K-SERIES engine mounts

Northern Irelander · Sep 8, 2006

As most of you are already aware, the K-series engine suffers from vibration.

Recently been getting a lot of clunking due to worn lower engine mount at the sump.

Before I replace with the standard mount, has anyone ever replaced the bush with a more solid after market component? I would suspect that this will cause engine harmonics to resonate through the chassis, drone effect. Although would be interested to hear peeps thoughts.

I remember fitting heavy duty engine mounts to old school mini's, they were an after market item from mini sport. They gave so much more efficiency of power to the wheels with a static engine.

Thanks

The Mad Hat Man · Sep 8, 2006

I did see somewhere about engine mounts - particularly the front - I will endevour to find again.

found - quote is taken from http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/thecar/engine/kingk.html

To digress for a moment, the other engine component carried over by Lotus that makes little sense to me is the right-hand side engine mount. This huge rubber bush, called the hydro mount was a replacement for an earlier simpler smaller bush in the front wheel cars, to make Rover saloons more refined. It is surprising to see it carried over to the MGF. Frankly, it is bizarre to use it in the Lotus. The bush is so floppy that it allows a truly massive amount of engine movement in the chassis. This undoubtedly hurts traction, but worse, causes huge weight transfer when cornering. The last thing anyone wants in a race car and I am sure this contributes to the sudden over-steer that the Elise suffers from. Replacing this mount with the original Rover 200 mount not only stiffens the engine mountings but saves a lot of space and weight!

I know this relates to the Elise and MGF, but it would, most likely, still apply to almost any K series. Hope this helps.

Northern Irelander · Sep 8, 2006

Cheers, yes had read that from the website about the K-series.

Was hoping to fit some mod like a polybush or aluminium one,

The problem is the downpipe exhaust hits the front subframe.

Recently fitted a SS downpipe from Rimmers Bros. This contacts with the lower sump/splash guard. The contact is on the front sturdy cross member so dont want to hack bits out of the guard to compensate.

Only 55k on the clock, disappointment that the mount has gone like jelly in no time LOL

The Mad Hat Man · Sep 8, 2006

mite be worth asking manufacturers polybush etc if they do summat.
mite need sum digging.

the article implies that the rover 200 one might fit.

let us know the results.

Northern Irelander · Jan 26, 2007

Well folks after searching for an aftermarket engine mount, needless to say no-one does one.

So fabricated a few mounts and I think I have cracked it.

the original hydramount on the gearbox is rubbish. In fact all the rubber bush mounts are rubbish.

Pressed out the old aluminium/rubber bush from the hydramount (note LR dont sell bush separately) and made a composite one from Shock absorber rubber, insertion rubber and 30mm aluminium bar.

Ride quality is far better, less engine jolt etc

Will get some spec and pics up in due course

The Mad Hat Man · Jan 26, 2007

good on yu lr. Write it up as an idiots guide wiv pn's n stuff. It will be a good reference piece

Northern Irelander · Mar 18, 2008

Well it has been over a year in road testing the modified mounts.

The first prototype was superb for stiffness, however, did cause a little transmission noise to come into the cabin. See attachments 3 and 4. There is a slight fray on the outer part, this was due to lack of adhesive and stress on the material. No more nails was used, this is not a proper adhesive but kept it all in check for the purpose of the trial.

I resorted to the second silicone type, slightly softer than the composite type, although stiffer than the original bush, I used an industrial adhesive this time.

Here are some attachments, apologies for the quality in some pics, reading Left to Right:

1. Original rubber bush showing spilt 10 pence piece as a scaler object
2. Tie bar with oiriginal bush removed (NO BUSH in 2008) LOL
3. Modified composite bush, without alum bar
4. Modified composite bush, with alum in place
5. Original bolt housing, remove excess rubber with sharp blade and sand paper
6. Bolt housing, cleaned up and about to be pushed into silicone composite bush
7. Bolt housing pushed in
8. Side view

Northern Irelander · Mar 18, 2008

Some other bushes/mounts

Here is the gearbox mount bush and the upper tie bar support.

Both are hydramounts, filled with a small amount of fluid. Soft as pie and offer no support to the engine.

I have completely modified the gearbox bush with alum bar and two types of rubber composite. Its great.

The other hydramount is a work in progress, note the Rover stamp on it.

Northern Irelander · Mar 19, 2008

Should point out that the k-series mounts are the same as the L-series diesel. There is no reason why new bushes can not be made for any size of mount.

I have some excess materials left over if anyone is stuck. New tie bar is £30 and LR gearbox mount £160

Carl666 · Jun 16, 2009

Hi where can i get these bushes from to make my own i am having the same problem. Or can you sell me two of your spare bushes.

Thanks

carl

Northern Irelander · Jun 16, 2009

I might have a few pieces of material left, what bush has gone?

K-SERIES engine mounts

Northern Irelander

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The Mad Hat Man

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Northern Irelander

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The Mad Hat Man

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Northern Irelander

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The Mad Hat Man

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Carl666

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