Can Motor Mounts get worse as they get HOT?

[gmrulz4u]

I'm trying to determine why after my engine is heated up, my 1-2 upshift, 3-2 downshift, and shift into Reverse get very BANGY/CLUNKY.

 

So my first objective is to rule things out 1 by 1, starting with the Motor Mounts. If a faulty/worn out mount would be just as obvious when the engine is cold as when hot, than I can rule that out.

 

I'm thinking maybe the rubber starts to become soft when the engine is reaching the near 200 degree operating temperature.

 

Does this make sense??

 

For those that have had their engine mounts fail or replaced, did you notice any differences in how they acted at various temperatures?

 

If I'm able to rule the mounts out as a possibility, I'll than move on to the vacuum line that connects to the modulator for possible leakage when hot.

 

THANKS GUYS!

 

PS YES the fluid and filter are fine...I had a service done a few months ago but it did nothing to help the situation:(

[scorpion_x9]

I knew somone with an 89' Grand Prix that actually bought brand new torque struts from Autozone and they were too soft and you'd hear a clunk on downshifts. If you need to replace them, go with the GM torque struts, or poly bushing custom ones. If you haven't got new ones, check them to see if that's the problem.

[GnatGoSplat]

  \ said:

For those that have had their engine mounts fail or replaced, did you notice any differences in how they acted at various temperatures?

 

Yes indeed!

When I had a bad motor mount, my tranny slammed into gear in warm weather. When it was freezing cold, everything was fine.

I knew it was a bad mount when I reached under the car to touch the mount, and got a finger full of nasty black goo.

The goo is the viscous fluid the put inside the mount to reduce noise and vibration, and the rubber was all torn up exposing the goo. Replacing the mount fixed my problem. I think it died an early life due to a leaky power steering pump.

[gmrulz4u]

Thanks Shawn!

 

So I am assuming that as your engine reached the normal operating temp. of about 200 degrees, the same thing would happen as when the weather was warm, right?

 

Also, which mount are you referring to? Are you talking about the one that is on the same side as the power steering pump, serpentine belt, torsioner etc.?

 

So I just reach under that side and try touching the mount??

 

THANKS AGAIN!

[Aaron]

IN THE 3.4L

 

 

It would be the rear mount, becuz the front mount doesnt have the fluid.

[Bowtiekid]

  \ said:

IN THE 3.4L

 

 

It would be the rear mount, becuz the front mount doesnt have the fluid.

 

Actually Aaron, the front mount is hydraulic and the rear mount is solid rubber. I have an old set if you want to look at them.

[GnatGoSplat]

  \ said:

So I am assuming that as your engine reached the normal operating temp. of about 200 degrees, the same thing would happen as when the weather was warm, right?

 

Also, which mount are you referring to? Are you talking about the one that is on the same side as the power steering pump, serpentine belt, torsioner etc.?

 

So I just reach under that side and try touching the mount??

 

Yes indeedy!

Yes, it's the one under the timing cover. The big one. Try touching it, if it's dry, it's probably okay. When I touched mine, it was completely greasy and my finger went right into the thick, nasty goo. I'm not sure if you can see it without jacking it up and/or pulling the wheel. I was lazy so I just put some newspapers down and lay on the ground and ran my fingers over the mount.

 

If you've ever had a power steering pump leak, you're definitely looking in the right place. Power steering fluid eats up the rubber that the mount is made of.

[Aaron]

SORRY. been awhile, forgot which one was which. now that i think about it that does sound right tho, cuz i remember the one with the fluid was like 35$ more.

[Bowtiekid]

  \ said:

SORRY. been awhile, forgot which one was which. now that i think about it that does sound right tho, cuz i remember the one with the fluid was like 35$ more.

 

Yup. I think the front mount lists for something close to $100 which is rediculous for as simple as it is.

[Aaron]

yah it is. they are both expensive, but both really simple. i originally thought that the HUGE metal piece that houses the engine mount and bolts to the motor near the alt was part of the mount and that explained the cost.