Installing motor mount
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
From: Santee CA
Installing motor mount
Ok...
We've fought with this, and my father seems to think this is ok, but I don't:
On the driver's side of the engine, the motor mount itself has three 9/16" bolts that go into the block; one of these is supposed to have a power steering pump tensioner bracket bolted through it.
This #@(*^ bolt is giving us problem, because we cannot seem to get it to line up. It's not stripped, but we can't seem to get it to line up. We're fighting clearance issues with this bolt because we can't get the socket on clearly between the mount and the upper A-arm.
I've tried loosening the other bolts to see if I can get a little flex and shift to get the last bolt in; the only other thing I can think is that I need to pull the long center bolt that runs through the mount and connects the motor to the frame. At that point, I can then try to jack up the motor a bit so that I can get some clearance between the upper A-arm and the motor, but I'm not sure that'll help it line up...
Anyone have any other suggestions?
We've fought with this, and my father seems to think this is ok, but I don't:
On the driver's side of the engine, the motor mount itself has three 9/16" bolts that go into the block; one of these is supposed to have a power steering pump tensioner bracket bolted through it.
This #@(*^ bolt is giving us problem, because we cannot seem to get it to line up. It's not stripped, but we can't seem to get it to line up. We're fighting clearance issues with this bolt because we can't get the socket on clearly between the mount and the upper A-arm.
I've tried loosening the other bolts to see if I can get a little flex and shift to get the last bolt in; the only other thing I can think is that I need to pull the long center bolt that runs through the mount and connects the motor to the frame. At that point, I can then try to jack up the motor a bit so that I can get some clearance between the upper A-arm and the motor, but I'm not sure that'll help it line up...
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Originally Posted by Sprzout
... On the driver's side of the engine, the motor mount itself has three 9/16" bolts that go into the block; one of these is supposed to have a power steering pump tensioner bracket bolted through it.
This #@(*^ bolt is giving us problem, because we cannot seem to get it to line up. .....
Anyone have any other suggestions?
This #@(*^ bolt is giving us problem, because we cannot seem to get it to line up. .....
Anyone have any other suggestions?
For clearance you might try to fabricate a SHORT 9/16" socket by cutting a regular size socket down so that the socket depth is JUST fits the bolt head or try one of the "ratcheting" closed end wrenches Sears sells.
I would loosen ALL the power steering bracket to motor bolts and install the offending motor mount bolt FIRST. Then the rear and lower bolts. After the mount is on the engine, lower the motor and install the through bolt.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I had a similar issue on the left side. Spent all day trying to get just one bolt started, The power steering pump bracket was there too. I did everything imaginable, short of lifting the engine with a hoist, which you may have to do. But I stopped, said a short prayer, and the bolt went in using only my fingers to screw it in! The engine hoist would have been my next option. Honest, sometimes you just have to back away and compose yourself.
Bernie
Bernie
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 453
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
I know which bolt you're talking about because I started on my pull project yesterday. To get the bolt out I had to use a wobbly extension and a wrench. It would come out only so far with the wobbly, then I had to use a regular wrench and turn it very little until it came out all the way. I can imagine it being a pain to reinstall. I think you'll have to get it started with your hands then tool it the rest of the way in.
Also make sure you didn't bend that power steering bracket when it was removed from the car. It's a possiblility if things aren't lining up.
Also make sure you didn't bend that power steering bracket when it was removed from the car. It's a possiblility if things aren't lining up.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
From: Santee CA
The problem is that I've got the bolt out, but getting it back in is the issue.
The bolt feels like it's starting to go back in when you put it in with your fingers; when you get it to the point where you need a tool, the bolt will shift and you realize it was binding against the motor mount.
I've got several sets of ratcheting box wrenches, but the problem with those is that they're actually bigger in diameter than a 9/16" socket, and I have no clearance to get the wrench in.
I'm going to give it one more try today (provided the weather allows me to work on it; it rained last night and the car's outside in the driveway. Our garage is filled with another project car that my dad values more than the Vette) before I pull out the engine hoist and leveler, and put that on the motor.
The bolt feels like it's starting to go back in when you put it in with your fingers; when you get it to the point where you need a tool, the bolt will shift and you realize it was binding against the motor mount.
I've got several sets of ratcheting box wrenches, but the problem with those is that they're actually bigger in diameter than a 9/16" socket, and I have no clearance to get the wrench in.
I'm going to give it one more try today (provided the weather allows me to work on it; it rained last night and the car's outside in the driveway. Our garage is filled with another project car that my dad values more than the Vette) before I pull out the engine hoist and leveler, and put that on the motor.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
On the driver's side of the engine, the motor mount itself has three 9/16" bolts that go into the block
No way. They are only 3/8th. I did a set this past winter and can post pictures. I used simple 3/8th cap screws.
After reading the rest of the posts I assume you meant a 9/16th socket?? I found all the drivers side motor mounts are a problem because the transmission mount pulls this mount towards the back. Loosen the transmission mount so it is free to move, push the transmission towards the passengers side and it will free up this mount.
It is simple later to push the tailstock over and reinstall the rear mount.
No way. They are only 3/8th. I did a set this past winter and can post pictures. I used simple 3/8th cap screws.
After reading the rest of the posts I assume you meant a 9/16th socket?? I found all the drivers side motor mounts are a problem because the transmission mount pulls this mount towards the back. Loosen the transmission mount so it is free to move, push the transmission towards the passengers side and it will free up this mount.
It is simple later to push the tailstock over and reinstall the rear mount.
Last edited by norvalwilhelm; Feb 19, 2006 at 02:26 PM.
