motor mounts-how to tell when broken

[sd pacecar]

My mechanic told me today that I have a cracked/broken motor mount. What do I need to look for when visually inspecting them? I gave them a quick once over and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Any tips will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Yoda]

Sometimes it is really hard to see if a motor mount is "broke" I know of a sure way to check them. This may not be the most scientific method but it works..

If you have an automatic tranny, start the car keep your LEFT foot on the brake pedal and put the car in Drive and rev the engine a bit, do the same thing in Reverse. If you have a "broke" motor mount the engine will lift off the mounting and probably rub the shroud.

If you have a 4-speed then you need to use the emergency brake to try the test.

I guess another way would be to us a pry bar and see if you could move the engine away from the motor mounts.

Good Luck sd pacecar

 

[vigman]

It's hard to see

The rubber between the two metal pieces tears. When the engine is at rest it squashes the rubber back together and unless you have a SUPER bright light it's very hard to tell.

Do your rocker covers or anything else leak oil
( that's death for rubber parts )

Replace em... how much is he charging?

Mike

ps I agree with Rare's test.

 

[JHL]

After the drivers side on my car bust I made a saddle for my jack to lift the engine so that I could replace it. It was the single most difficult job I have done on it. If you jack up the engine you should be able to see if the rubber is torn.

I knew mine had went when I blasted away from a stoplight, the engine tried to come throught the hood and the car swerved violently to the right, as I backed off the gas the engine banged back down on the torn mount.

You will know it has broken.

J.

 

[Rich80]

Pick up the hood. Start it. Put it in gear and step on the brake. Hit the gas while your foot is on the brake and youll see if the left or right side of the engine lifts up. My drivers side was broken and it would let out a Godawful screetch everytime i jumped on it.

 

[sd pacecar]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I did the brake torque test. In drive, the engine moved slightly, nothing that would indicate to me the mount is broken. In reverse, even less movement. I think they are trying to f-with me. This has happened before. When I did all the upgrades to my car, I was told the starter or flexplate was bad and my intake gaskets were leaking coolant down the back of the block. I trusted these guys because they came recommended from a former co-worker at a local Vette dealer.
Let's face it, they are trying to hose me. I guess it is time to check back with the very first Vette dealer who sold me my 84. I am tired of this crap.ad

 

[Evolution1980]

I think they are trying to f-with me. This has happened before.

Well, if they want your business, I'd simply ask them how them how they could tell it was broken. And then have them show you. They will either show you or act real funny, kinda like the way one acts when caught in a lie!