engine and drivetrain How Much Is Too Much? Engine

[Dutchie3719]

Im looking at getting a 1974 2002, when I went to look at the car, I noticed that the engine seemed to rotate quite a bit when revved. How much rotation is normal, at what point should the engine mounts be checked?

[Green2k2]

On these cars? they do seem to move more than I'm used to seeing.

however, I do know that they are prone to breakage and short of that they can get loose and allow excessive engine movement.

Also check the tranny and differential mounts as they too get soft and after 35yrs are likely to break.

crap, while you're down there, check all the bushings on the suspension.

they often turn into greasy soft sponges and need replacing.

have fun! play safe!

[Guest]

Im looking at getting a 1974 2002, when I went to look at the car, I noticed that the engine seemed to rotate quite a bit when revved. How much rotation is normal, at what point should the engine mounts be checked?

Rotate or rock? Pitch or yaw? I do not think you can directly compare the engine mounting of different cars since the mounts, their composition, the mounting points and the design of the engine all figure into this mix. You can check the mounts by stressing them and inspecting them. If a mount is bad, the engine movement will tell you hopefully before the telltale marks on the hood.

Polyurethane mounts will naturally restrict the engine movement while rubber is more elastic and will show its age with more flex and fairly obvious cracking. Other cracking may likely occur at the drivers side body attachment point (search the archives). Then there is the third leg of the triangle, the transmission mount - its location and inspection is self explanatory.

This covers the normal course of mounts, although I have seen at least one 02 where someone successfully adapted Japanese hydroelastic mounts. The difference was dramatic. I have also seen the stock rubber mounts modified by a surround of delrin polyurethane, but that may have just been overkill.

When in doubt, change them out.

[Dutchie3719]

Suspension was replaced, but thanks. Will do.

[wagnerf15]

Dude, if they are original, you can probably put your finger through them. If oil-soaked, they'll be even worse. New ones are less than $40 each and well worth the cash.

[BillWilliams]

Send me an e-mail, I and others are in the Maryland area.

[TobyB]

Use that as a negotiation point.

Changing the mounts isn't easy, but it's not a big deal.

If the driver's side mount attachment's broken,

that's a pain to fix. It can be done with the engine in,

but you need to be a good welder and very flexible....

I ached for days after doing it to the blue car.

t