I've been trying to remove the engine mounts from my '87 SLD and ran into an issue with the right (passanger) side one. See the photo - it seems the engine is shifted somewhat so the bolt won't clear the opening provided for it... I've jacked up the engine carfully by placing a wooden board across the oil pan underneath and using a jack to slowly raise the engine up, but it didn't help much...

So here is the first question -

1) What is the proper place (safe place) where the lifting should be done on an SDL - I've placed the wooden board horizontally accross the front of the oil pan, but I had these horrible visions of cracking the aluminum oil pan that happens to run the entire lenght of the engine... It seems the pan has a slant so it's hard to figure out how to best distribute the weight of the beheamoth above.

2) What would be a good way to 'persuade' the engine to move forward and towards the front passanger wheel just a notch... I've tried showing on it from above while jacking up from below... but it seems to rock back into the position where it's most comfortable sitting... it's almost seem like it needs a steady, controlled pulling force - like a come-along, or something...

Also, when I removed the hex bolt from the driver's side mount, the engine seemed to almost 'jump' a little when the bolt was released - like it was under slight tension from the driver's mount... weird

Advice will be appreciated -

Thanks,
James

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K