Engine is OFF-CENTER

[67mgb]

I have a 2000 GTP with 175K miles. I recently had to replace the Oil-Pan, thanks to some dillweedwho used the Oil-Pan to jack-up the car. Anyway, although this was not the most pleasant job it is not the reason for this post.

Shortly after changing the Oil-Pan, I noticed that the Air-Intake Hose between the Engine and the Air Filter Box would not stay connected. Then this weekend, I had to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor. While removing the Drive-Belts I realized that there was very little space between the front of the Engine and the Coolant Recovery Tank. This is when I realized that the cause of the Air-Intake Hose problem must be caused by the whole Engine being OFF-CENTER.
DS.jpgPS-1.jpgPS-2.jpg

This Off-Center offset is not apparent in the Dog-Bones and is probably only ¼" to ½".
DB-1.jpgDB-2.jpg

This must have occurred when I changed the Oil-Pan, but I do not have any ideas about how to fix it.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

[machinegunsquid]

How are the lower motor mount, and the trans mount?? When mine were shot, the engine was way off towards the passenger side.

I'd check inside the passenger wheel well and see how the motor mount looks, and see if the bolts have broken, or are in the process of breaking.

[dsmuts]

Chances are your motor mount is toast.

[Timing]

yup motor mount

[sco77]

I can see it in your dogbone, about a 1/4" or 1/2"

There is little if any adjustment with engine bracket/mount so it is most likely the mount is bad or less likely you might have bent something.

[Scottydoggs]

your lower mounts are shot, i had the same problem.

if you pop the hood and shift it from P to R then to D, and back to R, and the engine is flopping back and fourth, and twisting, theres your issue.

[67mgb]

Thank you all for your prompt response. I agree that the Off-Center appearance could be that the Engine is simply leaning to one side. I had not considered the Front (Passengers-Side) Motor-Mount, because I had it completely out during the Oil-Pan change and it did not look damaged.

Maybe the Off-Center is caused by a combination of tolerances? The Front (Passengers-Side) Motor-Mount is worn. Plus, since I had the Front (Passengers-Side) Motor-Mount Saddle (the connection to the Motor) removed, the slop in the Motor-Mount Saddle mounting holes.

Possibly the solution is to replace the Front (Passengers-Side) Motor-Mount. Along with loosening the bolts connecting Front (Passengers-Side) Motor-Mount Saddle to the Motor. Then jacking the Engine UP before retightening these bolts?

[Scottydoggs]

this is simple. have someone shift it back and fourth, you watch what the engine is doing, if the pass side is moving, the bolts are loose/missing, or the mount is shot.

when you put the new mount in, the weight of the engine is on it, so drop it in, tighten the bolts top and bottom. done.

[coolone]

That slop is the hydraulic fluid from the motor mount which has failed... Replace both mounts, with solid replacements. It's easy, one hour job and will straighten everything out! : )

[Timing]

Advertised solid mounts usually are not even solid mounts, your best bet is to get polly mounts or make some yourself.

[67mgb]

SUCCESS!!

You guys were right, it was the Motor-Mount.

I do not see much change in the clearance on Pulley side of the engine.
But, the Air-Intake Hose does fit better.

Thank You All, for your input.

[blueguy]

I would have replaced both the transmission and motor mount with solid rubber ones if I was in there just doing one.

Also, the link in my signature about modding has a link in it to flip the upper dog bone mounts to limit engine movement even more, and it's free.