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

Attached Thumbnails

 

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

I have owned three 300SDL's and replaced the motor mounts on all three of them. From what you describe it appears as though you have the passenger mount removed at this point. Have you installed the new mount yet? I have removed one, then replaced it, then removed the second one and installed that one. Installing the new one should help with the alignment of the collapsed old one. Or conversely, if there is a huge disparity in height from the newly installed mount to the old collapsed mount that could be the problem as well. So if you haven't installed the passenger mount yet get it in there and see if that helps with the alignment. If it's already installed, loosen the center bolt and see if that helps. If neither helps feel free to use a small bottle jack directly to the engine support arm to slightly alter the angle. As a matter of fact try using the bottle jack first, that may be all you need.

'87 300SDL 278,000 new mounts @ 260,000
'94 SL 500 50,000

__________________
jcciem
'94 SL5000 60,000
'91 350SDL 545,000
'91 350SD 197,000
'00 E55 AMG 77,000

Ok - I'll try that first... seems like a good idea - thx

Still, what's the best place under there to use to jack up the engine?

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