Quantum door latch

[phile@stpaul.gov (Philip J Ethier)]

I'm back on the list.  Because I need help, natch.  I GIVE advice on
other lists...

My '87 Quantum Syncro has developed an annoying habit of refusing to let
me open the right rear door.

Both the inside and outside handles seem to be affected.  
The outside handle seems to have the trigger stuck in a way.  
The inside handle seems to operate though most of its range with no
resistance or effect.

Sometimes after driving (or heeling the outside handle with my hand) it
will open.  I took one of these opportunities to remove the inside door
panel and look around.  I could not find anything wrong and it continued
to work fine for a while afterward.  Now it is back to its old tricks.

I am beginning to think I missed the boat here and that I should have
removed the outside door handle and checked it out.  Could the problem be
that the trigger in the outside door handle is stuck and causing this?

Or is it more likely that it is a problem in the latch mechanism itself?

BTW, my teenaged friend Don brought round a car someone is trying to sell
him.  A 1979 Porsche 924 for $2500 USA.  The clutch and maybe driveshaft
make an awful grinding sound.  The body and leather look great.  I told
him that he should give it a wave-off, as the mechanical problem could eat
him alive at Porsche parts prices.

Oh.  "What's that got to do with the price of lug bolts in Taiwan?"  The
door handles on the 924 look identical to the Syncro's...

phile@stpaul.gov