Thread: Engine Mounts + Coolant Pipes

Hi there,

Used pohm66's excellent how-to as a guide + removed the fan and shrouds to keep an eye on things (hoses) while lifting the engine. With some assistance from my long-armed 11 yr old son, we had the job done in about 1.5 hours + 1.5 hours looking for a radiator bolt that I can only surmise went into a hole in the front chassis rail (???). Best tools were a 500mm 1/2" drive extension + sidchrome flex/uni thingy - by carefully wiggling through the mess of hoses in front of the turbo I could undo/tighten all nuts bar one from above the engine.

I also changed the gearbox/rear engine mounts at the same time - these were quite straight forward using the LR jack and a block of wood for lifting support.

While I knew the mounts were shot, based on the rubber being flush inside the bottom of the mount, I didn't realise how much of a difference it would make - very nice indeed! I think I'm also hearing/feeling less of an impact when going over sharp road joins and such - perhaps having the engine suspended properly (it's seems to weigh a lot) means those impacts are better cushioned.

However, with the shrouds removed, I noticed what appears to be a tiny, tiny amount of coolant coming from between the two solid coolant pipes running left-right underneath the radiator. Has anyone seen this before? Do the pipes rub together (they seem to be joined)?

cheers,

bidds

No, the pipes are a solid unit - bent and welded in stainless, I think. The whole assy needs to be removed and rewelded/repaired where the leak is.
Check also the thread insert for the drain plug - it may also require reweld. Get a new drain plug washer in any case.

Sitting down? New assy over $500! 2nd hand, last one I got, was $170+gst.

It's a fiddle to get out - you'll need a good steel band clamp remover to make it a bit easier. While you have it apart, replace the thermostat and check the condition of the coolant hoses.

Good luck,

Pete