Raise Your W463 Engine Hood Higher for Easier Engine Accessibility

For better access to the Mercedes W463 Gwagon engine bay, and to keep the engine hood securely in a fully open position, you can install another ball-stud mount for the hood strut support. This will raise the hood higher than the stock position, giving you more space to work in the area of the engine bay closest to the firewall.

When more access is needed for maintenance or cleaning, simply un-clip the hood strut from its original position at the bottom, and insert it onto the added “Maintenance Position” ball-stud.

Installation time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

What You Will Need:

VTS-7133 Metric Ball Stud Set

You can raise your W463 engine hood higher

for easier access by using the vehicle’s built-in service position feature or by installing an additional “maintenance position” ball-stud mount for the hood strut.

Using the Built-in Service Position to raise your W463 engine hood higher

Most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the W463 G-Class, have a service position that allows the hood to open almost to a full 90-degree angle, providing a large workspace and full access to the engine bay.

Open the Hood Normally: Open the hood using the interior release lever and the secondary safety latch at the front. The hood will open to its standard, approximately 45-degree angle.
Locate the Release Mechanism: Look at the hood hinges or the hood strut itself, as the exact mechanism varies by model year.
- On many models, there is a small red button on the hood strut piston or mounting point that you need to push.
- On other variations, there might be a small tab or a secondary locking point on the hinge mechanism that you need to push back or swing out.
Extend the Hood: While engaging the release mechanism, lift the hood further up. It will slide past its normal stop and lock securely into the fully vertical service position.

To return the hood to its normal closing position, you typically lift it slightly, disengage the release mechanism again (often by pushing the tab back or slightly wiggling the strut), and then slowly lower it until it latches.

Installing a Second Ball-Stud Mount

For older models without a built-in service position, an aftermarket modification can achieve a similar result.

The Modification: This involves installing another ball-stud mount for the hood strut in a higher location on the firewall or inner fender area.
Usage: When you need extra space, you simply unclip the hood strut from its original lower mounting point and re-clip it onto the added “Maintenance Position” ball-stud. This raises the hood higher than the stock position, giving you more room to work near the firewall.

In addition to the methods previously mentioned, here are further details and considerations to raise your W463 engine hood higher

1. Verification of the Service Position Mechanism

The exact location of the service position release can differ.

Check the Owner’s Manual: Always the first step. The manual will detail the exact procedure and location of the release mechanism for your specific model year.
Visual Inspection of the Strut: The most common mechanism is a red release button on the main hood strut (gas spring).
Hinge Mechanism Inspection: If a button isn’t present on the strut, look closely at the hinge apparatus itself where it connects to the hood or the body. There is usually a small, pivoting piece of metal that acts as the stop. Flipping or sliding this piece will allow the hinge to travel further.

2. The Ball-Stud Modification (Aftermarket Solution Details)

If your specific W463 does not have the integrated service stop, adding a second mounting point is a straightforward modification.

Parts Needed: You will need a standard Mercedes ball-stud mount (readily available from parts suppliers) and a bolt/nut/washer set.
Installation:
- Identify a suitable, structurally sound location on the inner fender or firewall, higher up the line of travel of the hood strut.
- Ensure the new position does not interfere with other components (wiring, hoses, etc.) when the hood is in either the normal closed or fully open service position.
- Drill a hole and securely bolt the new ball-stud mount in place.
Usage Caution: This method relies on manually moving the strut. Ensure the strut clips are robust enough for repeated unclipping and re-clipping without breaking.

3. Alternative Tools and Techniques

Pneumatic Hood Props: For workshop use, professional pneumatic hood props are adjustable poles that can hold the hood securely at any desired height, offering maximum flexibility.
Hood Removal: For extensive engine work (like a full swap or major engine rebuild), the easiest and safest method might be simply removing the hood entirely. The W463 hood is relatively easy to unbolt at the hinges with two people.

Important Safety and Best Practices how to raise your W463 engine hood higher

Secure the Hood: The service position is designed to be secure, but for safety, always ensure it is locked firmly in place before working underneath the hood. A falling hood can cause serious injury.
Strut Condition: Ensure your hood struts are in good working condition. Weak struts can make engaging the service position difficult and present a safety risk.
Clear the Area: Be mindful of overhead obstructions when raising the hood to its full vertical position, especially in garages with low ceilings.