Let me out!!! Door latch question.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

OK,
  My door works just fine without the inner door panel on. When the panel is on, I feel like I'm in a tug-of-war with an 800 pound gorrila to open it. I've just been reaching outside and using the outside handle to open the door. I don't see any way to adjust the rod/ linkage. Apparently the door panel puts pressure on it, thus causing my problem. The rod/ linkage doesn't have much play in it at all, so moving it isn't an option. Anyone else run into this Any help would be appreciated. 

  Mike

[ShelbyDogg]

Mike, I just had doors apart rebuilding window bushings and remember the 2 rods, lock and door, going through rope type sleeves on the inside of the hole. can you see where the door panel would be squeezing on the rods? The only thing in the middle are the 2 door handle screws, the lock handle and door handle.  Does it happen AFTER you tighten the 2 door handle screws?
Rob

[Bullitt-]

Mike, I've never had the problem but I just went I played with my door latch a little to see what happens. The inner handle rod didn't seem to have any effect. I tried holding on to it in the normally closed & with it pushed back like when opening the door, in both cases the outer handle easily opened the latch. When I held on the the lock rod pushing it back the door latch opened but much more slowly, without the definite click heard before. Maybe there is interference or extra resistance on the inner lock mechanism when the panel is on.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Thanks for responding guys. I believe my trouble is pressure being put on that rope sleeve. I will loosen up those 2 large door handle screws and see where that gets me. 


  Mike

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Success!!!      

I was in the right church, but sitting in the wrong pew.  I messed with that thing for about an hour today before I figured it out. The door panel was not putting pressure on the rod sleeve when I looked down inside. It just killed me that the door would open sooo easily without the door panel on.  Then I noticed how difficult it was for me to put the interior door handle on each time. Yep, the old light bulb went on in my head.  Even though these are original door panels, for some reason the inner door handle was being restricted by the cutout in the door panel. I had to trim a little of the plastic away from the top of the cutout, and magically my problem disappeared.  I'm just glad this problem didn't cost me any money for a change. 

  Mike

[4Cruizn]

I had a feeling it was something like that!!  Glad you figured it out! 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I had a feeling it was something like that!!  Glad you figured it out! 

Did you notice the part where I said it took me an hour???          

  Mike

[4Cruizn]

Been there  . . . done that!   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It's official... Monday is NOT my best day. 

[daves70]

Yeah, and they're was only 6 minutes between your posts!!!