Engine Mounts

[Richard Boyer]

My engine mounts are about shot and I have purchased some replacements.

In the interest of pure laziness, is there a sneaky easy way to replace them, or do I need to unhook everything and pull the engine?

Thanks,

Richard Boyer
N95701

[VictorBravo]

Re: Engine Mounts

You can use a hoist to carefully take the weight off the bolts, slide the bolts out, move the engine forward by hand a few inches and pop out the forward mount cone then replace it with a new one. USUALLY you don't have to disconnect everything, but it will depend on how your throttle, carb heat, fuel line, etc is clamped to the airframe. IMHO it is easier to disconnect the fuel line from the bottom of the carb, and remove the safety wire or Ty-Raps or clamps that hold some of the cables and wires. The upper rear baffle usually gets in the way more than anything else, but you only need a few inches of movement to get those cones in. Make sure to do a thorough inspection of the engine mount bolts at this time.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Engine Mounts

good thought on the bolts. I will probably remove the lines. Every time I try and short cut it bites me in the arse. I was eyeing the baffling last night, that is going to be a pain.

What is TOTALLY irritating is that I put a major gasket kit and rings in it about a year ago. I had mentally noted to put new mounts in then. What the heck??? I am starting to notice that 'mental' notes are usually ignored. Like, "Take out the Garbage" and "Mow the Lawn".

Richard Boyer
N95791

[Robert Lees]

Re: Engine Mounts

I assume you will need to disconnect the engine ground wire. You do have an engine ground wire, don't you?

Engine mount bolts are pennies...replace them because you are there. Non-nylock nuts will be required, so either pinned or "deform" nuts. Put some lubricant on the bolts to (a) prevent corrosion and (b) the very low torque across the rubber mounts means the bolt threads should be lubricated for accurate torque. I use Waxoil, but any suitable grease would do.

My own experience is that by the time you have disconnected the oil pressure line, the carb and cabin heat and throttle cables, etc, you might as well remove the whole thing.

The only question is "do I remove the exhaust and strip/inspect/repaint the engine mount whilst I am here?"

Rob

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Engine Mounts

Richard,
When are you planning to change out the mount?

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Engine Mounts

Mark,

Well................ I got bored last night and did it.

BUT, after reading VB and Rob's posts, I am going to go ahead and replace the bolts. I have to get some first though......

why?

Richard Boyer
N95791

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Engine Mounts

Well, I was just thinking about where to fly this weekend...Georgetown is not too far...but now that you are done... maybe I should go to the Conroe fly-in.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Engine Mounts

You are still more than welcome to stop by! I'm sure I could find something to "fix"!!!

Richard Boyer
N95791