Engine Hatch Cover Release 2001 Chieftain 36W

[ZigZag03]

Duplicating a post I left on IRV2, I know a lot of folks read both forums but maybe will catch someone new who can help.

I'm probing the small hole in the rear of my engine hatch (pictured, sideways of course) with various size allen wrenches in hopes of catching the release. I've tried quite a few, including the 5/16 and 3/8 that have been suggested elsewhere. I crawled beneath, in hopes of being able to see what I'm trying to operate, to no avail. If I go straight in thru the hole, the wrench contacts something distinctly non-metallic. Below the hole there may be something, but I'm reluctant to tear the fabric further than the existing hole. Anyone have any insight for me and my old Chieftain? Thanks.

 

[Eagle5]

Hi ZigZag03,
On page 9-5 of your Owner's Manual, it appears that an hex wrench is turned just ¼ to the left to unlock the hatch. Does this sound like it?
Eagle5

 

[ZigZag03]

Solved

Yes exactly. It also says to use the included hex wrench, which is long gone, so I was poking various sizes in. Yesterday morning I dropped it off at the shop that will do a roof replacement, and one of the guys showed me that a 5/16 allen key does in fact engage the latch. We left it unlatched so that when I pick it up next week i'll be able to see the mechanism and learn.

 

[Morich]

A great place to gain info on what you have?
https://www.winnebago.com/Files/Files/Winnebago/Service/wincd/2001/1wfl36w.pdf

 

[vfraley]

While you have it off, add some dynamat sound deadening insulation to the underside of the cover. You’ll thank me later.

 

[BCam]

While you have it off, add some dynamat sound deadening insulation to the underside of the cover. You’ll thank me later.

This is a must do item. Dynamat is fairly expensive but less expensive alternatives are available. Just make sure it's meant for engine compartments:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sound+de...or+engine+compartments,aps,182&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

[ZigZag03]

First, thanks to all, and to Morich, I appreciate the diagram and link. As for the sound deadening, to you both I say thank you and I'll be doing this for sure.

Still waiting to pick up the old girl from her salon visit for haircut, went with Flex Armor here at the local installer, South Florida RV Solutions. Very nice people to deal with, the roof is prepped and ready, they're just waiting on a shipment of goop!