Replacing Engine Mounts and Checking Alignment

When engine mounts need replacement, start by inspecting the engine while waiting for the new mounts to arrive. Repair water, oil, and coolant leaks first because those problems can deteriorate the elastomer of new engine mounts.

Before removing mounts

• Inspect the exhaust mixer elbow for leaks.
• Clean the engine mount beds where possible.
• Mark the engine bed and engine mounting arm so measurements can be duplicated.
• Measure each mount height above the engine bed and record the dimensions on a sketch.
• Use a rust-breaking solvent on mount bolts and nuts before removal.

Replacement and alignment checks

Mark the two halves of the shaft coupling before removing coupling bolts. Separate the coupling halves before raising the engine, and replace one mount at a time so the engine remains supported.

Install each new mount in the same orientation as the old mount, clean the engine bed, and leave bed bolts loose enough for alignment. After all four mounts are installed, let the engine sit for a day or so before final alignment because the elastomer can compress.

Restore engine height with the recorded measurements, clean both shaft-coupling faces, and use a feeler gauge to align horizontally and vertically. The source guideline is less than one thousandth of an inch per inch of coupling diameter, or within 0.004 thousandths of an inch for a four-inch coupling.

Final checks

• Repeat vertical and horizontal alignment checks several times.
• Check all engine mount bolts for tightness before starting the engine.
• Run the engine in gear across a range of RPMs in forward and reverse while checking for vibration.
• Shut the engine down and re-check all bolts and nuts for tightness.

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