Engine mountings

[John Larkin]

I have just received two new engine mountings. The horizontal distance between the centrelines of the engine block bolt holes on the carburettor side is 69mm versus 66mm on the exhaust side (see photo). Is this right? I always thought that the hole pattern was the same on each side of the engine block.

John Larkin.

[alexblack13]

Hi...
The mounts are different. The reason is to 'tilt' the engine slightly towards the left (nearside). This allows the carbs / airbox to clear the footwell area beneath the carbs etc. The 'higher' mount goes on the carb side.

Alex B...

[garyeanderson]

Hi...
The mounts are different. The reason is to 'tilt' the engine slightly towards the left (nearside). This allows the carbs / airbox to clear the footwell area beneath the carbs etc. The 'higher' mount goes on the carb side.

Alex B...

The Weber headed engine in Elan's use different mounts to raise the carbs off the foot box on the RHS.
Stromberg head engine in Elans use the same mounts
I believe Plus 2 use the same mounts on both sides either weber or stomberg - someone correct me if I am wrong on the plus 2 info

[gjz30075]

John, does the mount line up with the holes in the block? I'm not near a block to measure but I, too, think the horizontal distance between the holes are the same for both sides of the block.

Greg Z

[ElliottN]

John,

The bolt pattern is identical both sides of the block.
I've had my mounts off/on a few times and put the mounts back on the wrong sides the first time.
Sorry, can't tell you the hoizontal gap on the block but one of your mounts is 3 mm out.
rgds,

[types26/36]

As Elliot says the mounting holes are identical on both sides but I always check and "adjust" the mounting faces by trying it on a spare engine block to make sure the holes line up, it can be difficult to fit the mounting if the holes are slightly out. The mountings are mass produced and are not a precise item due to their nature (bonded rubber) and as such quality control is not always as it should be.
Just a note on Garys post.....while the Weber/Deloto engine does have a rasied mounting on the carb side, I believe if the car has a Spyder chassis then it takes identical mountings even on the WeberlDeloto engine.

[oldelanman]

Hole centres on a spare mount I've got are 67mm. It's not a critical dimension as these are clearance holes and you will probably find that both will fit OK. If not you can open the holes out slightly.

[garyeanderson]

As Elliot says the mounting holes are identical on both sides but I always check and "adjust" the mounting faces by trying it on a spare engine block to make sure the holes line up, it can be difficult to fit the mounting if the holes are slightly out. The mountings are mass produced and are not a precise item due to their nature (bonded rubber) and as such quality control is not always as it should be.
Just a note on Garys post.....while the Weber/Deloto engine does have a rasied mounting on the carb side, I believe if the car has a Spyder chassis then it takes identical mountings even on the WeberlDeloto engine.

Brian, that is correct, Spyder uses the same mount (the lower cost one) on both side of all chassis they manufacture.

[cocky]

I spoke to a reputable dealer a few months ago about engine mounts. I wanted to order a carby side one and he said to hold off as they only had the last of a bad batch in stock and they had had a lot of failures. Did anybody have that experience?
Chris

[CBUEB1771]

I always thought that the hole pattern was the same on each side of the engine block.

You are quite right. Unfortunately many of the replacement parts we depend on seem to be made in tin shacks in remote areas of the third world. Many of the parts retailers use their clients (you and me) as their incoming inspection department. I have resorted to using the reinforced engine and gearbox mounts from TTR (RD Enterprises in the US). At least these items seem to undergo some inspection prior to being reinforced.