Stan,
I've just done this with lots of help from the list. My front monts had
sagged and I replaced them with teh TRF no-sag version. But removing the fan
belt - to get it to clear the steering rack - was what might be refered to a
"challenge" in polite society or as a @^#$!#&%&#$ in normal vernacular. This
would have been independent of whether the mounts had sagged or not.
Method:
cut the old belt - the Gordian knot method.
disconnect the battery and remove the alternator
remove the tubular cross-memeber (jack under lower cross-memeber makes this
easier)
Jack up the engine (after removing the mounts bolts entirely) so that the
damper moves up relative to the rack at least 1 inch.
The belt still doesn't clear. I have '76 so it's a 1/2" belt. Might be
better with the older 3/8" belts.
Remove spark plugs (!)
Smear some liquid detergent on the new belt.
Wedge the new belt into the space between damper and rack.
Turn over engine slowly and feed belt until belt pops into place. You do need
the engine raised for this part.
Then, simply
install new mounts (if applicable)
lower engine
replace tubular cross-member (a jack under the lower frame crossmember
relieves the strain to make it easier)
install alternator
adjust fan belt (note that this is the only step required for normal motor
cars
replace spark plugs
attach battery
Hope this never happens on the road.
Apparently it's not just me. The ever-helpful list had lots of experience
with this procedure, so don't feel alone.
George Loriot
1976 TR6
________________________________
From: owner-6pack@autox.team.net on behalf of Greg Perry
Sent: Sat 12/8/2007 9:55 AM
To: 6pack@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: [6pack] Motor mounts and fan belt removal
Stan,
I do not know how quickly the engine mounts sag. I do know that TRF has
engine
mounts advertised not to sag that are a product of United Kingdom. I have
just
replaced my motor mounts for the third time in 26 years this week! The
previous
set sagged too soon in my opinion. (I had to lift up the engine to replace
the
belt at the following belt change after changing the mounts). I decided to
save
my money and live with it. I lived with it until my non stock fan started
chirping
at certain rpm's when the fan nicks the bottom of the radiator tank edge.
(No
harm to the radiator) Others may know more than I do about the sagging motor
mounts.
Greg Perry
-----Original Message-----
>From: "Foster, Stan" <stan.foster@hp.com>
>The odd thing is that I replaced all of the engine mounts within the last 12
months. Do they deteriorate that quickly ?
>Stan
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