Lift engine to fix an engine mount?

[rigspelt]

Engine mount under the water pump is rusted. I hope to be able to clean it up as is (and plan to replace the leaking water pump that caused the problem), but is there a method for lifting the engine off the 4 mounts if I need to consider such a thing? Say by inflating a bladder of some kind underneath and then blocking it up temporarily? The prop shaft is out for routine maintenance.

[Phil]

You can certainly use a basketball to lift the engine quit easily. You can then block it to support it while you work on the mount.

[rigspelt]

You can certainly use a basketball to lift the engine quit easily. You can then block it to support it while you work on the mount.

What kind of pump does one use?

[Jim Booth]

The basketball trick sounds neat.

I used an automotive hydraulic floor jack with straps, resting on a couple wood beams across the top of the companionway hatch. I could adjust it quite easily with hydraulics. I used it to align the prop shaft after replacing the cutless bearing. I can slide the prop shaft in or out easily so I think I got it in straight. That wasn't the case before adjusting.

Jim

[David Masury]

I used the 2/4's across the companionway trick, but use a comealong to lift the engine.... that way there was no balancing act with the jack. The engine just hung there easily.

David

[rigspelt]

What kind of pump does one use?

A friend and I both have air compressors for our home shops. He loaned me a tire inflation fitting that accepts needles for various types of inflation applications, like sports balls. That will do the trick, should I decide to lift the engine.

[ronc]

I recently acquire a boat with same motor mount under the water pump issue and insurance company wants fixed pronto. I do my basic engine work but have not messed with shafts and the connection to the A4. Can I replace a motor mount with the boat in the water (V-drive)?

Should I let a A4 mechanic do the job. I live in Baltimore and don't know of any particular mechanics that are good.

[Don Moyer]

In the Baltimore Annapolis area, we've been referring customers to a mechanic that lives and works out of Shady Side MD by the name of Will Sibley. You
can email Will here (shadyside1190@comcast.net).

Don