NEED HELP: Installing Engine/Motor Mounts & Need to Move Engine

[ShortE36]

How do I do this? Basically I'm replacing the motor mounts as they're both ripped and severed. Problem is, the engine has shifted over to the left a bit and when I put the new mounts in, I can't easily line it up as the jack I'm using is a typical hyrdaulic floor jack so I can't exactly shift it.

Other problem I'm having is that because I need to shift the engine over a bit, going from the oil pan, I can't raise the engine evenly. It's being raised more towards the driver side. I could use another jack but I still need to shift the engine once it gets up and I can imagine that's about impossible with 2 jacks. I tried doing it one side at a time but the other mount (the old one) stops me from shifting too far because the top part of the mounting surface is rubbing up against the rubber mount.

Any ideas???

[angel318ti]

you need to lift it from the top. there are two hooks on the engine that allow you to lift it evenly. since the engine is slanted it will never be raised evenly from the bottom. Get a cherry picker or an overhead crane. Or pay somebody to do it. Once the engine is centered it shouldn't take no more than 1 hour to complete.

[cooljess76]

Make sure that you didn't crack your oil pan. It's generally not a good practice to jack an engine up from the oil pan because it's made of aluminum and is not designed to support the weight of the motor. If you used a block of wood to even out the load, you should be okay, however jerking it from side to side while it's suspended is not a good idea. I agree with angel in that a engine hoist is the best route. Even if you only lift it using the front eyelet, you should still be able to maneuver it enough to replace the motor mounts.

[ShortE36]

I tried the wood approach, using a 1x6 piece of maple about 2 feet long. This wasn't getting me anywhere only because the jack pad would throw it off against the oil pan. I wasn't jacking it up squarely against the oil pan as I was trying to center it. So instead I went with a typical bath towel. Just wrapped it up as much as possible and used it as padding between the jack pad and the oil pan/engine. But yea - it's not really getting me anywhere. I've been able to move it a bit but not enough. Calling up the rental place now to see if they have the hoist. Thanks guys.

[cooljess76]

Also you may want to loosen the transmission mounts to prevent damaging them and or the aluminum bracket they're attached to. You shouldn't have to mess with the exhaust, just be careful not to lift it too high while the exhaust and drive shaft is still connected.

[ShortE36]

I'll keep that in mind. I planned on replacing the transmission mounts once I got this taken care of. I think right now it's only elevated about 6-7 inches above where it would normally sit. Only hose that had to get disconnected with the one going to the EGR valve. Other than that - there seems to be plenty of play in most of the hoses.

[M-technik-3]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

Also you may want to loosen the transmission mounts to prevent damaging them and or the aluminum bracket they're attached to. You shouldn't have to mess with the exhaust, just be careful not to lift it too high while the exhaust and drive shaft is still connected.

Ditto the transmission are most likely failed as well, replacing them will help with poor shifting on standard cars.

[ShortE36]

I basically gave in and called up a body shop just around the corner. The guy sympathized with me and agreed to let me use his lift and cherry picker/chain hoist. I'll have to remove the hood which I didn't really want to do but it seems this is the only way I'm going to get this done. Once it's up on the chain, I should be able to get under the car, install the new ones and move the engine to line it up with the new ones. And since he's letting me use his lift, I'll replace the transmission mounts too.

[ShortE36]

Finally!! Motor mounts are in. Thanks for the suggestion guys.