QuestionWell I am in a quandry. I set out to replace my motor mounts myself and have apparently bit off more than I can chew. I was told by a manual and a mechanic that it could be done without taking the engine out, but just lifting it about 3-4 inches up. I rented an engine hoist and right off the bat I had issues with where to put the hoist (ie mount it to the engine to hoist it). I may have screwed up one of my valve covers because the chain wrapped too far around and apparently moved the seal. We'll see...but for now I am still here with my engine hoist and I can't get to the other 2 bolts that hold the engine mounts on from under the car. I have it on jackstands but that's as High as i could get it.
My main question is how to get to the bolts that are so hard to get to. Esp. the one that is surrounded by metal flanges? is there a specific way to do this other than taking it in to a shop?
I already have the main bolts off, I just can't get to the bolts that have the upper part of the mount attached to the engine.
How far can I pull up on the engine before things start to go bad?
Should I have detached the exhaust manifold?
Many questions?
Thankyou a response ASAP would be much appreciated.
AnswerHello Scott,
You didn't say what engine you have, but both should be able to replace the mounts without more than just lifting the engine.
On a four cylinder, there is a heat shield that needs to be removed, but after that, on either, you just remove the through bolt, then raise a little further and unbolt from the engine.
As you are lifting the engine, make sure you don't squeeze anything like the distributor cap, against the firewall.
If by lifting the engine, you crushed the valve cover, are you sure you need motor mounts?
You might want to run down to a salvage yard, and see if they will show you an engine like it out of the vehicle, so you can check how the fasteners are reached. They are usually a pretty good bunch of guys, so explain your quandry.
Van
