Engine Twist - Type R
 

During my disappointing time at the rolling road, the engine was twisting a large amount when under load - so much in fact that the exhaust moved enough to contact a gear selecter cable and the handbrake cable, both of which were originally tied well out of the way. At one point the engine twisted so much it pulled the exhaust out of one of the rubber hangers!

The engine is currently held bythe standard type r mounts on the engine and gearbox sides, and the supplied 'tie rod' which I thought was meant to prevent this: unlike the early Rovers it is a 20mm ish diameter bar with a tube at the lower end which mounts into a bracket bolted onto the chassis (newer chassis may have this welded on) and a 'yolk' which bolts through a big rubber bush fixed to the engine/gearbox.

Have others modified this setup, or is a large amount of twist under load 'normal'?

Thanks
Tim

You're using the marlin nearside and offside mounts, in combination with the marlin bar connected to the OEM gearbox/engine mount?

The Honda OEM front rubber is too soft for use on its own, hence the OEM install takes the bulk of the torque through the large rear mount.

I don't know what others have done, but I have used two polyurethane rear mounts, in combination with a modified marlin nearside mount, and the supplied marlin offside mount.

My engine barely moves - it is near impossible to induce movement by hand.

Driveshaft angles are another concern if you have an engine that is very mobile.

You're right - that's the setup that I have, and as you suggested it seems to be the front rubber being too flexible.

Where have you attached your rear mounts? Do you have photos or a sketch? Most of the back of my engine is taken up with exhaust!

Thanks for your help
Tim

Eh up, where in Dorset are you? It might be easier for you to come and have a nosey around my car, rather than send pictures / write comments on the board.

I live just outside of Dorchester, but work in Bournemouth.

Have car, can travel!

Where abouts are you? It would be good to have a look at another car!

Cheers
Tim

I'm near Wimborne.

Hmm. That's interesting - and nice and close.

It would be good to come and visit you at some point, or if you preferred (and wanted to give the 5Exi a run) you could come and visit me. Do you mind if I PM you and perhaps we can organise something?

Tim

By all means drop me a PM. I need to fix / replace the starter motor before I drive the car anywhere - can't rely on always being able to park on a hill / sods laws states I'd stall the car somewhere really inconvenient! :D