Need help with engine cover support struts

[Trucky]

The gas filled spring lifts on my 99 210SD just don't hold the engine cover up any more. They are Attwood SpringLift Model SL-34-20. From what I can see online those should be 20lb lifts. I picked up a pair from the auto parts store thinking any 20lb strut should probably work since they use a standard 10mm socket. The new ones don't hold the hatch up any better than the old ones so I'm looking for ideas before I go and start swapping parts. 20lbs seems light, even in a pair so I'm not sure if I should just try 50 or 80lb struts.

I know they need to be the right force or else the hatch could fly open at the wrong time.

Any thoughts?

 

[CliffA]

do you happen to have a parts manual for your boat?....if so the description of the struts in the manual may give you the strength of the struts...i downloaded a parts manual for my boat from the Sea Ray archives on their web site....

cliff

 

[Trucky]

Thanks for the pointer...

My parts manual gives me: 35 826305 CYLINDER, GAS 40PSI 20"EXT X 12"COMP
So I guess the Attwoods were put on later and maybe never did work right.

 

[Trucky]

I'm picking up a pair of 50lb struts today. I know the parts manual call for 40lb so my hope is the hatch won't pop open like all those toilet seat lids in No Time for Sargeants.

 

[Trucky]

Just in case anyone else is searching on this the 50lb struts worked perfect. It takes enough effort in the first 6" to know it will stay seated but then the lifts take over and hold up the cover very nicely. It's about a 3 minute job to swap the struts.

 

[fasttoys7619]

going up to a 50 pound strut I would install a safety strap , I did the same replacement on a previous boat , got into some rough water , boat caught air and from the bounceing the hatch came open just enough for the wind to help those stronger struts, needless to say my hatch broke loose from the hinges and ended up behind me in the water , I was not happy , ended up using nylon strapping with snapps ,one on each side

 

[Gsbuick65]

Just in case anyone else is searching on this the 50lb struts worked perfect. It takes enough effort in the first 6" to know it will stay seated but then the lifts take over and hold up the cover very nicely. It's about a 3 minute job to swap the struts.

wouldnt have the part # anymore?