So my friends car front motor mount was completely destroyed and took it out to replace. I did jack the engine up a bit (there seems to be conflicting info on if that is necessary for the front mount). At any rate the mount came off fairly easily, I got the new one which I have triple checked (but may take a run to the Honda dealer to verify against the factory part) and I think I have the correct replacement front motor mount. However, when I went to put it back in, the motor bracket (not the mount itself..it went on fine), but the bracket is sitting about 2 inches higher than it should be to line up the bolts for the bracket on the engine itself.

Is that because I need to jack the engine up further? (I have jacked it up under the oil pan and am not seeing enough vertical movement to align the holes (keep in mind I have not clue what the condition is of the other motor mounts). If not how can I get the holes to align?

 

If old mount was heavily damaged, it may have been out of position when you removed and needs jacking to realign to correct position.

Make sure you have correct part by comparing new mount to old part.

Rear mount can be inspected from passenger side of vehicle w/ a good light. Have trusted assitant place car in drive w/ emergency brake set and foot firmly on brake pedal. Goose throttle to 1500-2000 rpms and observe rear mount for excess movement. Repeat in reverse (this is usual palce where excess lift is observed). I was able to see damaged parts when I did this.

good luck

 

TexasHonda:

out of curiousity how would you perform same test for a manual, as you can't load the engine by going from drive / reverse?

 

Yes, you can. That's purpose of clutch. Rev to 1500-2000, and partially engage clutch, just briefly to load engine motor mounts. Here someone fairly skilled in MT use is essential and ebrake needs to be holding good. Use 2nd and Reverse gears.

good luck

 

If you don't trust someone to do that without running you over, another way is to grab the valve cover & shake the engine.