Many Grumman driver complain that their cowlings are hard to latch or unlatch. Some even complain that after unlatching the pins are hard to get out even after cleaning.

When they come into the shop with one, I loosen all the screws in the lower cowling to the nose bowl and the fuselage (bottom and sides). Then I unlatch one side and re-latch it, then repeat for the other side. Then I tighten all the screws by hand. This allows the pieces to naturally fit without stresses that can cause cracking and chaffing.

This is also how I install a lower cowl. Get all the screws in, latch it up and tighten. I think you might like it.

Cheers

Roscoe
Yankee-Aviation.com
513-519-7008