Front Motor Mounts

[River's Revenge]

Here's a question for the forum....

I have a 4 clyinder inline gm engine in my boat. 140 hp on a 16 foot. My question is what is the significance of the two mounts in the front. They are basically wood lag screws that go into the deck. As time goes on from taking them out and putting them back in (engine removal) they will eventually strip out. Or at least not provide the secured feel that you get from tightening them up for the first time.

What are these really for.??? The majority of the weight is on the stern or aft motor mounts. Do these front mounts just provide a stable platform for any Torque that may occur? Also what would happen if they were loose over time? Or if one was missing.. I kinda know the answer just polling the forum...

Thanks

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

what would happen if they were loose over time?

the front of the engine moves around, thus throwing off the left/right alignment of the drive coupler between the engine and drive, and the coupler takes the strain and fails

 

[cr2k]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

What he said.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

for some reason I assumed Mercruiser. my comments were for Mercruiser, OMC Cobra etc

but, If it's an OMC stringer mount drive, the front mounts and the rears transmit all engine power to the boat to propel it.

Loose lag bolts can mean the engine will try to cosy up to the captain on takeoff and the boat will eventually sink.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

Here's a question for the forum....

I have a 4 clyinder inline gm engine in my boat. 140 hp on a 16 foot. My question is what is the significance of the two mounts in the front. They are basically wood lag screws that go into the deck. As time goes on from taking them out and putting them back in (engine removal) they will eventually strip out. Or at least not provide the secured feel that you get from tightening them up for the first time.

What are these really for.??? The majority of the weight is on the stern or aft motor mounts. Do these front mounts just provide a stable platform for any Torque that may occur? Also what would happen if they were loose over time? Or if one was missing.. I kinda know the answer just polling the forum...

Thanks

The front and rear mounts should have the same amount of weight on them. If the front mounts are on the side, then they carry more weight.
As far as what they do, they hold the front motor mount to the mount that is glassed to the hull.
If they are getting loose from what ever, remove them and install new larger ones. when you cant do that any more you can epoxy the holes and re drill new holes for new bolts. Or install some sort of a molly to keep them tight. Its never a hopless cause.

 

[River's Revenge]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

I'm with ya Biffle, I poured some gorrila wood glue in there and drove a short section of wood dowel down there. Once dried, I drilled a pilot hole and remounted lag bolts. they tightened up nicely. I do like the drill out and install something like a heli coil idea. And I agree... never a lost cause.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

I'm with ya Biffle, I poured some gorrila wood glue in there and drove a short section of wood dowel down there. Once dried, I drilled a pilot hole and remounted lag bolts. they tightened up nicely. I do like the drill out and install something like a heli coil idea. And I agree... never a lost cause.

Thanks

Ayuh,... Now that you've got the front mount tightened up,...
You otta pull the drive to see how far Out of alignment the motor is....

 

[River's Revenge]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

Thanks for the positive vibes there Bondo. I'll put a dial indicator on it and bet it hasn't moved.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front Motor Mounts

I'll put a dial indicator on it and bet it hasn't moved.

Ayuh,... It's done with an Alignment bar,... Bet it Has,...