Front hood latch rattle

[theoldwizard1]

So I have had my Mercury 115 4 Stroke for over 10 years and have not come up with a good solution. The front hood latch rattles when it is closed.. It is a very ringy noise and make you want to think there is something wrong with the engine.

Suggestions ?

 

[Dekker500]

Is the gasket around the hood in good shape, and in the proper location? Is the latch's spring holding tight? If it is a manual pull, is the handle rattling? Can you settle the rattle by placing your hand on the engine? If so, try to find the area that settles it most, and try to work it out from there. Is it possible there is actually something rattling around in the bottom of the housing (something broke loose)?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Is the gasket around the (base of the) hood in good shape, and in the proper location?

Yes

Is the latch's spring holding tight?

The latch appears to be an "over-center" cam design. Once, the lever goes "over center" it snaps into place and is loose.

Can you settle the rattle by placing your hand on the engine?

No. But you can hold the lever in its "locked" position and it does not rattle. Funny thing is it does NOT rattle at idle or low RPM, Only mid rtange to WOT (>2500)

Is it possible there is actually something rattling around in the bottom of the housing (something broke loose)?

Nope.