How to re-tension spring for motor mount

[vdotmatrix]

Garelick #71091 motor mount made in 2007. We noticed that the motor, a 8 HP honda BF8D, was coming down very hard. I pulled the mount off and noticed that the spring was not properly tensioned like the other spring. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can compress this spring and slide the bar underneath it. The other option is to send it back and trade it in for $240 plus shipping each way. I almost got it wedging a small jack inside it and spreading it....the whole thing looks kinda perilous. ANY IDEAS?

from this picture, this is exactly what has happened with the spring: http://www.garelick.com/Aluminum-Auxiliary-Motor-Bracket-For-4-Stroke-Motors#

 

[vdotmatrix]

The spring that came loose

 

[Grub54891]

All I can think of is to cut a couple short pipes to slip over the open end of the spring, short enough to fit between there, push them down and slip the bolt in. You may have to weld a brace to the pipes and put it in a press. Hope this explains it a bit.

 

[vdotmatrix]

All I can think of is to cut a couple short pipes to slip over the open end of the spring, short enough to fit between there, push them down and slip the bolt in. You may have to weld a brace to the pipes and put it in a press. Hope this explains it a bit.

yes....i could find 2 small diameter steel pipes and weld a flat piece across them to make a sort of handle, insert and pull the spring ends down. I cant tell if the spring configuration has it where the ends of the spring or the "middle loop" rests against the bar......

that would take about 100 pounds of force or maybe 50 pounds of force depending on what each spring contributes to the capacity...I think I am screwed...it will cost a lot to ship both ways to MN and I can buy the same mount at West marine for the same price plus tax.

thanks for the response

 

[Sea Rider]

Or buy 2 new springs from manufacturer, so both have same spring tension...

Happy Boating

 

[Grub54891]

Looks like it goes the same way the other one does.

 

[vdotmatrix]

I sent it off for exchange from the Manuf. thanks again everyone.