engine cover question

[renogang]

I have a 350C. What is supposed to go between the hood and the engine side shields? There is like a 4 inch gap between the two? I see some mount tabs.

Thanks, RandyI

[LeonardL]

That gap is normal. Not sure why Deere left this completely open but they did. The side shields slip into a couple of slots or tabs at the front and have two bolts that secure them at the back towards the operator. I know the purpose is for air flow and this gap allows air to be pulled in and blown out through the radiator. Other manufacturers just vented the side shields and still had some protection covering the motor and its sub components. Later machines were covered and vented. 350s always had this design and the 450s did as well up to a certain point. I don't remember when they finally covered the sides on the 450s. I know the 450E had covered sides but I don't recall how far back it went before they decided to cover them up.

[Jim B]

Agree with Leonard.

The only tabs I think of are the tab on each side, near the front, with a hole in them that hangs down from under the hood. The front hood latches are supposed to lock into those. There is a hole in each side of the cowl, below the rear of the hood, for the rear hood latches to lock into.

[renogang]

Ok well that helps, the gap is suppose to he there. Second thing my hood has no latches so that explains the tabs holes i was seeing that made me think a panel was missing. Now where the heck do i find some latches?
Thanks Randy

[Jim B]

Check with Lavoy (postmaster@jdcrawlers.com or call 701-361-1006 during CST business hours), he might be able to help you with them.