 original keys?

 

[Comblows]

So all that's left is the grille. Is it mechanically needed? By that I mean, does it provide support for the headlights or anything else?

 

[IZwack]

No the grille isn't really needd as the headlights bolt to the radiator support and surrounding sheet metal.

My 98 Explorer w/o the grille:

 

[Comblows]

So far, this car has no timing chain rattle. I know this doesnt mean much really, but im wondering if using 0w-30 or 0w-40 would maybe help to prevent wear vs the recommended 5w-30?

Thanks!