[rsmoot]

OK, it seems like this is a fairly routine problem, but I haven't seen a solution yet.

I have a '66 Convertible 289 engine. I have refurbished the engine and I am ready to mount it. However, when I drop the engine in, the bolts holes are not exposed all the way. I bought the following kit from CJ Pony and it just seems to be a bolt width off (needs to go down about that amount).

I am looking for some advice to get the engine to drop a little further so I can bolt this in and finish the rest of the work I have to do under the hood. I greatly appreciate any advice and look forward to hearing this baby run for the first time in 40 years!

 

[btcarmd]

I am a little confused, what is stoping it from going down? Somtimes you can put a number 3 phillips screw driver in the partially open hole and flex the mounts into place.

 

[65 Fixup]

Try swapping the mounts on the block from one side to the other and see if it drops in all the way down.

 

[sp66stang]

both mounts are the same make sure the wing of the mount faces the front of the car

 

[rsmoot]

Engine

OK, I will double check the brackets and make sure the wing is facing out. I put it up on jack stands and it seems to have dropped a little more also. I am really close now. I will update all when I get there. I appreciate the advice! Thanks!

 

[Icerat]

I've had it happen a few times and end up using a pointed pry bar or a large screwdriver to persuade it until I can get the bolt started. I think the new rubber is just too stiff to allow it to fall in place naturally. I don't think it is anything to worry about.

 

[rsmoot]

Close

Since I am close on the one side (as long as the mounts are on correctly), I may just use some leverage to push it down a little. I do see one hole and could get a screwdriving through, but the other side definitely needs to drop a little before I could get to that. I will update everyone by Thursday morning.

Thank you again for the advice.

 

[Bryonl]

Just read in this months Mustang Monthly about motor mounts for convertibles. I think this only applies to 6 cylinder cars, but convertibles use a lower mount to facilitate the exhaust system. Good luck!

 

[rsmoot]

I am not exactly sure what the "wing" is. I am assuming it is the flat parts that are bolted together. If that is the case, then the wing is facing the front on the car and the mount that extend beyond the tower area is towards the back of the engine bay. I took a quick picture that will show that (it is taken right above the driver side tower and you can see the steering components there). If I have the motor mounts correct, anyone have any additional ideas to get that mounted? If it is not mounted correctly, I will change it and try again.

Look forward to your replies. Thank you again!

 

[GGregory]

Install the top part of the motor mount on the motor and the lower part on the car. Have them just loose enough so you can move them when the motor is on the lower half or very close to the mount. Also try to get the motor at the correct angle for entry onto the lower mount.

 

[rsmoot]

Thank you...here is what I did and had half success. I took of the mounts on the motor and attached it to the brackets on the tower and then lowered the motor. One side caught on the lip of the oil pan so I removed the motor mount lowered it and then put it back in (not bolted). Doing this I got one side bolted and the other side is about a bolt width off from attaching the mount to the bracket.

I had tightened the bolts to the motor after I got them to catch. If I loosen them, do I have a shot at getting it bolted to the bracket? My thinking is the bracket on the driver side that is attached to the motor can actually come up a little allowing the other side to come down a little (not sure if it is enough, but DANG I am close). I think I am going to wait for two hands and then try and finish it off tomorrow. If you have any advice between then and now I do appreciate it greatly!

 

[GGregory]

Do you have the tranny hooked to the motor? I installed my motor and tranny together with the top half of the mounts on the motor. It went in very easy. I also raised up the rear of the car so the motor had a better angle to fit in. Two sets of hand will work better.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/...shareprintviewer&linkid=link4&cid=EM_sharview

 

[rsmoot]

I didn't have the tranny on. I am doing the T5 upgrade, but I haven't purchased the T5 yet. I still have the 4 speed auto tranny and the 3 speed manual which I am planning to sell and then purchase the T5. I have purchased almost everything for the T5 transmission conversion outside of the transmission and the drive shaft (which suprisingly I didn't have with the car).

I am thinking I might be able to use a c-clamp to align the holes on the other side. I am going to grab a friend and see what I can do. Sometimes, things just take a little elbow grease I suppose.

FYI, I had seen your pictures when I was googling. The care is looking great...you are way ahead of me and I am impressed how your car is coming along. Congrats!

 

[TKC]

If you have a ratchet strap or come along you may be able to wrap it over the bracket and then under the the k frame and pull the motor down onto the mount. Idk if it will work on the motor,I use that technique to align my rearend when reinstalling the lower control arms. Idk...might work.


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[rsmoot]

I was thinking along those lines also. Thank you!

 

[Ivy66GT]

I have both a '66 289 coupe and convertible. If the motor mounts are different I don't know about it. The drive train and exhaust systems are the same.

 

[rsmoot]

Got it!

OK, so...I started trying to build upon the success I had getting on side of the motor mounted. I unbolted the mounts from the motor and then jacked up the engine. I bolted them loosely onto the brackets and then lowered the engine slowly. After getting it past the oil pan lip, I was able to get it situated pretty well and with a buddy working on top and me underneath, I was able to get all the motor mount bolts attached. I then just tightened everything and I am proud to say I have a mounted engine now.

Thank you all for your advice! I am one step closer to starting this engine for the first time in ages!

FYI, I was on such a roll last night that I installed the alternator, radiator and one of the hoses. I started to install the distributor and noticed I didn't have a gasket so I put it off until today. I will get the gasket and themostat/housing today and finish the radiator and distributor and start to hook up wires to spark plugs and maybe put in the 4V carb (Edelbrock). Then I need to finish hooking up fuel lines. Anyway, I am having funa and my son is learning with me as we go. Great time to work with my boy!

 

[TKC]

Glad it worked out for you! I can't sleep at night when I have a situation of that caliber and I'm exhausting all my solutions!


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