Impossible to diagnose without more info. Take it to a gunsmith. Impossible to diagnose without more info. Take it to a gunsmith.
Part or parts malfunction. Get to a gun smith.
check the frame/receiver/barrel Just got done cleaning one and it was under the lever, open the lever and get some good light
The serial number should be on the lower tang, under the lever. Open the lever and look where it meets the tang.
Shake your device to extinguish the fire. Press on the burnt sticks and pick up the lever underneath. Move the left potted plant and put the lever into the hole. Press the lever and the door will open. See related link for screenshots.
I have a very similar problem. The latch the holds the hood closed sticks and actually the lever inside the car sticks in the open position as well.. To fix it, i just take a screw driver and pop the lever near the hood back into place. Up to this point any lubrication has not worked to have the lever run smoothly without getting stuck.
The 2 Reasons I can think of are a Weak Plunger Spring, bad plungeror too Hot of a Load in the Gun.
That model (Marlin model 336 RC) began it's manufacturing run in 1946. Can't say about the 1870 part of your question. The serial number in the RC is located UNDER the stock, aft of the trigger (with the lever open).
lever
lever
I have one of these guns given to me by my father, he had it appraised around the early 80' s it was valued at $650 At that time.
A lever in a bathroom can flush your toilet or open a faucet.
Push the lever and the door will open.